2442234 LUSON Spring 2023 Newsletter

Though I am in my first year as interim dean for Liberty University School of Nursing (LUSON), I have been blessed to be a part of the school for over 15 years. I have been welcomed into the new role with profound love and support at every turn. Being in this new role has given me a deepened appreciation for the faculty, staff, students, alumni, and donors. Reflecting on 2022 and into 2023, I am thankful for the passion and hard work of the students, alumni, faculty, and staff at LUSON. This academic year has been full of blessings, from numerous new faculty and staff to experiencing God’s love within the School of Nursing in a glorious way!

As we celebrate God’s current blessings on the school, we cannot forget those who laid its foundation. This year marks the 40th anniversary of LUSON and its pursuit to Train Champions for Christ. Former faculty, staff, and students set high standards for education, nursing practice, and Christian ministry through nursing. LUSON began as an RN-BSN program with three students in the cohort. Those three students set a wonderful foundation for current students — over 2,900 strong — and alumni — over 10,000 strong. The school now offers two residential programs and 26 online programs. Residential programs include a pre-licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing and an accelerated pre-licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Online, Liberty University School of Nursing offers an RN-BSN, a non-licensure Master of Science in Nursing, a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, and Ph.D. degrees, as well as prelicensure programs with a specialty in Family Nurse Practitioner or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

LUSON has students and alumni from around the world. The school has taken students on mission trips worldwide — Rwanda, Kenya, Haiti, Israel, Jamaica, Guatemala, and many more. Our home city

of Lynchburg, with a poverty rate of >17%, is also an active mission field for LUSON. The impact our students have on the city through Christian service, community health, and clinical outreach is so needed for our neighbors.

As the challenges of pandemics, politics, and a worldwide nursing shortage for the past three years continue to churn, we must reflect on the purpose and direction in our lives. Woodrow Wilson stated, “You are not here merely to make a living. You are here in order to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, with a finer spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world, and you impoverish yourself if you forget the errand.”

Our journey as a nursing school is guided by Liberty University’s mission to Train Champions for Christ as we minister to God’s people through the profession of nursing. Throughout this newsletter’s pages, my prayer is that you will see this in action. Many of you lived this mission during your education at LUSON. This commonality makes us all family. So together we travel this journey, remembering that we are all designed to serve the King of Kings by caring for His people.

“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Galatians 6:10, NIV).

Dr. Tracey Turner Interim Dean

New Staff Spotlights

Courtney Bailey, Assistant Professor

Charmaine Davis, Administrative Assistant

Mary Dowell, Assistant Professor

Jodi Duncan, Assistant Professor

Karen Ellis, BSN Programs Director/ Clinical Coordinator

Katrina Foster, Clinical Support Coordinator

Nicole Horsch, Student

Bichundo Lambert, Assistant Professor

Danielle Moore, Assistant Professor

Christine Smith, Instructor

Josey Walton, Practicum Coordinator

Becky Webb, APRN Simulation Center Coordinator

Support Coordinator

Simulation Center Update

LISA FOOTE

LUSON Simulation Center: Exciting Changes Happening Greek philosopher Heraclitus stated, “Change is the only constant in life,” and nothing could be truer when it comes to the LUSON Simulation Center. The Simulation Center has seen tremendous growth in multiple areas. New additions to personnel, equipment, and simulation scenarios have occurred in both undergraduate and graduate programs, providing increased student learning opportunities. These changes are in keeping with the accreditation standards set forth by our accrediting body, the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH).

Meet the Simulation Team

Lisa Foote, MSN, RN, CHSE, has joined the Simulation Center leadership team as the Executive Director of Simulation and Standardized Patients alongside Tara Smith, MSN, RN, CHSE, director of the undergraduate simulation program and Elizabeth “Elie” Green, MSN, RN, director of the APRN simulation program. Mrs. Foote has been an RN for 31 years, working at the bedside, in a public health department, and as an FNP in private practice. She has been involved in nursing education, both in the classroom and clinical for 21 years. She has spent the past 11 years providing nursing simulation education. Mrs. Foote holds a Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE) certification through SSH.

Joining Angie Holloman, BSN, RN, undergraduate Simulation Center coordinator on the undergraduate side, is Vickey Mason, AAS, BS, BSN, RN. From beginning as a certified nursing assistant in high school to becoming an RN, Mrs. Mason brings 41 years of nursing experience to the LUSON Simulation Center. Mrs. Mason has worked in all areas of nursing in her career, from pediatrics to critical care.

On the APRN side is the newest member of the team, Rebecca “Becky” Webb. Mrs. Webb is filling the role of APRN Simulation Center coordinator. Mrs. Webb brings 18 years of nursing experience to the team, with a background in surgery, obstetric nursing, orthopedic nursing, and, recently, school nursing.

In addition to live personnel, we are blessed to have added several new high-fidelity manikins to our simulation center. These include:

• Victoria: a high-fidelity OB manikin that can realistically deliver a newborn high-fidelity baby via natural birth or even c-section.

• SimMan 3G: an adult simulator able to provide realistic simulation experiences to students.

• 5 Nursing Anne Simulators: some of whom are geriatric patients, these simulators are designed for basic instruction all the way up to advanced practice.

• 2 Newborn Torys: newborn baby simulators that deliver true-to-life features enhancing the student learning opportunities in the maternal-child course.

Each of these simulators is used weekly to provide realistic, high-fidelity experiences for our students.

Simulation is an integral part of the learning process at LUSON. With the continued use of simulation, more and more of the faculty are incorporating simulation opportunities into their clinical courses. The LUSON Simulation Center has a repository of 51 clinical scenarios offered in various clinical courses at all levels in both the undergraduate and graduate programs. Clinical scenarios are updated annually to include any changes or additions needed to ensure that nursing students receive the most up-to-date evidence-based encounter. Simulation-based learning experiences at LUSON include:

• Traditional simulation: a team of students work together to care for one simulated patient.

• Standardized patient simulation: a team of students work together to care for a live person or persons who are trained to portray a patient/patients in a scenario.

• Mixed simulation: different modalities are used. An example of this type would be the use of a manikin and a standardized patient (perhaps as a family member) in the scenario.

• Hybrid simulation: an example of this type would be attaching a task trainer (e.g., a chest with a tracheotomy) to a standardized patient.

• Interdisciplinary learning: 3 certificate programs offered at LUSON work together to care for simulated patient(s).

• Interprofessional education (IPE): students from one or more disciplines in a clinical scenario learning about, from, and with each other. Examples include collaboration with respiratory therapy students, aviation students, and medical students from LUCOM.

COVID-19 Simulation-based Learning Experiences in the Undergraduate Program

During the COVID-19 pandemic, additional help was needed at local hospitals to provide nursing care to COVID patients. To meet the need, LUSON participated in an academicpractice partnership with Centra Healthcare Leadership to meet requirements for the students to care for COVID patients in their clinical rotations. LUSON also partnered with Centra-Central Virginia Center for Simulation and Virtual Learning, Centra College of Nursing, and the University of Lynchburg to develop simulation-based experiences at two levels intermediate and critical care of a COVID patient. Undergraduate nursing students are required to participate in the appropriate level C19 simulation-based learning experience to meet requirements to safely care for COVID patients.

• Sophomore Level: Care of the Intermediate COVID-19 Patient

• Junior Level: Care of the Intermediate COVID-19 Patient, Patient with Chest Tube Requiring Blood Transfusion, and Care of a Patient with Respiratory Disorder

• Senior Level: Care of the Critical Care COVID-19 Patient, Revive Training/Lab, Community Post-Acute Care, End-of-Life scenario, and OB Critical Care Escape Room Lab

Increase in Simulation Use by the APRN Program

• The combined total of learner contact hours for APRN programs has increased 32% in the 2021-22 academic year.

• A twofold increase in FNP cohorts involved in simulation as compared to 2020-21 academic year.

• FNP students now receive more hands-on skills training and simulation hours than in past years.

• The new PMHNP program held the first NURS 769 intensive in Summer 2021, which included new learning stations (i.e., play therapy and “visits” to the community setting) as well as the creation and completion of new standardized patient case scenarios and telehealth cases, in keeping with current trends in healthcare.

• The Advanced Health Assessment for Nurse Practitioners, NURS 712, has doubled the amount of standardized patient cases since the 2020-21 academic year.

• An interdisciplinary collaboration between the APRN program and the School of Engineering. The collaboration has focused on developing teaching and training models for FNP students. Engineering has created “toenails” using 3D printing to allow students multiple opportunities to practice matrixectomy.

Growth in Other Simulation Activities

Nurse Camp Summer 2022 hosted 50 high school students in a fun-filled, 3-day learning experience, introducing them to the art of nursing with multiple hands-on activities. The campers also had the opportunity to interact with current nursing students, getting the “real deal” as to what nursing school is truly like.

As the LUSON simulation team and our simulation opportunities continue to grow, so does our influence in the world of simulation and nursing education. At the Virginia State Simulation Alliance (VASSA) 2022 Annual Conference, the LUSON simulation team presented in 3 breakout sessions, sharing LUSON simulation events with other experts in the field.

Jonathan Wry DR. DEIDRA SIMPSON

“There is a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance” (Ecclesiastes 3:4).

Have you ever met someone whose very presence brings joy by their humor, someone who radiates Jesus in their care for you and those around them? Jonathan Gabriel Wry (J.G.), a LUSON junior, was that person to so many. J.G. was a missionary kid who was excited to be going home to Bolivia for the summer to join the work his family was doing for the Lord. Just a couple of days after his arrival in Bolivia, we received the heartbreaking news that J.G. was in a tragic motorcycle accident and the Lord had called him home.

Liberty Shepherds provided a memorial service for those who were still in the Liberty area or could join on Teams. When students returned in the fall, the weight of this loss was felt throughout campus. LUSON held another memorial service for J.G. on Sept. 20, 2022. There are no words that do justice to the heartfelt stories of J.G. shared by the students, faculty, and friends from across campus and the meaningful LUSON coin Dean Turner awarded posthumously. J.G.’s parents were able to join the memorial service online. J.G. was adored by so many. Students shared how quick Jonathan was to befriend and how his humor lightened the most stressful situations, often bringing others out of dark places. Stories were shared of his compassion and how he was quick to pray with patients, regardless how rude or hateful they’d been even moments before, and how he never shied away from sharing Jesus. We laughed and cried; it was truly a beautiful celebration of his amazing life lived. The ceremony ended with a balloon release in his honor. It is hard to fathom why the Lord called Jonathan home, but listening to these stories helped us see and hear how his short life has impacted every person he encountered and how he changed the lives of so many who will continue to impact the world because of who he was and how he lived. Students echoed how J.G.’s presence would not be forgotten, how they will choose to live as he did: pointing to Christ, being selfless, thinking of others’ needs before their own, radiating Jesus in our hallways and our hospitals. We are heartbroken to lose him, yet we are grateful for the privilege of knowing him. But more importantly, we are filled with hope, knowing he is now continually worshipping at the feet of Jesus.

Residential BSN Update

DR. DIANE BRIDGE

Fall 2022 was a rewarding semester filled with both challenges and growth. With over 600 students in the undergraduate BSN pre-licensure program, the opportunity to produce the next generation of nurses who will serve as the hands and feet of Christ is an amazing experience. Supported by 30 fulltime and over 60 adjunct faculty, students enrolled in our program are offered more than 550 hours of clinical training and provided clinical opportunities in Lynchburg, Richmond, and Roanoke, Va. Additional clinical opportunities are being explored in Spartanburg, S.C. for Spring 2024. The School of Nursing graduated 64 students in the Fall 2022 and anticipates a graduating class of 97 students in the Spring 2023.

The 12-month accelerated BSN program that was piloted in the Spring 2022 provided opportunity for veteran and second-degree students to earn a BSN in a shorter time period. The program graduated its first cohort in Dec. 22. Enrollment for the accelerated BSN programs was paused briefly in 2022 to evaluate and

strengthen the program, in addition to recruiting faculty to work with accelerated students. The accelerated BSN program is anticipated to reopen in 2023.

Liberty University Career Services does an amazing job of supporting our students as they prepare for future nursing employment. In partnership with them, the LUSON-hosted Career Fair affords junior and senior nursing students the opportunity to network with prospective employers while exploring externship possibilities. The Fall 2022 Career Fair had the largest lineup in its history, with 35 healthcare system participants. The Spring 2023 Career Fair was expanded to include other healthcare opportunities outside of nursing. This allowed healthcare systems to recruit for nurses, patient care technicians, social workers, etc. The BSN program continues to be recognized for producing outstanding nurses who serve the Lord through their profession.

DNP Update

DR. SHARON KOPIS

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Advanced Practice

Registered Nurse (APRN) programs prepare licensed nurses with a biblical worldview at the highest level of practice in the clinical setting. DNP graduates serve in leadership roles, such as administrative leadership, or advanced practice clinical roles, including family practice or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners. These nurses are prepared to practice clinically at the top of their license to provide healthcare to individuals and families, lead healthcare quality and safety initiatives, develop healthcare innovations, and translate evidence into practice.

Currently, the DNP program at Liberty University offers:

• a Post-MSN DNP program to prepare clinical and administrative leaders

• a Post-BSN Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) DNP program

• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) options including a Post-BSN DNP, Post-MSN DNP, and a Postgraduate PMHNP Certificate program

• An Executive Certificate in Clinical Leadership for nurses to advance their education and career

These courses all are applicable to the DNP degree. Students are supported with nearly 70 faculty members serving in full-time or adjunct positions and a team of skilled professionals providing faculty and students with services from admission through graduation. Graduates from the programs are serving as FNPs and

PMHNPs around the nation and throughout the world. They are also leading healthcare systems as nurse executives and administrators.

The DNP and APRN programs at Liberty University currently enroll approximately 500 students, with over 200 of these students enrolled in one of the PMHNP programs. There is a national shortage of mental healthcare providers, and the PMHNP program answers the call to graduate students prepared to care for patients and families. Liberty University is a partner school recipient of the Virginia Health Care Foundation grants program to support the education of PMHNPs and increase the mental healthcare workforce across the Commonwealth of Virginia. This year, five PMHNP Postgraduate Certificate students are recipients of full scholarships through this program. Upon graduation, these students will serve Virginia’s mental healthcare needs.

Check out some of the projects in this program by scanning this QR code.

Online Program Update

DR. ELIZABETH WHORLEY

The undergraduate and graduate online nursing programs provide educational opportunities with a biblical perspective for nurses desiring to advance their nursing degrees. There are many options for nurses to specialize and grow their passion, including:

• RN-BSN, RN-BSN Global Studies Specialization

• MSN Concentrations in Administration, Community Health, Education, Health Policy, and Informatics (also offered as RN-BSN-MSN)

• MSN dual degrees in Nursing Administration paired with the Master of Business Administration and the Master of Nursing Administration combined with the Master of Science in Healthcare Administration

• Ph.D. in Nursing program with a focus on Nursing Education

• Executive Certificate in Nursing Educational Leadership

This past academic year, we had many students engage in LUSON Research Day, Liberty University Research Week, outside conferences, and publications. Our community of online students continues to serve as bedside nurses, administrators, educators, community health leaders, military professionals, and so much more, all while advancing their education. We are humbled to be part of Training Champions for Christ who impact their communities.

To find out more about our online programs, visit Liberty.edu/Online/Nursing.

LUNSA: Rooted

DR. DANA WOODY

The Liberty University Nursing Student Association (LUNSA) has “grown” over the years; to think about our humble beginnings and where we are now, we are often reminded of His faithfulness in all. This academic year, we decided to look deeper into our growth in Him, showcasing our thankfulness for His plans that have unfolded, as we invested in our students. In support of our 2022-23 theme “Rooted,” we adopted Colossians 2:6-7 as our verse.

LUNSA is committed to growing students in the areas of leadership, scholarship, and service. Our LUNSA Board plans semester events starting at the end of spring and works through the summer to ensure that students have opportunities for great fun and fellowship. Over 200 strong on our membership roster, the Fall 2022 semester did not disappoint, with over 15 events, including our PROMISE (Peers Reaching Out to Motivate, Inspire, Strengthen, and Empower) project work. Some standouts from the semester included Freshman Bootcamp, Lemonade with LUNSA, LUSON Market, Worship Night, Chili Cook-off, Homecoming, NSNA Mid-Year Conference, and the Winter Gala. We had record enrollment in our PROMISE project serving over 140 students. This mentorship project is led by students, supporting intentional investment in mind, body, and spirit, and it has become a staple in our nursing program. Our students also supported several community events this semester, serving dinner at Parkview Community Mission and collecting toys for foster children in the greater Lynchburg Community. New this semester, our students also participated in a self-defense class and enjoyed pet therapy at a membership meeting.

“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness” (Colossians 2:6-7, NIV).

LUNSA looks forward to continued “growth” on many levels. Here is to great things, all for His glory.

LUSON Coining

DR. JERRY HARVEY

In the military, unit or commander coins are carried by members that bear an organization’s insignia or emblem. Traditionally, coins are given to prove membership as well as to enhance morale, instill unit pride, and reward hard work and excellence. In practice, coins are presented by commanders in recognition of special achievement by a member of their unit. They provide the opportunity for leadership to promptly show appreciation for a job well done.

The origin of LUSON coins dates back to 2007. At that time, Dr. Jerry Harvey was an Air Force Officer stationed at the Pentagon. Prior to transitioning to LUSON as a professor, he found a coin with the image of the Armor of God in the Pentagon coin shop. He purchased 20 of these coins with the intent to give them to students who demonstrated outstanding achievement when he arrived at Liberty University. In 2012, Dr. Britt, then dean of LUSON, caught wind of what Dr. Harvey was doing and made it an ongoing opportunity to recognize LUSON students at monthly faculty meetings. Since 2012, LUSON students have repeatedly provided examples for the leadership to recognize them with a coin.

The LUSON coin is now presented by the dean to acknowledge special achievements and/or actions by students. Some of these achievements include academic excellence, humanitarian

acts in the community, and clinical excellence, as well as clinical acts of compassion. The faculty and staff of LUSON continue to be impressed each month with the stories of how our nursing students impact others by demonstrating Christ’s love. It is an honor to be able to recognize them.

Psi Delta

DR. TONIA KENNEDY

Psi Delta Chapter of Sigma is the School of Nursing’s honor society. It recognizes students who exemplify high academic achievement across all programs, in addition to nurse leaders who exemplify outstanding leadership within the nursing profession and community. Presently there are about 110 active members of Psi Delta with more students and nurse leaders being recognized and invited to join each semester. Psi Delta hosts chapter meetings twice a semester in addition to participating in philanthropic events throughout the year to support excellence in scholarship, provide experience in leadership, and continually support distinction in service.

During the Fall 2022 semester, Psi Delta participated in Sigma’s founders day event by collecting 100 food items for the School of Nursing’s food pantry that supports nursing students in need of food. Psi Delta supported the Freedom 424 Gala held in Lynchburg by sending 2 members to learn more about their mission and outreach partners locally and globally. Mr. Keith Paulus, vice president of Psi Delta, attended the virtual Chapter Leadership Connection conference hosted by Sigma to learn strategies to engage members, increase presence through social media, and become more involved with regional activities. Lastly, Psi Delta hosted the annual Christmas toy drive to support local foster children in the Lynchburg area. This year, the chapter raised enough donations to support 37 children’s specific needs with many other donations to help support other needs for the foster children.

The Spring 2023 semester was filled with meetings and activities that supported excellence in scholarship, provided experience in leadership, and supported distinction in service. We hosted meetings in February and April, participated in the American Heart Association Heart Walk, hosted a research lunch, and will hold the Psi Delta induction for new members on May 12, 2023. Please join the chapter through the Liberty University School of Nursing website, Liberty.edu/ Nursing/Honors-Society/, and on Facebook @ Psi Delta Sigma Theta Tau International at Liberty University.

Rachel Joseph

DR. ELIZABETH WHORLEY

Dr. Rachel Joseph has a passion for nursing, education, students, research and scholarship, and the Lord. Her recent publications and research focus include the Maternal Experiences of Skin to Skin Contact in the NICU, Social Media Platforms and Childbirth Education, the COVID-19 pandemic and nursing students, and the needs of parents of children with Spina Bifida. She was nominated as one of the top 10 finalists for the Inaugural Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award! She was selected out of over 24,000 nurses from over 184 countries.

Please scan the QR code to learn more about Dr. Joseph and the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award.

STACY TAYLOR

In the Fall 2022 semester, 16 junior-level and 3 senior-level nursing students were blessed with the opportunity to complete a portion of their clinical hours at Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System in Spartanburg, S.C. This was the first semester of a tremendous partnership we look forward to continuing.

The mission of Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System is to “advance health together.” The nurses in the hospital truly exemplify this mission in bringing our students alongside them to help care for their patients. Students stated that the nurses welcomed them with open arms and were very willing to teach and assist them.

“Each nurse I worked with would explain skills and rationales behind them before we would go into the room to ensure we were comfortable completing them.” – Ellie Bauguess ’24

“The nurses would look for things that the students could do.” – Abigail Breyer ’24

“The nurses seemed to really care about us and our education.” – Zara Gigi ’22

The students were able to complete many skills throughout their three weekends in Spartanburg.

In addition to gaining clinical experience, the groups also grew to be like families. They were able to spend their evenings together having dinner, bowling, and enjoying coffee at local coffee shops as they were completing their clinical work and studying.

Faculty Spotlight

DR. ELIZABETH WHORLEY

Dr. Randy Krantz, JD, MAR, RN faculty in the MSN programs, is the primary faculty for the Healthcare Policy Practicum courses and the Healthcare Policy and Ethics course. He is a Bedford County, Va., native and has served his community since high school starting as an EMT, paramedic, and hospital orderly.

Dr. Krantz planned to attend college as a pre-med major post-high school graduation. However, his plans changed when the community hospital offered to pay for his education to become a registered nurse. He took this opportunity and began his career as a registered nurse in the emergency room and critical care in 1981. He returned to school and obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Public Service in 1986, which coincided with his passion for emergency medical services. He continued this passion by serving as the director of the paramedic program and assistant professor at Jefferson College of Health Sciences in Roanoke, Va.

He saw an opportunity to combine his passion for nursing, people, and

ethics through a career in law. In 1990, he graduated from the University of Richmond T.C. Williams School of Law and began his successful law career. He currently serves as a judge for the Bedford General District Court in Bedford, Va. He has held many posts, including Commonwealth’s Attorney and Chief Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney in Bedford, Va., director of the Bedford County Violent Crime Response Team, legal advisor of the Bedford Forensic Nurse Program, and member of the Southern Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. In 2011, he became an ordained minister after graduating from the Liberty University Baptist Theological Seminary.

His accomplishments are distinguished. His passion for his faith, family, community, and profession is evident. A strong understanding of ethics and policy is vital as nurses face many challenges in the current healthcare environment. With his expert knowledge and experience, he impacts students through the intersections of nursing, law, theology, and ethics, creating a learning environment that fosters ethical discussions through faith.

Alumni Spotlight: David Whitehurst

DAVID WHITEHURST

I am a 1999 BSN graduate. I started as an education major at Liberty University, but God had a different plan for my life. I knew many of the nursing faculty from my orderly/CNA job at Virginia Baptist Hospital. In my junior year of school, Dr. Britt met with me and accepted me into the BSN program on probation. I like to believe that she saw some hopeful potential.

After graduation, I worked in ICU at Virginia Baptist Hospital for 1 year before joining the United States Air Force in 2000. I served as a clinical nurse in North Carolina for 3 years and then transferred to Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio as a critical care/trauma nurse. During my time at Wright Patterson, I was deployed to Balad, Iraq, in 2003-04. I was a member of the first contingency of USAF medical personnel to take over the Medical/ Trauma hospital from the U.S. Army. I also deployed on many humanitarian missions, like Hurricane Katrina. I believe my Christian faith and education at Liberty prepared me for the intensity of a war zone. Without an education based on Christian principles, I don’t believe I could have dealt with some of the horrific casualties that I encountered. My education and faith in Jesus Christ were a comfort in some very difficult times.

In July 2007, I transferred from the USAF to the United States

Public Health Service (USPHS). I was first stationed at Federal Medical Center, Devens in Massachusetts. I was the utilization review coordinator, hospital discharge planner, and kidney transplant coordinator for federal inmates. I finished my Master of Healthcare Administration in 2012 and transferred to Salter, S.C., as a healthcare administrator of all medical services for over 1,500 Federal Inmates.

In 2015, I was hired by the Central Office Occupational Health Program, Dept. of Justice Bureau of Prisons. I transferred to Fort Worth, Texas, as a workers’ compensation specialist. Currently, I evaluate long-term medical cases of federal employees to ensure that patient care guidelines are followed, evaluate fraudulent medical claims, ensure compliance with Department of Labor laws, and evaluate discrepancies/mismanagement of resources.

I have been married to my wife, Mary, whom I met at Liberty University, for 27 years. She has been supportive and my best friend. We have 4 children: Cole, 21; Hannah-Faith, 20; Jackson, 18; and William, 16. I currently have 2 children at Liberty, and my son Jackson has been accepted for Fall 2023. I am getting ready to retire and hopefully move back to Lynchburg this coming summer. God has blessed my career, and I am very thankful to LUSON for giving me a chance to succeed.

Online Student Support Team

DR. SHARON KOPIS

It is often said “It takes a village,” but to support the Liberty University Online Nursing Programs, it takes a dedicated team of professionals committed to the students, faculty, programs, and the mission of Liberty University to Train Champions for Christ Liberty University School of Nursing offers online programs from RN-BSN, master’s, DNP/APRN, and Ph.D. programs. Within these degree programs, there are specialties to support students’ interest and professional goals. Our skilled team of dedicated individuals supports students from admission to advising for practicum and the final scholarly project/dissertation to graduation. They also manage faculty assignments and all aspects of faculty support. Each team member brings unique gifts and talents. Please meet our support team:

Dr. Alex Boggs, Director of Graduate and Doctoral Studies

As Director of Graduate and Doctoral Studies, Dr. Boggs has the opportunity to work with talented students who are writing their final projects — either scholarly project or dissertation — to complete their degrees. Working with such gifted students keeps him in the loop of the latest research trends and where the literature stands for various aspects of clinical nursing and nursing education. He also

supports the development of instructional materials for students and faculty mentors to help navigate scholarly projects and dissertations.

Dr. Boggs enjoys the blend of research and instructional design elements, which provide him an opportunity to share his gifts and talents. He is always looking to innovate the classroom and promote strategies for research development and transition of scholarship to practice for doctoral students.

In the Fall 2022 semester, we piloted a Deep Dive Webinar for Ph.D. students, which was a fun and successful experience. We are looking to build on that attempt and keep moving to bigger and better things!

Dr. Boggs was initially drawn to Liberty by Dr. Falwell’s oft-quoted sentiment that “if it’s Christian, it ought to be better.” He agrees with that mantra and strives to achieve excellence in all he does. He is pleased to work alongside both faculty and students to promote the mission and vision of Christ and the university.

Mr. John East, Director of Online Admissions

Mr. East has been with LUSON for 9 years in several capacities. Currently, he is the director of online admissions for the LUSON. While his positions have changed over the years, his excitement for

the opportunity to encourage applicants and students with the love of Christ to further their education has not changed.

He enjoys seeing students that he meets at conferences or events walk across the stage at graduation. He appreciates the role each of the students, faculty, and staff have had in his life over the past 9 years, and looks forward to working with them in the future.

Mrs.

Nicole Horsch, Online Student Support Coordinator

Mrs. Horsch has been an online student support coordinator with LUSON for just over a year. She has great experience in logistics, ghostwriting, and homeschool educational coaching and consulting. She also has a background in devotional writing and Bible teaching — she has a passion for helping people see how the Lord is at work in their lives.

Mrs. Horsch is currently pursuing a master’s in human services counseling with an emphasis on life coaching at Liberty University. She loves to work closely with students to plan their programs and cherishes the times she is able to pray with and for her students. Mrs. Horsch’s favorite part about Liberty is the staff and faculty she works with each day because she sees their love for the Lord and passion to share Him with their students.

Mrs. Joanne Jones, Practicum and Clinical Coordinator

Mrs. Jones works as a practicum and clinical coordinator for doctoral programs. She has worked for Liberty University for two years and graduated with her Bachelor of Science degree from Liberty University. While working for LUSON, Mrs. Jones has enjoyed being able to communicate with students and assist them in any way for their practicums and believes it is truly a blessing to see how God can bless each and every one of them.

Mrs. Jennifer Jones, Preceptor Coordinator

Mrs. Jones has served Liberty University in couple positions, most recently as a preceptor coordinator. She works to find new practicum sites and preceptors, including physicians, family nurse practitioners, and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners. She reviews sites and preceptor qualifications against program and accreditation requirements for student placement. The student’s state, location, and preferences are all considered as she strives to find the best fit for the students. Students can also submit potential sites/preceptors, and these opportunities are also reviewed for approval.

Mrs. Jones is much appreciated as she supports the team.

Mrs. Shirley Lee, Director of Clinical Operations

As the Director of Clinical Operations, Mrs. Lee oversees the execution and operations of the InPlace Clinical Placement software. She collaborates with clinical partners to secure clinical space and practicum placements for our students.

Mrs. Lee enjoys the challenge of organizing and allocating our students to their clinical placements and working with the team at LUSON. She gets to know students and encourages them in their schoolwork and clinicals. She also loves seeing their excitement as they grow clinically into “top notch” registered nurses and nurse practitioners.

Mrs. Jenny Luttrell, Director of Compliance and Accreditation

Mrs. Luttrell is our director of compliance and accreditation for Liberty University School of Nursing. She works with state approvals across the country to ensure curriculum requirements for licensure are

met in each state. She also works to receive the necessary approvals for our students to complete their practicum experiences in those states and works with our accrediting bodies on program reporting.

Mrs. Luttrell supports the program serving as a liaison with our Contracts Team in securing affiliation agreements with new entities to allow our students to complete future practicums in those locations. She also currently assists our MSN and Post-MSN DNP students in finalizing their practicum plans to prepare for practicum course registration. She loves the opportunity to work with our students to help them finalize their placements and resolve practicum issues.

Mrs. Luttrell is married to Roger and has four grown children, two of whom currently attend Liberty University.

Ms. Wendy Phillips, Preceptor Coordinator

Ms. Phillips serves Liberty University as a preceptor coordinator. She works alongside Mrs. Jones to find new practicum sites and preceptors including physicians, family nurse practitioners, and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners. She also reviews sites and preceptor qualifications against program and accreditation requirements for student placement and works with processing preceptor stipends and certificates documenting preceptor hours, if requested.

Ms. Phillips always has a smile and is a joy to work with. She enjoys a good hockey game at Liberty University.

Ms.

Josey Walton, Practicum and Clinical Coordinator

Ms. Walton recently joined the team as a practicum coordinator. She helps students ensure they are compliant and ready to start their practicum and works with the preceptor coordinators to assist students through the process of practicum placements. She finds great pleasure in meeting, working, and collaborating with her new team, co-workers, and students.

So far, she reports she has had “the best experience getting settled in here,” and is looking forward to her future with Liberty University and the community that surrounds it. She hopes to eventually become an alumna of the university’s Master of Social Work program.

Mrs.

Cynthia Wright, Faculty Support Coordinator

Mrs. Cynthia Wright serves as a faculty support coordinator for online programs. She has served at Liberty University for nine years and currently works primarily with faculty in the online programs. Mrs. Wright maintains faculty files, supports scheduling faculty and course assignments, performs student support services, and works as a LUSON webmaster.

Mrs. Wright followed God’s plan for her life and joined the LUSON team. She enjoys the Christian environment and learning about others through their stories. Mrs. Wright prays for and enjoys her interactions with others. She consistently uses the skills developed through her degree in psychology (clinical/ministerial counseling) to engage with people as an encourager.

She is married and has three sons, a daughter-in-law, two cats, and a dog. She enjoys knitting by the fireplace with a good Hallmark movie. One of her favorite verses is 1 Chronicles 29:11-12.