Hakeos, Suzanne

Biography

Suzanne earned her PhD in Nursing Science from the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) in December 2024. Her dissertation focused on police officer mental well-being, examining common coping strategies, mental health stigma, attitudes and intentions toward help-seeking behaviors, and officers’ perceptions of available mental health resources. This research was inspired by her personal experiences—being married to a police officer and Marine veteran, losing a friend (also an officer and veteran) to suicide, and witnessing the barriers officers face when seeking help.

Originally from Toledo, Ohio, Suzanne began her nursing career as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in 1995. She continued to advance her education while working in diverse healthcare settings and raising her children. Suzanne and her husband have two grown children and four grandchildren.

She joined Central Michigan University (CMU) in August 2025 and currently collaborates with research teams from MUSC and Texas Tech. Suzanne looks forward to partnering with CMU colleagues to advance research and education in nursing and mental health.