College of Health Sciences • Summer 2014 • gcsu.edu/health
Dean’s Welcome
Dear Colleagues, Alumni and Friends of the College, With pleasure, I present the Summer 2014 issue of the College of Health Sciences Healthy Connections magazine. In keeping with the mission of Georgia College (GC) and the College of Health Sciences (COHS), our efforts over the past several years have focused upon enhancing our student learning experiences beyond our didactic and clinical based course requirements. Our selected action theme for 2013-14 and 2014-15 is “Extending Our Reach.” The COHS faculty has embraced the call to provide COHS students with opportunities for further engagement in exceptionally meaningful field–based service learning experiences locally, regionally, and globally. Within this issue of Healthy Connections you will find numerous articles which highlight COHS initiatives, programs and special study abroad experiences that have been developed and implemented by the faculty, in partnership with community-based agencies, nonprofit organizations, schools and institutions of higher education at the local and international level. Our students have been Dean’s Welcome.....................................2 Students, faculty partner with Macon homeless clinic........................................3 Nursing students treat patients at Honduras clinic .......................................4 Study abroad trip focuses on service learning ...................................................5
able to apply their knowledge and skills in the delivery of healthcare services and educational programs to those who are underserved or unserved. These in-depth practical experiences provide students with special opportunities to learn from professional partners and those they serve with unique cultural, economic, and social factors which impact the health and well-being of individuals, families, and groups within our global society. I invite you to assist us with our mission attainment by contributing your expertise, volunteer service, and/or financial support for our students and programs. There exist many needs and opportunities for you to invest in GC and the College of Health Sciences. As we continue to “Extend our Reach,” the value of a GC/COHS degree continues to increase. Please visit our COHS website to explore these opportunities. On behalf of the College, I wish you health and happiness!
Sincerely, Dean Sandy K. Gangstead sandra.gangstead@gcsu.edu
Professor of Nursing, Dr. Martha Colvin retires.....................................................13 Outdoor Center hosts family adventure before Dad deploys .............................14 Music therapy graduate seminar hosts guest lecturer........................................15 Community Health students study abroad to complete internships..........15
Inaugural Doctor of Nursing Practice students receive white coats .................6
College of Health Sciences news........16
Grant helps continue the fight against childhood obesity...................................7
National grant funds doctoral student scholarship ............................................18
COHS honors students ..........................8
COHS recognizes outstanding faculty and staff.................................................19
Nursing students gain research experience in the Philippines ..............10
Music Therapy provides therapy for patients and students...........................19
Senior nursing student receives national award ......................................11 Community Health students chosen as Coverdell Chair Public Policy Student Research Scholars.................................12 Healthy Connections | 2 | Georgia College
College of Health Sciences: Dean Sandra Gangstead Associate Dean Judith Malachowski Healthy Connections Editor Julie N. Collis Contributors Scott Butler, Julie Collis, Heidi Fowler, Barbara Funke, Kevin Hunt, Chesley Mercado, Judith Malachowski, Kaylee Mills, Morgan Miskell Photo Credits Caitlin Adams, Kayla Albright, Scott Butler, Kristin Corbin, Tracy Fathi, Victoria Fowler, Kaylee Mills, Morgan Miskell, Aubrie Sofala, Tim Vacula
Students, faculty partner with Macon homeless clinic Georgia College student Howard Futch works with a patient at Daybreak
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n any given day, you can see dozens of people roaming the streets of downtown Macon. Many have no home, no food and no hope for their fu-
ture. A new facility, however, opened its doors earlier this year to help those living on the streets. Daybreak Center provides the homeless with hygiene, health, education and job preparation opportunities. It is not an overnight shelter; instead it is a resource center with the goal of helping the homeless move toward housing stability and lives of greater dignity. The center not only provides resources for clients, it also allows the homeless to get free health care, and Georgia College is on the front lines of providing that care. “This is one of the reasons I became a nurse,” said Howard Futch, a student currently working at Daybreak. “I am continuing my education to become a nurse practitioner so I will have the opportunity to give back to the community.” Georgia College family nurse practitioner students and nursing faculty members provide the health services offered to patients at the clinic under the supervision of a collaborating physician. “My expectations were I would just be doing history and physicals, but we got to participate with the patients and instructors well beyond that,” said Futch. “Not only did we do history and physicals, but we also formulated treatment plans for the patients with the guidance our instructors.” Beginning during the spring 2013 semester, Georgia College students pursuing their Master of Nursing degree completed a portion of their clinical work at the center. “Daybreak is one of the most unique clinical experiences I have had as a graduate student.” said Kristin Corbin, who completed her clinical work at Daybreak last semester. “We cannot order every test or prescribe multiple medications when there are limited resources. We have to be efficient and focus on the primary complaint.” Many patients have had little or no medical care, so the students are charged with explaining the benefits of things like taking medication correctly and making the patients understand that they can have better health and a better life. “These clients presented us with different lifestyle challenges for health maintenance and compliance,” said Futch. “Addressing each patient as an individual without prejudice and assessing their health needs is important to forming a trusting relationship. When information is shared freely with them, they can receive the best resources for their health.” Over the last few months, organizers at the facility say patients have become more compliant with medical care suggestions, and they have also seen an increase in the number of patients returning to continue their care.
“The goal is to provide a service learning atmosphere for students where they can get a different view of the health care system while helping an underserved population,” said Dr. Deborah MacMillan, assistant director of graduate programs for the School of Nursing. “This experience outside the confines of a ‘normal clinic’ gives them a new perspective on patient care and a more complete education.” The need for adequate care is critical for these patients. By utilizing the skills and education of students in the Master of Nursing program, these patients can get the care they need while providing a training ground for students. “These students are getting hands-on experience in a situation where nurse practitioners manage the clinic with a collaborating physician,” said MacMillan. “Georgia has a significant physician shortage, ranking 41st in the nation for the number of physicians per 1,000 people. Many rural areas in Georgia have limited or no access to a physician in their communities, and clinics in these areas benefit from being able to utilize this model. The service learning experience is valuable on that level, but equally important they are learning to serve a different clientele than most expect to work with in a typical doctor’s office.” According to MacMillan and other faculty members, the students have responded very well to the experience at Daybreak, coming back to volunteer outside of the class requirements. “All of the students that I have worked with ask to come back to Daybreak, and one even asked for it to be her regular clinical site, because they enjoy working with the patients in this environment so much,” said Sheryl Winn, assistant professor of nursing. “The Daybreak experience is important for the students because it gives them a unique experience of working with a vulnerable population, the homeless.” The students who have worked at Daybreak say the experience is both educational and rewarding. “The classroom is great, but nothing in my opinion can beat the actual hands on real world environment,” said Futch “It provided an opportunity for actual patient interaction with our instructors so that we have face to face experience with our patients in the real world environment.” “People are people,” said Corbin. “Everyone deserves care. These patients are some of the most appreciative patients I have encountered in clinical practice.” DePaul USA, 10 area churches, local grants and private donors fund Daybreak Center. All services are free for those who qualify. For more information, visit the website depaulusa.org. To learn more about the Master of Nursing Practice program at Georgia College, visit gcsu.edu/nursing.
Healthy Connections | 3 | Georgia College
Nursing students treat patients at Honduras Clinic Ten students. Two faculty members. More than 1,200 patients in two weeks. That was the challenge for a group from Georgia College that left their homes for a remote region of Honduras. The Honduras experience was designed for a study abroad course for students in the Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner Program where they worked with Honduras Outreach Inc. (HOI) as they provided medical care for patients in the Central American country. “I’m was excited as I was nervous,” said Sandy Haupt, BSN, RN, a student in the program. “I had never been on a trip like this, so it was a great experience. The extra effort I made to learn the types of illnesses in the region prior to the trip really was beneficial.” The group was faced with treating and diagnosing some illnesses they may had never seen before. “I was looking forward to learning a lot,” said Haupt. “With both of our knowledgeable professors with us, we were able to live up to the challenge of seeing this large number of patients in such a short time.” Georgia College nursing faculty members Dr. Sallie Coke and Dr. Deborah MacMillan led students on this trip for the first time in Georgia College’s history. “This service-learning experience has been a dream of mine for over a year,”’ said Coke. “I started working on this project in the fall of 2012 and introduced it to the students in February 2013. It quickly took off and, during the summer, it became apparent that a third of our nurse practitioner class was interested in going.” The Georgia College chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing donated $2,500 for two scholarships and medical supplies. The Macon Graduate Center and the Old Capital Chapter of the Georgia Nurses Association contributed money as well. “In addition, significant pharmaceutical donations were made by J&M Drugs in Warner Robins and Hines Pharmacy in Barnesville, Ga.,” said Coke. “The donations were extremely helpful because of the limited medical resources in this remote area. Our medical mission team took all needed pharmaceutical and medical equipment with them from the United States.” The number of expected patients doubled to more than 1,200 since the initial planning of the trip. “The estimated number of people needing health care
in Honduras is difficult to nail down as people come from outlying areas to receive care when they know teams are coming in,” said Coke. “They often line up days in advance of the team.” The group left on Oct. 26 and returned on Nov. 9. While they worked in Honduras, students blogged about their daily experiences. To learn more about the Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner Program, visit gscu.edu/nursing.
Healthy Connections | 4 | Georgia College
Study abroad trip focuses on service learning A
group of health science students spent two weeks in the Central American country of Belize in May 2014. The students participated in service and community-based learning initiatives each day including health fairs working with an HIV/AIDS awareness group, volunteering to help build an orphanage and working with local high school coaches at a clinic. “For the majority of our trip, we were in the city of San Ignacio, a small town near the border of Belize and Guatemala,” said Dr. Kirk Armstrong, associate professor of health and human performance. “This area of the country consists of houses with dirt floors and thatched roofs. Many do not have access to health care, so we were able to bring a valuable asset to this area of the country.” For sophomore Sara Markham, this trip was her first out of the country. Stark contrasts in American and Belizean culture described by Armstrong are exactly what she encountered. “As a community healthy major, I feel experiences that allow me to get into the community and actually work, also help me learn and develop skills that will assist me in my future career,” said Markham. “I also hope to expand my view on the world on a more personal level and this experience was just a stepping stone for my career after I graduate.” During their time in Belize, Markham along with other students completed a daily blog about their experience. Topics ranged from cultural and educational impacts to developmental initiatives, and medical knowledge and experiences. “Through the students blogs we were able to create an e-book,” said Arm-
strong. “Each student was in charge of developing a chapter, so the blogs helped them in that process.” Carla La Rotta, sophomore exercise science major, was excited for trip excursions such as horseback riding and cave diving, but she was also interested in honing her skills in her minor. “I’m also minoring in Spanish and even though Belize’s national language is English, there
were Spanish speakers there, which will helped me practice my speaking skills,” said La Rotta. “Professionally I would like to do more things abroad and this was a stepping stone to that goal.” The students also experienced many historical and cultural aspects of the country including a visit to Mayan ruins and other sites.
1. Students apply layers of paint on the outside of a hut, which will be used to house caretakers at Barzakh Falah, a children’s home in Belize. 2.Brooke Wilson holds several baby iguanas at the San Ignacio Iguana Sanctuary. 3. Chelsea Head and Carla La Rotta take the blood pressure of a community member at the San Ignacio City Market.
Healthy Connections | 5 | Georgia College
Inaugural Doctor of Nursing Practice students receive white coats
DNP student Chioma Okereke just after she received her white coat.
Inaugural Doctor of Nursing Practice students receive white coats Five students became the first at Georgia College to receive their white coats in a ceremony that marks a milestone in their academic program. As part of the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program, the students transitioned from classroom to clinical study as they worked to obtain their doctoral degree. “I am tremendously excited to represent my school and profession as the first class in this program,” said student Sandra Copeland. “It’s a major step that Georgia College now offers the program because many are beyond the reach of students in central Georgia due to the distance and cost.” Over the next two semesters the students worked in the clinical arena to implement their projects, which were aimed at improving patient care and treatment. “I would like to use my degree to increase the amount of evidencebased practice used by certified registered nurse anesthetists,” said student Laurie Parkman. “I hope to continue clinical practice and move into education of future anesthesia providers after completing the program.” Historically, white coat ceremonies formally welcomed entering medical students and helped them establish a psychological contract for the practice of medicine. The first white
coat ceremony was held in 1993 at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and is now part of many programs that educate health care professionals. “Hippocrates advised health care providers on how they should dress,” said Dr. Debby MacMillan, assistant director of graduate programs for the School of Nursing. “The white coat, worn by individuals to connote their education and credentials as healers, is a symbol widely recognized by today’s society. The white coat can reassure even the most anxious patients that their complaints and concerns will be dealt with competently and seriously.” As the students were coated, one faculty member shook the coat symbolizing the academic preparation of the student and another faculty member placed the coat on the student symbolizing the education received during the previous year. “To see nurses furthering their education to the doctoral level increases the professionalism of the degree and solidifies the nursing knowledge base,” said Parkman. The students who received white coats include Parkman and Copeland as well as Carol Boyer, Kay Brooks and Chioma Okereke. For more information on the nursing program at Georgia College, visit gcsu.edu/nursing or call 478-455-1076.
I am tremendously excited to represent my school and profession as the first class in this program, Healthy Connections | 6 | Georgia College
Sandra Copeland
Grant helps continue the fight against childhood obesity A new grant will help continue the fight against childhood obesity in Milledgeville and Baldwin County. The Center for Health and Social Issues (CHSI) at Georgia College was recently awarded a grant from The Healthcare Georgia Foundation. It provides CHSI with $150,000 for the first year of a three-year Childhood Obesity Prevention Program. The Center will also receive $100,000 in year two and $75,000 in year three of the program. “The Healthcare Georgia Foundation had heard about our work and actually asked us to apply for one of their grants,” said Dr. Jim Lidstone, Georgia College professor and director of CHSI. “After the selection process was complete, we were notified that we were one of only three groups in the state to receive the grant.” The three main goals CHSI hopes to accomplish with the funds are to help make Milledgeville/Baldwin County a more bicycle friendly city, to work with the city and county to establish a land bank to turn abandoned properties into productive spaces and to work with the public schools to increase the amount of physical activity for students each day. “By receiving this grant, it validates all the work we’ve done up to this point,” said Lidstone. One example is the work in the Harrisburg neighborhood on the south side of Milledgeville. In the last year, Live Healthy Baldwin, a project of CHSI, and its partners helped install a community garden and walking trail at the Collins P. Lee Community Center. My husband, Joseph, has lived here for more than 40 years,” said Gladys Ward. “The garden and trail have brought our community together. We have gotten to know neighbors we didn’t know before.” Joseph and Gladys Ward have been pioneers with the project. Joseph serves as the manager of the garden and Gladys serves on the board of the Community Garden Club, which is a partner in the project. “It’s made a lot of people feel better about our community,” said Gladys. “Even more important is the fact that our children are learning to be healthy and live active lives.” The original grant through the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to fund this and other projects was set to expire later this year. With no clear path to continued funding, Lidstone began seeking ways to continue to give people better access to healthy foods and physical activity. “This grant from The Healthcare Georgia Foundation
Volunteers work at the garden in the Harrisburg community.
Joseph Ward (left) and other volunteers work at the community garden at Collins P. Lee Community Center.
came at the perfect time,” said Lidstone. “It allows us to continue the work we’ve started and begin these new projects.” Live Healthy Baldwin is one project under that umbrella which is a community wide initiative that works to reverse the childhood obesity epidemic among at-risk children by increasing the opportunities available for healthy food choices and physical activity. “Now the people in Harrisburg have something they can be proud of, a safe place for children to play and new way for people to get engaged in their community,” said Baldwin County Commissioner Tommy French, who has also worked with the project in Harrisburg. “I’ve lived in this community for most of my life and have always envisioned it being an integral part of Baldwin County. Now I can see that happening. I hope this continues to spread throughout Baldwin County.” The mission of the Healthcare Georgia Foundation is to advance the health of all Georgians and to expand access to affordable, quality health care for underserved individuals and communities. The Center for Health and Social Issues at Georgia College works to improve the health of the residents of Central Georgia through collaborative campus/community partnerships by providing research and education opportunities concerning contemporary health problems and social issues. For more information on the Center for Health and Social Issues, visit gcsu.edu/chsi. To find out more about Live Healthy Baldwin, visit livehealthybaldwin.weebly.com.
Healthy Connections | 7 | Georgia College
COHS Honors
Outstanding Students 2013 Student Honorees 1. College of Health Sciences Outstanding Student Shelley Lord.......................................Nursing
2. Outdoor Education Outstanding Major Mark Schleier 3. Outstanding Community Health and Human Services Majors Josie Smith .....................Outstanding Major Outstanding Kinesiology Major Megan Parker .................Outstanding Senior Carter Shadden ................Outstanding Junior Jared Brumbeloe..................Outstanding Junior
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4. Outstanding Athletic Training Majors Jordan Vaughan ...............Outstanding Major Brittney Harding ............Outstanding Junior Clinical Practitioner Adriana Acuna...............Outstanding Senior Amanda Briscoe ............Outstanding Senior Clinical Practitioner Not pictured Jessica Stephens ...........Outstanding Junior
5. Outstanding Music Therapy Majors Elizabeth Grogan .......................Spirit Award Melanie Latty .....Outstanding Sophomore Virginia Rumph .....Outstanding Freshman Laura Bentz........................Research Award
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Erica Buchhammer.......Leadership Award Erlencia Mumphery ....Outstanding Major Kally Ramminger - Clinical Award Sam Shanine - Service Award
6. Outstanding Nursing Majors Shelley Lord .................Outstanding Major Crystal Meador .........................Star Senior Kayla Albright ............................Star Junior Anna Fulmer ..............Shooting Star Junior 7. Outstanding Exercise Science Majors Laura Kight ...................Outstanding Major Adria Ribbler ...........Outstanding Program Advocate
8. Outstanding Kinesiology Graduate Majors Michelle Grabowski ..................Outstanding MAT/Physical Education Major Benicia Bell....................Outstanding Health Promotion Major Jarred English ..............Outstanding Human Performance Major
9. Outstanding Nursing Graduate Majors Hope Kilgore .......Outstanding FNP Major Tracy Johns..............................Outstanding Informatics Major
Healthy Connections | 8 | Georgia College
2014 Student Honorees
1. College of Health Sciences Outstanding Student Kayla Albright...............................Nursing 2. Outstanding Community Health and Human Services Majors Carter Shadden ........Outstanding Major Jared Brumbeloe ....Outstanding Senior Lorryn Holstein .........Outstanding Junior Not pictured
Rachel Bull ................Outstanding Senior 3. Outstanding Athletic Training Majors Jessica Stephens ......Outstanding Major Ally Herrington .........Outstanding Junior Ryan Bussell ..............Outstanding Junior 1
Clinical Practitioner
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Callaway McMichael ..........Outstanding Senior
Clayton Faircloth ...............Outstanding Senior Clinical Practitioner
4. Outstanding Music Therapy Majors Kally Ramminger ......Outstanding Major Amber Woodall ...................Outstanding Freshman
Jennifer Ryan ............Outstanding Junior Sierra Whitt ........................Clinical Award Gabby Banzon ...............Creativity Award Sidney Williams ..........Leadership Award Crystal Pratt........................Service Award 3
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Katie Sperry .....Outstanding Sophomore Virginia Rumph ...........Songwriter Award Millie Dawson-Hardy ..........Outstanding Art Therapy Major
Anna Jennings ...................Outstanding Art Therapy Clinical Major
5. Outstanding Nursing Majors Kelsey Osley ............................Star Junior Anna Fulmer ............................Star Senior Kayla Albright ............Outstanding Major Not pictured
Tracey Gonzalez .....Shooting Star Junior James Carey .........................Outstanding 5
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6. Outstanding Exercise Science Majors Lindsay Caldwell - Outstanding Major Not pictured
Austin Shadoan ...................Outstanding Practitioner
7. Outstanding Kinesiology Graduate Majors Caitlin Adams .......................Outstanding MAT/Physical Education Major
Anne Loughren........Outstanding Health Promotion Major
Andrew Huggins ....Outstanding Human Performance Major
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8. Outdoor Education Outstanding Majors Chelsea Arnold Not pictured
Len Young ..................Outstanding Junior Jaki Linville ................Outstanding Senior Healthy Connections | 9 | Georgia College
Nursing students gain research experience in the Philippines The nursing students studied abroad for two weeks working with a pilot research program for the World Health Organization (WHO), examining health data from the region and experiencing the culture and lifestyle of the Filipino people. “My American classmates and I took a research class at one of the local colleges in Bohol with 11 Filipino nursing majors,” said Aimee Jones, senior nursing major. “We were sent out into the community of Tagbilaran City to conduct research on the use of tobacco.” For Jones, this was her first study abroad experience, one that’s given her a new perspective on her future career. “This trip made me think about the difference I could make with the profession I am going into,” said Jones. “Seeing nurses work in a third world country and the differences they make in their community makes me proud and excited to, one day, call myself a nurse.” For senior nursing major Brent Strickland, this was his first time visiting outside the U.S. “I had no idea what to expect,” said Strickland. “The experience allowed me to be more open-minded and not close the door on opportunities that seem crazy, but may end up being one of the best things I have ever done.” Jones, Strickland and others received course credit for the research experience focusing on cultural and evidence based health care. “The students were matched with nursing students from Holy Name University,” said Dr. Martha Colvin, associate dean of the College of Health Sciences. “The major learning experience they had was participating in a pilot research study with WHO and learning from representatives about the global tobacco epidemic research study. Through that experience, the students learned valuable lessons about how to conduct research and tobacco use around the world. “They were certainly able to see the pitfalls of sampling and data collection,” said Colvin. “The student’s also learned that the prevalence of smoking among females is more than twice as high in the U.S. than it is in the Philippines.” The trip also gave students the chance to explore the Southeast Asian country. “Our professor Dr. Flor Culpa-Bondal made this trip unique for us,” said Jones. “She grew up in the area and still has family and her childhood home there. I think because she is familiar with the community and culture
we were able to experience more than someone who was to come to the Philippines on their own.” Jones and her classmates toured Sandugo, known as the blood compact monument where an agreement was made between Datu Sikatuna the Datu (Lord) of the Philippines and the Spanish explorer Miguel Lopez de Legazpi; the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary, home of the second smallest primate in the world; and the Chocolate Hills which consist of as many as 1,776 hills spread over a 20 square mile area. For more information on study abroad opportunities at Georgia College, visit gcsu.edu/international. If you’re interested in learning more about the College of Health Sciences, visit gcsu.edu/health.
Eleven Georgia College nursing student teamed up with students from Holy Name University in the Philippines.
Aimee Jones (left) and Kaitlyn Oakley stop for a photo with a Filipino tricycle driver.
Healthy Connections | 10 | Georgia College
Senior nursing student wins National award Kayla Albright has always had a passion for helping others. The senior nursing major plans to use her passion and learning experience at Georgia College to make a difference in the lives of those in need. “I never really decided to be a nurse. It just came naturally to me,” said Albright. “Right now, I am an extern at the Medical Center of Central Georgia in the intensive care unit (ICU). My goal is to continue to do that same kind of work when I graduate.” Albright’s dedication and commitment to her future profession has earned her national recognition from the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA). She received a full scholarship to participate in the 27th annual APNA Conference in San Antonio, Texas in October. “My professor Dr. Flor Culpa-Bondal recommended me for the scholarship and encouraged me to apply,” she said. “Only 15 students from across the country were chosen for the APNA Board of Directors Student Scholarships, so I feel very honored and proud that I, as a student from Georgia College, will be involved in such an intensive learning opportunity.” The award was based on three essays Albright wrote focusing on psychiatric nursing skills and competencies in the community and medical-surgical setting. Her scholarship includes an all-expenses-paid trip to the conference, one-year membership to APNA and the experience of co-moderating at least one session during the conference. “She was nominated because she is a leader and is compassionate about psychiatric care in the community,” said Culpa-Bondal. “Her passion and leadership skills stem from her open-mindedness and tolerance of diversity. Her love for adventure, two study abroad trips and mission trip experience provides her with a rich and well-rounded perspective and approach to nursing.” Albright hopes this will give her a new perspective on psychiatric nursing and more training to prepare her to care for patients.
“Some nurses have only a little experience caring for psychiatric patients,” said Albright. “I think this experience will make me a more knowledgeable nurse as I begin my career.” Founded in 1986, APNA has grown to be the largest professional membership organization committed to the specialty practice of psychiatric-mental health nursing, wellness promotion, prevention of mental health problems and the care and treatment of persons with psychiatric disorders. APNA membership totals more than 9,000 psychiatric mental health nurses from all over the world. For more information, visit apna.org. To learn more about Georgia College’s nursing program, visit gcsu.edu/nursing.
Healthy Connections | 11 | Georgia College
Community Health students chosen as Coverdell Chair Public Policy Student Research Scholars
Amy Bennett
Erin Kelly
Community Health students Amy Bennett and Erin Kelly were chosen as the Coverdell Chair Public Policy Student Research Scholars (PPSRS) for their joint project entitled “Drafting Policy for Mandatory Reporting of Tick-borne Diseases in Georgia.� Bennett and Kelly, working with their faculty mentor, assistant professor of Community Health Heidi Fowler, researched the relationship between environmental factors and the prevalence of tick and tick-borne illnesses (TBIs) in Georgia in order to draft public policy for reporting these illnesses. The two tick borne pathogens most prevalent in Georgia are Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. In order to manage ticks and tick-borne illnesses, it is essential to understand the key environmental determinants of tick abundance, disease persistence and spread. Bennett and Kelly presented their research at the 17th Annual Georgia College Student Research Conference on
Ms. Heidi Fowler
April 4, 2014 and have applied to present at the University of Georgia State of Public Health conference in September. The Coverdell Chair Public Policy Student Research Scholars program was created to provide undergraduate students with academic enrichment by way of research opportunities in public policy areas regardless of major. The program is especially interested in promoting policy relevant research to develop innovative, workable policy solutions for such problems. By providing access to faculty mentoring relationships and a professional research experience, the PPSRS program enables students to creatively explore their interests at a more in-depth level than can be attained in the classroom. The Coverdell Scholar program provides opportunities for undergraduates to build a competitive edge in the job market. Bennett and Kelly are the first students to receive this award.
Healthy Connections | 12 | Georgia College
Professor of Nursing, Dr. Martha Colvin retires After 25 years of distinguished service to Georgia College, professor of nursing and associate health sciences dean, Dr. Martha Colvin retired December 2013.
Dr. Colvin served the School of Nursing, the College of Health Sciences (COHS), and Georgia College with distinction as a faculty member, department chair, and as an associate dean of the College. Her Georgia College career began in 1988 as a faculty member in the School of Nursing as a psychiatric/mental health nurse specialist in the Department of Family Health. She brought with her a wealth of academic preparation (BS and MS – University of Southern Mississippi and Ph.D. – University of Mississippi); clinical expertise as a RN and APRN – Psychiatric/Mental Health practitioner; and seven years of college level teaching experience (Mississippi University for Women) in her home state of Mississippi. In 1997, Dr. Colvin was appointed chair of the Family Health Department and was promoted to the rank of full professor in 2002. After serving in various administrative positions in nursing, she became the associate dean and assessment coordinator for the College of Health Sciences in 2010. On October 18, 2013 School of Nursing colleagues, professional associates, alumni, friends and family came together to recognize Dr. Colvin’s many accomplishments in the field of Nursing and her service to Georgia College. COHS Dean Sandra Gangstead shared the following remarks: “Throughout her career at GCSU, Martha has performed exceptionally in all that GCSU has asked of her. She has earned the reputation of a Nurse Educator extraordinaire among students, colleagues, and professionals in the field. Her contributions of institutional service across the GCSU campus have been inestimable in their significance and thus she has earned the respect of colleagues and administrators within various programs at GCSU. Martha’s administrative services to the School of Nursing and to the College of Health Sciences have made major contributions to the sustained effectiveness and efficiency of unit operations and to the high level of achievement of students in the COHS programs…While it is impossible to express the magnitude of positive impact of Martha’s contributions, past and present, to GCSU and to the nursing profession in Georgia and throughout the region, it goes without saying that Martha has given her full measure to the university with nearly 26 years of dedicated teaching, mentoring, scholarly endeavors, and servant leadership completed.” Dr. Colvin’s family, retired GC Nursing faculty colleagues, and professional colleagues shared touching
(and very funny) recollections and remarks in celebration of her many accomplishments throughout her career and their well wishes for Dr. Colvin and her husband in their next life adventure. Dean Gangstead also announced that Dr. Colvin was awarded the permanent title of Professor of Nursing Emeritus at Georgia College and a lecture series was being established in her honor. “On behalf of the College of Health Sciences, I extend our deepest appreciation for your many years of dedicated service to Georgia College,” Dean Gangstead added. “In recognition for your distinguished, selfless service to the College, I am pleased to announce that the Dr. Martha M. Colvin Distinguished Lecture Series has been established by the COHS leadership, faculty, staff, alumni and friends of the college. This lecture series will focus on mental health and will be hosted annually on the Georgia College campus. On an annual rotational basis, an academic unit within the College will be responsible for selection of the Distinguished Lecturer and organizing the event with the 2014 inaugural lecture sponsored by the School of Nursing.” In recognition of the lasting impact that Dr. Colvin’s leadership has accomplished at Georgia College and her advocacy for quality mental health care in Georgia, please consider making a donation to the Dr. Martha Colvin Lecture Series and/or the Martha Melton Colvin Scholarship. Call 478-445-5771 for more information.
Healthy Connections | 13 | Georgia College
Outdoor Center hosts family adventure before Dad deploys On the eve of his third deployment to Afghanistan, Mark Morris decided to mark this particular send-off with an experience to remember for the whole family. The father of four and his wife Martha, from Savannah, wanted to celebrate Georgia College’s Homecoming with two of his children who are GC students. But he also chose to do something out of the ordinary to bring his family closer together before he deploys. “I’m leaving next weekend so I wanted to do something fun and a little challenging with the whole family,” said Morris, who has served 22 years as a pilot in the Army. The family spent almost an entire day at the Outdoor Center on East Campus at Lake Laurel as they participated in the challenge course. “It really stresses the importance of communication skills,” said Mark. “It’s also a positive memory for us to have. It’ll help us remember that we’re always connected not only as a family but as a team.” The challenge courses aren’t out of the ordinary for the Morris family, as they have always been an active and engaged crew. Kevin, sophomore economics and political science double major, has grown up facing deployments and says being active in campus activities helps ease the passing of time. “It’s the same region each time, so in that aspect it’s a little easier and familiar,” said Kevin. “But the situation is constantly changing. We’ve always kept ourselves super busy instead of just sitting and worrying. Since we are so engaged on campus, that’s what will make the deployment go by even faster.” The Outdoor Center organizes team building activities at the facility to help develop communication and leadership skills, and to allow people to learn to love the outdoors. “The Outdoor Center provides a great opportunity for groups to work together in a unique way,” said Liz Speelman, director of the Outdoor Center. “This is such a wonderful thing for this family to do and it really shows their dedication to each other through the challenges that they are facing. For freshman math major Kirsten Morris, she sees
The Morris family spent a day at the Outdoor Center on East Campus at Lake Laurel making memories before father, Mark, deploys.
the family activity as an opportunity to make memories with her own family, but also a potential resource for other military families. “We really hope this will help other students who come from military families,” said Kirsten. “It’s great to know Georgia College has things like this to offer and is willing to help families get through these transitions. It really shows how supportive the campus is and it would be interesting to see if it can be continued in the future with other families.”
Healthy Connections | 14 | Georgia College
Music Therapy Graduate Seminar hosts guest lecturer The summer 2013 Music Therapy Graduate Seminar hosted noted Music Therapy Researcher Dr. Concetta Tomaino. A leading clinician and a pioneer in using music with persons with neurological disorders, she is acclaimed world-wide for her work and has collaborated extensively with noted researchers including years of work with Dr. Oliver Sacks. She shared her research regarding the process of designing and implementing strategies for people with Parkinson’s disease as well as explaining how music is processed in the brain and the connections between music and brain functions. In addition, she presented an evening workshop for the community. Dr. Tomaino received a BA in music performance/psychology from State University of New York at Stony Brook, an MA in music therapy from New York University, a DA in music therapy from New York University and Post Graduate degree in neuropsychology from Columbia University.
She is currently senior vice president for music therapy, Beth Abraham Family of Health Services and executive director, Institute of Music and Neurologic Function, a member of CenterLight Health System. In addition, she is associate professor at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and adjunct professor at Lehman College, City University of New York. The Graduate Seminar is held each summer and is part of the residency requirement for the online Master of Music Therapy program. Lasting a week, students and faculty meet face to face for intensive training in special topics and community building.
Community Health students study abroad to complete internships Costa Rica Community health students Rachel Bull, Mackenzie Rexroth and Erin Zauner journeyed to Costa Rica for spring 2014 semester as new Led2Serve interns. Led2Serve is an international community service organization. While in Costa Rica, the three Community Health majors stayed in La Arenal, Costa Rica. As part of their internship, they visited local communities, assessed their health needs and determined plans of action to meet those needs. In addition, they also helped to lead a new Led2Serve initiative called Led2Play. Led2Play is a program that gets kids to exercise through games in order to prevent diabetes. All three students received a Weir Scholarship to help fund their trip.
Rwanda and Kenya Community Health students Haley Dillman and Nicholas Miranda interned spring 2014 with Beyond Poverty, a nonprofit international community development organization. Beyond Poverty’s mission is to help people break free from extreme poverty without removing responsibility from the people helped. It also seeks to guide other philanthropic organizations toward the most effective and sustainable methods of facilitating community development. Initially, Dillman and Miranda worked with the organization’s director of operations in Denver, Colo. learning about their operations: accounting, fundraising, media and website design. In March, they traveled to Rwanda and Kenya for a month to learn the on-the-ground side of Beyond Poverty’s work. Both students received a Weir Scholarship for the international portion of their internship. Healthy Connections | 15 | Georgia College
College of Health Sciences News Athletic Training updates
Adams presents at national conference
Twenty-four Athletic Training students attended the Southeast Athletic Trainers’ Association Athletic Training Student Symposium in Atlanta, Ga Feb 6-8. Students participated in educational sessions related to prevention, evaluation and initial management of injuries; therapeutic exercise, modalities and professional development; or competencies in athletic training. Each track offered lecture and corresponding laboratory session for students to advance their knowledge of athletic training practices.
Caitlin Adams, a MAT in Physical education student, was selected as co-author on two poster presentations for the Southwest Convention and AAPHERD National Convention. In addition, she is listed as a contributing author on a publication under review with Journal of Teaching Physical Education and is a co-investigator in an ongoing research study.
Community Health updates
Four seniors have been accepted into graduate programs at various universities and will be serving as graduate assistant athletic trainers. • Clayton Faircloth: M.S. in Leisure Studies & Sports Management at Middle Tennessee State University, Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer at Blackman High School. • Jayna Hunter: M.S. in Sports Medicine at Georgia State University, Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer at Blessed Trinity. • Michael Polascik: M.A. in Instructional Technology at Virginia Tech, Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer for Football. • Mary Catherine Sikes: M.Ed. in Educational Leadership at Mercer University, Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer for Women’s Soccer.
Music Therapy Updates Gabrielle Banzon received the President's Award from Eta Sigma Alpha honors society. The President's Award is awarded to a student member who has rendered outstanding service to the community of honors education at Georgia College. Laura Bentz received the Music Therapy Association of Georgia Internship Scholarship. She also received the Southeastern Region of American Music Therapy Association Internship Scholarship. The Southeastern award is a competition between music therapy majors in programs in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.
(left to right) Kathleen Ragan ’10, Josie Smith ‘13, GC assistant professor of community health Dr. Scott Butler, Lucia Caltabiano ‘13, and Carter Shadden at the Intersections in Gender & Sexuality Conference. Carter Shadden (current student) gave a poster presentation on attitudes towards transgender and intersex individuals as well as a lecture on sexual diversity panels as a teaching tool at the 2014 Intersections in Gender & Sexuality Conference on March 29. Kathleen Ragan ‘10 is currently enrolled in the Master of Public Health (MPH) program in global epidemiology at Emory University. She also serves as a community health educator at the Native American Cancer Institute. Josie Smith ‘13 is currently serving as a sexuality teacher in Atlanta, Ga. Josie presented her research on condom availability at Historically Black and Hispanic serving colleges and universities at the 2014 Intersections in Gender & Sexuality Conference on March 29. Jared Brumbeloe (current student) completed an internship in HIV/AIDS policy with Distinguished Professor Dr. Roger Coate at Georgia College. Jared presented his research at the 2014 GC Undergraduate Research Conference.
Healthy Connections | 16 | Georgia College
BSN and MSN programs reaccredited The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree programs received full eight-year reaccreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN; formerly the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission) in February 2013.
DNP program receives accreditation The Georgia College Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program was granted accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) through June 30, 2019. Accreditation is effective as of October 2, 2013, the first day of the CCNE’s site visit at Georgia College. For more information go to http://bit.ly/1p0jRgt.
MSN online program ranked nationally by U.S. News & World Report The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Program at Georgia College received a designation on the list of the best online graduate nursing programs - ranking in the top 100 in the country by U.S. News & World Report’s “2014 Best Online Education” rankings. This is the first time the online nursing program has been eligible for recognition as an online program on the list. For more information, go to http://bit.ly/1eNPxT6.
Mills receives ‘Rookie of the Year’ award
learn from and work alongside the interdisciplinary team. Currently, Mills works in the Intensive Care Unit and is a part of Cohort 6 in the Emory University Health System Consortium & American Association of Colleges of Nursing Residency program. She takes continuing education classes through this year-long residency and is currently working on an evidenced based project aimed at preventing catheter associated urinary tract infections. She will be presenting her research at her residency graduation ceremony this August.
Miskell presents at national conference Morgan Miskell, RN, BSN ‘10 presented her research entitled Implementing Alcohol Impregnated Port Protectors as a Means to Decrease CLABSI’s at the Oncology Nursing Society Congress on May 2nd, 2014 in Anaheim, Ca. Miskell works in the medical oncology unit at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. Her research implemented alcohol impregnated port protectors (Curos Caps), rather than the traditional "scrub the hub" technique, to decrease central line associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) in oncology patients. Her research showed that bloodstream infections were decreased by 50%.
Nursing faculty receives award Josie Doss, assistant professor of nursing, received the Laurie Hendrickson McMillan Faculty Award. This is awarded to non-tenured faculty employed at Georgia College teaching in the College of Business and School of Nursing for less than five years. Award selection criteria is based upon teaching, research and campus and community service.
Kaylee Mills, RN , BSN ‘12 received the Emory Johns Creek Hospital 2014 Nurses Week “Rookie of the Year” award. The award recognizes a new graduate or re-entry nurse for (1) demonstrating the ability to learn, grow and adapt to new roles in the area of clinical practice, and (2) demonstrating flexibility, eagerness and willingness to Healthy Connections | 17 | Georgia College
National Grant funds doctoral student scholarship
For many, a career in the medical field is somewhat of a higher calling. Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) student Kristin Corbin shares that feeling, which is one reason why she decided to continue her nursing education. “I know it sounds cliché, but I originally decided on nursing because I wanted to care for others,” said Corbin. “I knew my passion was in health promotion and helping others achieve optimal health.” Her passion has allowed her to obtain an undergraduate degree in nursing and a Master of Science in Nursing, both from Georgia College. She is now pursuing her DNP degree. “Georgia College has played a key role in shaping me into the person I am today,” said Corbin. “Honestly, I have my nursing professors to thank. Georgia College’s nursing faculty goes the extra mile to ensure each of their students succeeds. They do not just work a 9-5 job, and I truly appreciate their dedication and availability.” Corbin’s hard work and enthusiasm led her to be named the first Jonas Scholar for Georgia College. The Jonas Nurse Leaders Scholars at Georgia College is made possible by a grant from the Jonas Center for Nursing and Veterans Healthcare. The award is based on a $10,000 grant from the Jonas Center with matching funds from the university. It sponsors the scholarship of one doctoral nursing student for the next two years. “Kristin will serve as an excellent ambassador for our university, the nursing program and the Jonas Center,” said Director of the School of Nursing Dr. Judy Malachowski. As a recipient of the Jonas Center grant, Georgia College is part of a national effort to address the faculty shortage and prepare future nurses as America’s health care system continues to evolve. “I am so honored to have been selected as Georgia College’s first Jonas Scholar,” said Corbin. “I look forward to advancing my scholarship in order to become an innovative leader in the field of health care. I look forward to repre-
senting Georgia College and making a difference in not only the profession of nursing, but hopefully, in the health care system.” Corbin joins nearly 600 future nurse educators and leaders at 110 schools supported by Jonas Center programs, the Jonas Nurse Leaders Scholars Program and Jonas Veterans Healthcare Program (JVHP). These scholarships support nurses pursuing Ph.D.s and DNP degrees, the highest degrees in the field. Georgia College’s DNP program educates leaders in clinical and primary care as well as nursing faculty. “The Jonas Nurse Leaders Scholars Program directly relates to one of Georgia College’s key value statements – excellence in graduate education,” said Georgia College Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Kelli Brown. “We are looking forward to contributing to the development of Ms. Corbin as a future nurse leader.” The Jonas Center, the leading philanthropic funder for nursing, is working to address a critical need. In 2013, American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) data noted the lowest enrollment increase in professional RN programs in the past five years. This is due primarily to a shortage in qualified faculty. Corbin hopes her future goals will address some of those specific challenges in health care. “My future career goal is to continue to shift our nation’s health care system from a reactive approach to a proactive approach to care,” said Corbin. “Preventative medicine is the most cost-effective form of health care. I want to get involved in legislature and health care policy to transform our health care system, increase access to care, and decrease health care disparities nationwide.” Aside from her work, Corbin also serves on the board of directors of Honduras Outreach International (HOI), whose vision is to create life-changing relationships between the people of developing countries and North Americans. “Last October, a group of family nurse practitioner students, along with Dr. Sallie Coke and Dr. Debby MacMillan, had the opportunity to go to Honduras for two weeks and provide medical care. Prior to departure, we filled our suitcases with medicines and medical supplies,” said Corbin. “Each day, we traveled to a different village and set up a clinic that provided care to anyone in need. Since that trip, I have been invited to serve on HOI’s medical subcommittee. Through my experience in Honduras, I discovered my second family. The people in Honduras are one-of-a-kind. They taught me life lessons I will cherish forever.” For more information on the Georgia College School of Nursing, visit gcsu.edu/nursing. To find out more about the Jonas Center, visit jonascenter.org.
Healthy Connections | 18 | Georgia College
COHS recognizes outstanding
FACULTY AND STAFF The College of Health Sciences recognized outstanding faculty and staff at its annual COHS Faculty and Staff Honors Ceremony on March 28. Staff Behind the Scenes Excellence Award .....................Leah Barbee - Student Health Services Innovation Excellence Award ..........................................Liz Speelman - Wellness Programs Service Excellence Award ......................................................Evelyn Thomas - Dean’s Office Faculty Outstanding Scholarship Award ...........................................................................Scott Butler School of Health and Human Performance Outstanding Service Award...................................................Salle Coke - School of Nursing (back - left to right ) Kirk Armstrong, Evelyn Thomas, Kelly Massey, Scott Butler, Liz Speelman, (front - l to r) Leah Barbee, Sheryl Winn, Debby MacMillan
Outstanding Teaching Award ..............................................................................Kelly Massey School of Health and Human Performance
DEAN’S COMMENDATION Exceptional Leadership in the Health Sciences Service Learning-based Study Abroad Program - Belize ..................................................Kirk Armstrong -School of Health and Human Performance Exceptional Leadership in the Health Sciences Service Learning-based Study Abroad Program - Honduras ................................................................................Debby MacMillan -School of Nursing Exceptional Leadership in the Health Sciences Service Learning-based Study Abroad Program - Honduras............................................................................................Sallie Coke -School of Nursing Exemplary Leadership in the Provision of Healthcare Services to the Underserved in Central Georgia......................................................................................................Debby MacMillan -School of Nursing Exemplary Leadership in the Provision of Healthcare Services to the Underserved in Central Georgia ....................................................................................................................Sheryl Winn -School of Nursing
Music provides therapy for patients and students
For most of her life, music has been at the center for senior Crystal Pratt. The music therapy major visited nursing homes with her mom starting at a young age to play violin for patients. “My granddad always pushed me to practice,” said Pratt. “I saw at a young age music could help people. It could change lives.” That’s the main reason she decided to pursue a career in music therapy, to be able to give back with her talents. “Music is therapeutic,” she said. “I’ve seen the effects of it.” Through her class and volunteer work, Pratt uses music to help those struggling physically, mentally or emotionally. Little did she know that during a trying time she would also benefit from the power of
music. “One of my best friends, Julia Tarter, passed away in August 2013,” said Pratt. “It hit me hard. She was a huge part of my life-a sorority sister and Young Life member with me. Music became my outlet to cope.” From that experience, Pratt and another student wrote the lyrics and music to a song in honor of their friend. “Julia’s family gave everyone a card with a date on it after she passed away. It was our job to doing something to celebrate her life on that day,” she said. “My day was March 17, so we wrote the song and recorded to give to her family.” Pratt’s song is now available for all to enjoy on a new CD created by music therapy students. Students will sell the CDs and perform for the community Thursday, April 10 at 6:30 p.m. at Buffington’s in downtown Milledgeville. “We as music therapy students are focused on helping others, and we are also Healthy Connections | 19 | Georgia College
musicians,” said Pratt. “We have the talents of writing and performing, and we really enjoy being able to showcase them to help our clients and for the community to enjoy.” Performances also include a song written by cancer survivors participating in the Georgia College Wellness Center's Survive and Thrive program. “Survivors wrote the lyrics to the song,” said Leah Lee, a Master of Music therapy student. “They wanted something really positive and energetic that showed their lives still go on.” Several other music therapy students will also take the stage to perform songs they’ve written. “The goal of this concert is to show the community the benefits of music therapy while also highlighting our talented students,” said Dr. Chesley Mercado, chair of the Department of Music Therapy. For more information on the concert or to purchase a CD, call 478-445-2645.
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COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES Campus Box 64 Milledgeville, GA 31061 Phone: 478-445-4092 Fax: 478-445-1913 E-mail: sandra.gangstead@gcsu.edu Change Service Requested www.gcsu.edu
Continue Your Education The College of Health Sciences offers a variety of graduate programs that will provide the additional education you need to accomplish your goals.
For information regarding admissions and programs offered contact: Health and Human Performance Dr. Lisa Griffin, Director 478-445-4072 lisa.griffin@gcsu.edu Music Therapy Dr. Chesley Mercado, Chair 478-445-2645 chesley.mercado@gcsu.edu Nursing Dr. Deborah MacMillan Interim Director 478-445-5122 debby.macmillan@gcsu.edu
Health and Human Performance shhp.gcsu.edu M.Ed. in Kinesiology • Health Promotion - Online • Human Performance Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT): Kinesiology/Physical Education Music Therapy musictherapy.gcsu.edu • Master of Music Therapy - Online • Master of Arts in Art Therapy School of Nursing nursing.gcsu.edu • Master of Science in Nursing: Family Nurse Practitioner - Online Nurse Educator - Online • Doctor of Nursing Practice - Online • RN-BSN - Online Healthy Connections | 20 | Georgia College