Meet Our Directors | Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
TTUHSC students walking through Lubbock campus courtyard.

Meet Our Directors

Jenna Kesey

Jennifer (Jenna) Kesey, PhD, APRN, FNP-BC, CNE

Jennifer (Jenna) Kesey, PhD, APRN, FNP-BC, CNE  serves as the Managing Director of the Clinical Research Institute (CRI) at TTUHSC. In this role, she oversees diverse aspects of clinical research, including the daily operations of the department, the development and delivery of educational programs, budget planning and negotiations, and the advancement of clinical research infrastructure for TTUHSC and its affiliated hospital.

Dr. Kesey earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Texas Woman’s University in 2002 and began her career as a registered nurse in the Trauma-Surgical Intensive Care Unit at UMC Hospital. She subsequently completed her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) at TTUHSC, becoming a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) in 2008. In 2009, she joined the Burn Center as a full-time Advanced Practice Provider, where she worked closely with Dr. Griswold and developed a strong interest in clinical research.

Her research journey formally began in 2013 when she co-authored her first publication with the Burn Critical Care team. This experience solidified her commitment to clinical research, leading her to pursue a PhD in Nursing Science in 2018 while continuing her clinical practice as an FNP. Despite the challenges posed by the global pandemic, Dr. Kesey successfully completed her PhD in 2021, transitioning into a career as a Nurse Scientist.

Following graduation, Dr. Kesey joined the faculty of the TTUHSC School of Nursing’s graduate program and continued as a faculty associate within the TTUHSC School of Medicine. Her expertise in clinical practice, academia, technology, and research ultimately led to her appointment as Managing Director of the Clinical Research Institute, where she collaborates once again with Dr. Griswold.

"As Managing Director of the CRI, I am committed to supporting, promoting, coordinating, and facilitating research initiatives for faculty, trainees, and students across TTUHSC’s six schools. Educating and mentoring the next generation of scientists is a cornerstone of our institution and the CRI. My experiences across clinical practice, academia, technology, and research have uniquely positioned me to drive innovation and advance patient care through research."