Jefferson Willis

Bio

J. Clinton Willis, MSN, APRN, CRNP, PMHNP-BC
Clinical Assistant Professor of Nursing
Salisbury University
Clinton Willis is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and Clinical Assistant Professor of Nursing at Salisbury University. His clinical and academic work centers on psychiatric assessment, psychopharmacology, and evidence-based interventions across the lifespan, with particular expertise in schizophrenia spectrum disorders, bipolar disorder, complex PTSD, trauma-related disorders, and substance use disorders.
Mr. Willis brings extensive outpatient psychiatric experience to the classroom, integrating real-world clinical insight with current research to prepare nursing students for the complexities of modern mental health care. His clinical practice includes the management of anxiety disorders, mood disorders, ADHD, trauma-related conditions, and co-occurring substance use disorders in pediatric, adolescent, and adult populations. He is especially committed to early identification and proactive intervention in child and adolescent mental health.
As a military veteran, Mr. Willis maintains a strong professional focus on serving veterans and active-duty service members, with an emphasis on trauma-informed care, resilience, and recovery-oriented practice. His work reflects a deep understanding of the unique psychosocial and neurobiological impacts of trauma and military service.
In his academic role, Mr. Willis is passionate about therapeutic communication, professional identity formation, and bridging the gap between psychiatric theory and clinical application. He emphasizes critical thinking, ethical practice, and compassionate care in the development of future nurses. His teaching philosophy centers on collaboration, accountability, and empowering students to develop clinical confidence while maintaining empathy and patient-centered focus.
Mr. Willis remains actively engaged in continuing education in psychopharmacology and psychiatric practice to ensure that his teaching reflects the most current standards of care. His long-term academic interests include advancing psychiatric nursing education, expanding access to high-quality mental health services, and contributing to the development of the next generation of nurse leaders.