Leah K. Neugebauer, DNP, FNP-C, WHNP-BC

Coordinator for Family Nurse Practitioner Program
Assistant Professor of Nursing

Saint Gianna School of Health Sciences

About Me

My nursing journey began in Bismarck, where I worked as a labor and delivery RN and quickly discovered my passion for women's health. That passion led me to pursue an MSN from the University of Cincinnati, where I became a board-certified women's health nurse practitioner in 2010. After several years in clinical practice, I felt called to broaden my impact and completed a post-master's certificate to become a family nurse practitioner.

My transition into academia as an assistant professor of nursing reinforced the importance of terminal education and the vital role doctoral-prepared nurse leaders play in shaping the future of health care and nursing education. This realization inspired me to pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nursing Organizational Leadership at the University of Mary, which I completed in April 2026. As the DNP/FNP program coordinator and assistant professor at the University of Mary, I am passionate about preparing future nurse practitioners to become not only skilled clinicians but also thoughtful leaders who improve healthcare systems and patient outcomes. I remain committed to growing as an educator while inspiring, supporting, and challenging the next generation of nurse practitioners.

Outside of work, I am married to my husband, Brice, and we have three wonderful children. Our daughter and oldest son are now young adults, while our youngest son still keeps us busy with his many activities. We love spending time together on the river and sailing on Lake Sakakawea. I also enjoy cooking, reading, and finding a bit of peace through yoga.

Why I’m At Mary

The University of Mary has always graduated excellent students. I am excited to be a part of the exceptional faculty here at Mary and to share my passion for nursing with my students in a faith-filled community that not only educates the mind but also nurtures the soul.

Expertise

My clinical expertise spans women’s health, internal medicine, family practice, oncology, and hematology.

Education

DNP (Nursing Organizational Leadership): University of Mary, 2026
MSN: University of Cincinnati, 2010
BSN: MedCenter One College of Nursing, 2005

Featured Content

I have proudly served the nurse practitioner community in North Dakota through active involvement with the North Dakota Nurse Practitioner Association for more than a decade, including leadership roles as president, secretary, and member-at-large. My commitment to advancing the profession has focused on advocacy, leadership, education, and collaboration.

As part of my doctor of nursing practice project, my partner and I developed and implemented a telehealth curriculum within the family nurse practitioner program here at the University of Mary to align with national technology competencies and standards for nurse practitioner education.

In recognition of my contributions to the profession through practice, education, advocacy, research, and leadership, I was honored to receive the 2025 American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) State Award for Excellence for North Dakota.