She received her Doctor of Education degree from the University of Alabama as well as the Master of Science degree in Rural Case Management. Her BSN degree was earned at the University of North Alabama. Dr. Key began her nursing career in 1985. She has previously taught as a part-time clinical instructor and is certified in adult critical care nursing. Dr. Key worked 28 years as a bedside nurse in critical care serving in many different roles before joining the Capstone College of Nursing faculty. Dr. Key was the 2015-2016 recipient of the Epsilon Omega Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Outstanding Graduate Student Award. She has presented her research both nationally and internationally. Her research interests are in nursing education and chronic disease management in vulnerable populations.