Georgia Baptist College of Nursing

NonProfit Org. U.S. Postage

Paid Atlanta, GA Permit No. 2281

3001 Mercer University Drive Atlanta, GA 30341-4115

Save The Date For

Nursing Alumni Day 2012 Friday, October 19, 2012 Atlanta Campus • Mercer University Please join your classmates and fellow alumni in celebrating the nursing profession.

Georgia Baptist College of Nursing of Mercer University offers: Bachelor of Science in Nursing; including pre-licensure and RN-BSN Master of Science in Nursing with three specialties: Nurse Educator (NE) Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Doctoral Programs include DNP and PhD

Graduates Alma Garner, Stella Taylor, Grace Lee Attaway and Kate Endress at the inaugural commencement, November 16, 1904

110 Years of Nursing Excellence

Georgia Baptist College of Nursing of Mercer University Mission

3001 Mercer University Drive Atlanta, GA 30341-4366 678.547.6700 Linda A. Streit, RN, DSN Dean and Professor Board of Visitors Lynn Jackson, Chair John M. Britt, Vice Chair Sharon Cox Tom Dahlia Brenda Hamlin Dugger Catherine J. Futch Kerry Gough Norman Harbaugh Jackie Carter Johnson Eugene T. Kirschbaum Ann Patterson Luther Dorothy Pryor Carolyn Rich Betty Van Gerpen LaMae Williams

Vision Statement

Georgia Baptist College of Nursing of Mercer University will be known as a center of rigorous academic excellence which fosters the development of nurses committed to practice in evolving global environments.

Core Values n

Christian Caring

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Civility, Honor, and Integrity

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Excellence in Scholarship, Leadership, and Clinical Practice

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Global Community Commitment

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Collaboration and Service

Table of Contents Message from the Dean.............................................. 3 Doctor of Nursing Degree Program Accreditation........... 4 Beautiful Examplar of Connections............................... 5 Dr. Kimble Selected for Induction................................. 6 A Salute to Our Military Students................................. 7 Governor Deal Appoints Brenda Rowe ........................ 8

e welcome your comments and suggestions. Alumni are encouraged to send us information to include in the next issue.

Send correspondence to:

Keith Hood is Flying High........................................... 9

Georgia Baptist College of Nursing of Mercer University ATTN: Judy Mosteller 3001 Mercer University Drive Atlanta, GA 30341, or Mosteller_J@Mercer.edu

Upcoming Pi Gamma Events...................................... 18

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Send change of address to: McCurdy_VM@Mercer.edu Visit us at: nursing.mercer.edu 2

The mission of Georgia Baptist College of Nursing is to promote excellence in scholarship, leadership, and clinical practice, founded upon Judeo-Christian principles and the core values of the College that prepare the student to meet global health care needs.

Alumni Day Awards............................................ 10-13 Alumni Notes..................................................... 14-15 Faculty Accomplishments...................................... 16-17 Student Awards Received at NSNA Convention........... 19

Contributing writers:

Photography:

Susan J. Bulfin, RN, DNP JoEllen Dattilo, RN, PhD V. Dare Domico, RN, DSN Susan S. Gunby, RN, PhD Elaine C. Harris, RN, MS Linda A. Streit, RN, DSN

Jill K. Ray Sarah Mitchell Judy Mosteller

Georgia Baptist College of Nursing of Mercer University

Message from the Dean W

ith a history dating back to 1902, Georgia Baptist College of Nursing has a long-standing reputation for educating excellent nurses. The school began with a vision of educating students to “heal the needy sick.” This vision is continued today, but the concept extends to many facets of healthcare delivery.

Educating nursing students continues to include comprehensive courses, which will enable graduates to care for the most complex of patients. Yet, it has become more apparent that the best patient outcomes are achieved when healthcare providers work as a team, with team goals, and comprehensive team outcomes. In order to provide students with the knowledge and skill necessary to care for patients, educators are taking aim at the importance of interprofessional education. The nurse doesn’t save lives, the team does. Members of a “team” work together at providing comprehensive care to patients. Teaching students to be active members of the healthcare team is important to assisting our entry-level providers with bridging their role from nursing student to registered nurse.

Mercer University made significant changes in our approach to healthcare and education with the establishment of the Mercer Health Sciences Center. Together, our disciplines of Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing and Health Professions (such at physical therapy and physicians assistants) are now joining forces in education by using a team approach. Nursing education will not rest solely within the walls of nursing; nursing students must be able to interact with other healthcare members.

Graduates of the undergraduate and graduate programs are challenged by exceptional faculty to learn at their highest potential. With over 7,000 graduates from this College, it is common for our newest of learners to work side-by-side with past graduates from the program. As you read this publication, you may be reminded of this extraordinary place known to many as simply the best nursing school. This is an extraordinary College with outstanding alumni. As I think of Georgia Baptist School and College of Nursing alumni who have made such significant contributions to healthcare, I am reminded of Sir Isaac Newton. When Newton was explaining how he was able to develop such powerful concepts associated with physics, he said, “If I have seen further, it is because I have stood on the shoulders of giants.” Georgia Baptist College of Nursing has been educating nurses longer than any other program in our region. There are many “giants” in the midst of our graduates and the beneficiaries of this excellence will continue to extend to our newest of alumni. Plan to attend our alumni day on October 19, 2012.

You will be in good company! Happy 110th birthday to our College!

Linda A. Streit, RN, DSN Dean and Professor

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Georgia Baptist College of Nursing of Mercer University Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree Program Receives Accreditation From the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education!

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eorgia Baptist College of Nursing hosted an accreditation site visit from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) in November 2011.

DNP programs preparing for accreditation are required to demonstrate incorporation of The Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice (DNP Essentials) (AACN, 2006). Since the inception of the “idea” of starting a DNP program, faculty at Georgia Baptist College of Nursing were preparing for accreditation review. Through attendance at conferences, surveying the community of interest, and preparing course syllabi, faculty maintained an awareness regarding the accreditation evaluation. Faculty realized that within each and every step of creating this program, there would eventually be a review by external evaluators. Faculty were committed to preparing a report which addressed how the program met the established standards. DNP students, community leaders, members of the Board of Visitors, faculty, and administration were all part of the site visit agenda. In May 2012, the College received notification of full initial accreditation of the DNP degree program. All approved programs receive an initial 5-year accreditation term, resulting in the next on-site evaluation visit for the DNP program to be held in Fall Semester 2016.

“Receiving accreditation for the DNP degree program reaffirms our commitment to offering excellent nursing programs which adhere to the standards established within the nursing profession,” shares Dean Linda A. Streit. The DNP degree program is one of three in the state of Georgia.

Georgia Baptist College of Nursing is the only DNP private school option in Georgia and the only program offered in metro-Atlanta.

The College of Nursing also maintains CCNE accreditation in BSN and MSN offerings.

CCNE serves the public interest by assessing and identifying programs that engage in effective educational practices. As a voluntary, self-regulatory process, CCNE accreditation supports and encourages continuing selfassessment by nursing programs and supports continuing growth and improvement of collegiate professional education and post-baccalaureate nurse residency programs.

Scholarship Luncheon

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eorgia Baptist College of Nursing appreciates all of the financial assistance provided by various scholarships to students pursuing careers in nursing. In March of 2012, Dean Linda A. Streit welcomed students, faculty, and individuals who endow scholarships to the luncheon. Our speaker for the luncheon was Sharon H. Cox, alumnus of Georgia Baptist School of Nursing and newest member of the College Board of Visitors. Ms. Cox addressed The Importance of Scholarship Giving.

Scholarships make a difference. I want to thank all supporters of student scholarships for Georgia Baptist College of Nursing of Mercer University. As the demand for professional nurses increases, so do our needs for even more scholarships. This is especially true as we extend courses to the Macon campus.

For over 110 years, the College of Nursing has prepared outstanding nurse leaders and professionals. We pride ourselves on educating the best of the best. Please join us in the celebration of our 110-year anniversary. I encourage you to celebrate the impact this school and college has made over the years by offering a gift of $110 (more if you choose) to a named scholarship fund of your choice, or the Annual Fund. Make a pledge or submit your support today! As a donor to the College you become a part of the continued legacy; you pay it forward, and you especially convey the spirit of fostering a healthier community with the best of healthcare providers.

Most sincerely, Linda A. Streit, RN, DSN Dean and Professor 4

Georgia Baptist College of Nursing of Mercer University

Beautiful Exemplar of Connections

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he October 2009 Alumni Day was a very special occasion celebrating the centennial anniversary of the founding of the Alumni Association (19092009), the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the College of Nursing, and the 10th anniversary of the original dedication of a very special piece of artwork that originally resided at the Baptist Medical Center (as the entity was called in 1999) in Cumming, Georgia.

Through the generosity of the Georgia Baptist Health Care Ministry Foundation and the Georgia Baptist Convention, the artwork was presented to the College of Nursing in a very special ceremony.

The President and Chief Executive Officer of the Health Care Ministry Foundation, Mr. Frank Upchurch, was an integral part of this event as we unveiled and rededicated a beautiful and meaningful reminder of our heritage over the past one hundred years and our dedication to the future. The life-sized sculpture is the half-figure of Dr. Len Broughton and Miss Bertha Blair caring for a sick child.

Dr. Broughton was the founder of Baptist Tabernacle Hospital (on Thanksgiving Day 1901) and the School of Nursing (1902). In 1903, Miss Blair was named the second superintendent of nursing for both the hospital and the School of Nursing. In Dr. Broughton’s words, “My idea had been to found a Baptist institution largely for the training of nurses – that was my chief object in

having a hospital. I realize that cities and states and other organizations could operate hospitals, as far as hospitals, pure and simple were concerned; but my idea was to train Christian nurses.”

In the late 1990s, the artist, Gregory Johnson, was commissioned by the Georgia Baptist Health Care System to create this sculpture for the new hospital in Cumming, Georgia.

This piece, like all of Mr. Johnson’s work, began in oil-based clay, made exclusively by his hands, and was molded and cast in the traditional “Lost Wax Method” of bronze casting. Mr. Johnson is noted for creating bronze sculptures that reflect the energy and vitality of contemporary life, as well as compositions that inspire or endear the viewer to a concept larger than the work itself. Mr. Johnson shared that his concept and focus for this work was “birth and new life” rather than the “illness and death” often used as the base for artwork of health care. He also sought to portray the nurse as an equal partner to the physician in patient care.

Georgia Baptist School / College of Nursing Alumni Association would like for all alumni and friends to be aware of the significance of this artwork which is on display in the first floor lobby area of the College of Nursing.

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Georgia Baptist College of Nursing of Mercer University

Dr. Laura Kimble Selected for Induction as a Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing

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he 39th Annual Meeting and Conference for the American Academy of Nursing holds special significance for the College of Nursing, as the first faculty member becomes inducted as a Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing. Dr. Laura Kimble is one of 176 nurses selected for induction this year. Founded in 1973, the Academy is composed of more than 1800 leaders who are recognized as the nation’s top nurse researchers, policy makers, scholars, executives, educators, and practitioners in the field of nursing. “Selection for membership in the academy is one of the most prestigious honors in the field of nursing,” said Dr. Joanne Disch, PhD, RN, FAAN. “I congratulate all of the new Fellows and look forward to honoring their accomplishments and welcoming them into the Fellowship this October.” (press release) “We are so proud of Dr. Kimble and the outstanding contributions she makes to nursing research and nursing education. This is one of the highest honors received by a nurse,” shares Dean Linda A. Streit. Applicants are reviewed by a panel comprised of elected and appointed Fellows, and selection is based, in part, on the extent to which nominees’ nursing careers influence health policies and the health and well-being of all. Dr. Kimble’s research focuses on persons with ischemic heart disease. She received extramural funding from the American Heart Association, National Institute of Nursing Research, and the National Institutes of Health. She is the author or co-author of multiple research-based articles and abstracts focused on health outcomes in persons with coronary heart disease. Dr. Kimble has received honors for both her research and teaching, including the Georgia Nurses Association Researcher of the Year Award, the Outstanding Alumna Award for Research from the University of Kentucky, and the Teacher/Scholar Award from Emory University. She joined the nursing faculty at Georgia Baptist College of Nursing in 2009, where she was appointed Piedmont Healthcare Endowed Chair in Nursing. She was inducted as a Fellow in the American Heart Association in 2001.

The Induction will be held on October 13, 2012 in Washington, DC. New Fellows will be eligible to use the credentials FAAN (Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing) after their October induction.

PhD Student Named Jonas Scholar

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atasha Laibhen-Parkes, a second year PhD student at Georgia Baptist College of Nursing, received the prestigious Jonas Nurse Leaders Scholar Program grant award. The Jonas Nurse Leaders Scholar Program was created to support educational development of new nursing faculty. The grants, made through institutional awards, also prepare doctoral candidates to help students address the needs of future patients. The Jonas Nurse Leaders Scholar Program is pleased to expand across all 50 states, plus the District of Columbia, with the new cohort of 142 scholars in fall 2012. The new Jonas Nurse Leaders cohort includes 142 PhD and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) scholars representing all 50 states. The scholars will be funded through 2014 with $2 million from the Jonas Center, which the schools leveraged to raise an additional $1.5 million. (continued on page 18) 6

Georgia Baptist College of Nursing of Mercer University

A SALUTE TO OUR MILITARY STUDENTS IN THE GRADUATE PROGRAM

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s competition for employment continues to pose challenges in today’s economy, challenges also exist for upward movement within military ranks. However, graduate students can take advantage of advanced education, since it may contribute to advancing their military careers.

Renice Washington began the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree program in August of 2011. As a certified family nurse practitioner, she chose a program of study which would assist her with advancing her knowledge of clinicalbased research. She is among the second cohort of students accepted to the DNP program at Mercer University. She entered the program as a Commander, but on April 12, 2012 the Navy Reserve publically announced her selection for promotion from Commander to Captain.

Significant competition exists for selection of promotion among Navy Nurse Corps officers on the active-reserve list. Educational pursuit, financial management experience, and joint command work are three criteria which are closely scrutinized in the review of materials. “I am very grateful to have the opportunity to further my education, while also maintaining my duties associated with military reserve service,” shares Ms. Washington.

Captain Washington is a recipient of several nursing scholarships to support her study within the program.

Virginia Vardon-Smith ‘12 was the first active duty military nurse to enroll in coursework in the master of science in nursing program. She completed the MSN program, specializing as both a Clinical Nurse Specialist and Nurse Educator. She joined the Mercer University student body as a full-time student through the Long Term Health Education and Training (LTHET) program, which allows her to enroll in advanced degree coursework while maintaining an active duty status in the army.

Prior to arriving at Mercer University, her active duty station was at Walter Reed Army Medical Center as a staff nurse, commander, and case manager in the surgical and thoracic intensive care units. Immediately prior to this assignment, she was deployed with the 10th Combat Support Hospital (CSH) in Iraq and served in 26 successful air evacuation missions, as well as charge nurse in Iraq. Upon returning from Iraq, her commanding officers recognized her leadership and clinical capabilities and she was awarded the responsibility and title of Company Commander.

Mercer University and Georgia Baptist College of Nursing are proud to participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program. For the current academic year, Mercer supports 102 students in this program; eight students are in undergraduate or graduate nursing programs. All eligible undergraduate and graduate nursing students are encouraged to learn more about this program. Applications must be received at the Office of the Registrar by the published August deadline date.

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Georgia Baptist College of Nursing of Mercer University

Governor Nathan Deal Appoints Georgia Baptist College of Nursing Faculty Member to the Board of Nursing

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n November 18, 2011 Professor Brenda Rowe was selected by Georgia Governor Nathan Deal to serve on the Georgia Board of Nursing. The Board of Nursing consists of eight Governor appointed members; seven members are registered professional nurses and an eighth member is a consumer. Members of the Board of Nursing are responsible for the regulation of registered professional nurses and advanced practice nurses. The Board oversees the rules and regulations associated with established standards for nursing practice and education, as well as qualifications associated with licensure. In addition, the Board ensures that due process is associated with disciplinary procedures.

“This appointment is an honor and I am proud to serve on the Board of Nursing,” shares associate professor Brenda Rowe. Professor Rowe earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Evansville, a master’s degree from Emory University, and a law degree from Georgia State University. Her interests include health care policy, legal and ethical issues affecting health care, and NCLEX-RN preparation for prelicensure students. She has presented at local, state, and national conferences. She completed 28 years in the Army Nurse Corps for the United States Army Reserves, and served during Desert Shield/Desert Storm. She is a member of the State Bar of Georgia, Sigma Theta Tau International, American Nurses Association, and Georgia Nurses Association.

Nursing Board meetings are open to the public and primarily held at the Office of Secretary of State in Macon, Georgia.

Welcoming Our New Faculty Members Tammy Barbé, RN, PhD has served as a nursing educator since 2001. Dr. Barbé has experience in undergraduate education, with more recent experience in graduate nursing education. Prior to academic teaching, she specialized in adult critical care nursing and brings her love of critical care to the classroom. She completed her bachelor of science in nursing and master of science in nursing from the University of South Alabama. Her PhD in nursing degree is from the University of Northern Colorado. Dr. Barbé’s research interests include professional development and leadership behaviors of nursing students, online pedagogy, and active learning strategies in the classroom. Dr. Barbé holds the rank of assistant professor.

Linda Mason Barber, RN, MS was appointed to the nursing faculty in August 2012. Professor Barber earned her Master of Science, with a major in nursing, from The University of South Florida and her BSN from The University of Florida. She successfully defended her thesis and is projected to complete her Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing from Mercer University in December 2012. Prior to joining Mercer University, she served as an Assistant Professor in the department of nursing at LaGrange College. Her research interest is in the area of cardiovascular health, with a specific focus on women and heart disease. Professor Barber holds the rank of assistant professor.

Tara Bertulfo, RN, MSN, DNP was appointed to the nursing faculty in January 2012. Dr. Bertulfo served as an adjunct clinical faculty member for six years before beginning her full-time faculty appointment. Her clinical practice expertise is in the area of women’s health, with a graduate degree focus as a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner. Since 2002, she served as a clinical consultant and committee chairperson for the Region IV Office of Family Planning, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Her areas of interest include family planning, preventative health screening, and addressing health disparities among impoverished women in the United States.

Dr. Bertulfo completed her doctoral studies at the University of Alabama in August 2012. Dr. Bertulfo holds the rank of clinical instructor.

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Georgia Baptist College of Nursing of Mercer University

FLYING

HIGH

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eith Hood always had a plan. He discovered his passion and his purpose shortly after high school graduation when he volunteered at his local fire department as part of the emergency response team. He soon became an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and responded to urgent calls for assistance from people in critical situations. Keith realized quickly that wise actions in a crisis could greatly impact the lives of others. Because he believed more education would help him be more effective, he returned to the classroom and earned an Associate of Applied Science in Emergency Medical Technology - Paramedic.

After additional ground experience as an EMT and a Paramedic, Keith was ready to fulfill his dream and fly. He became a flight paramedic on a medical helicopter in 2000.

But like many high achievers, Keith wanted to strive for an even higher goal. He entered Georgia Baptist College of Nursing of Mercer University in August 2005 and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree in December 2007.

Keith states, “Enrolling in Georgia Baptist College of Nursing was one of the best decisions I could have ever made.

I was familiar with the reputation of the College and was attracted by the strong clinical curriculum. Increased skill competence and the development of a professional knowledge base for practice were the learning outcomes I wanted to achieve.”

The journey Keith took at Georgia Baptist College of Nursing was not just about the learning. Keith explains how the friendships he made will last a lifetime, and he credits faculty for encouraging him to function to his fullest capacity.

“Faculty wanted me to grow both personally and professionally, and I found myself taking active roles in local and national nursing student organizations.” Keith even served on the Board for the state student organization - Georgia Association of Nursing Students.

After graduation Keith completed a six-month Critical Care Residency at Piedmont Hospital. He worked in the Coronary Care Unit and in the Medical-Neurological Intensive Care Unit. He achieved additional certifications, which demonstrated clinical excellence and competence, such as the CCRN designation from the American Association of Critical

Keith Hood, RN, BSN, CCRN, CFRN, CCEMT-P

Care Nurses. Keith also utilized his previously held instructor abilities in American Heart Association and Pre-hospital Trauma Life Support to teach nurses, paramedics and EMTs in and out of the hospital settings.

Although Keith had a strong passion for caring for critically ill patients in the hospital setting, he missed providing care at the point of a crisis and during helicopter transport. In keeping with his previous passion, Keith returned to the skies, while taking his practice to a higher altitude as a Flight Nurse. Since then, he has used his knowledge as both an RN and as a Flight Paramedic, and achieved national certification and earned his CFRN (Certified Flight Registered Nurse) and CCEMT-P (Critical Care Emergency Medical Technician – Paramedic).

In December 2011, Keith accepted a leadership position as Area Medical Education Coordinator for Air Methods Corporation. Sharing the responsibility with another educator, Keith oversees ten helicopter bases and approximately 150 employees throughout the state of Georgia. He is responsible for providing ongoing continuing education and assisting staff to maintain all the mandatory certifications required of flight crews. Keith’s expertise has been recognized nationally and he is now a test item writer for the national certification examination for flight nurses. Keith still schedules a few shifts each month to do what he loves…. fly. “My greatest patient care successes have taken place in a four-foot by six-foot space while flying 1,500 feet above the skyline of the city,” shares Keith.

Keith values his time and experiences at Georgia Baptist College of Nursing. “The College provided me with more than just preparation to be a professional nurse. A sense of honor and a feeling of pride were instilled in me and these are now a part of my spirit.” That spirit soars with Keith every time he gets a call that someone is in need.

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A L U M N I D AY

Georgia Baptist College of Nursing of Mercer University

Award Recipients and Hall of Honor Inductees | October 21, 2011 The Hall of Honor was established in 2002 during the Centennial Celebration to honor the excellence displayed by so many of the alumni from Georgia Baptist School of Nursing and Georgia Baptist College of Nursing. Each inductee into the Hall of Honor receives the beautiful Flame Award. The prestigious Flame Award represents the brilliant reflections cast by graduates and supporters of the College and profession of nursing as they made incredible contributions to the nursing profession and to the world-at-large.

All Hall of Honor inductees and recipients of the Distinguished Alumna Award and the Edna Earle Teal Award have their names on special plaques hanging in the College of Nursing in the literal Hall of Honor. These previous recipients were recognized during the 2011 Alumni Day honors ceremony.

2011 Hall of Honor Inductees into the Hall of Honor and a Summary of Their Achievements Diane Riberich Atkinson was inducted into the Hall of Honor in recognition of her Excellence in Clinical Nursing Practice. Graduating from Georgia Baptist Hospital School of Nursing in 1983, Diane also earned a bachelor of science in nursing degree from Georgia State University in 1985 and graduated magna cum laude. She worked as a staff nurse at Georgia Baptist Hospital on both the neuroscience unit and the neuro-intensive care unit. In 1990, Diane was hired by Piedmont Hospital to help establish an acute 39 bed neuroscience unit with responsibilities for developing and implementing policies and procedures for the unit as well as providing care. After seven years of managing the neuroscience unit, Diane became the nurse manager of the Piedmont Hospital Gamma Knife Center. In 2007, Diane began working at Saint Joseph’s Hospital Gamma Knife Center doing what she loves best – providing patient care. Two years later she assumed a dual role at Saint Joseph’s Hospital in which she works as a staff nurse in the Gamma Knife Center as well as serves as a nurse navigator for patients undergoing specialized high-dose radiation procedures.

Anne Stewart Medlin was inducted into the Hall of Honor in recognition for her Excellence in Clinical Nursing Practice. In 1961, Anne graduated from Georgia Baptist School of Nursing, and later earned her BSN degree from the State University of West Georgia. After graduating

from Georgia Baptist Hospital School of Nursing, she worked for a year at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital in Albany, Georgia. Following that she worked as a staff nurse in orthopedics, ophthalmology, and polio rehabilitation at the Medical College of Georgia. Anne joined the nursing staff at Georgia Baptist Hospital in 1963 and over the course of time through 1975, she worked in several roles on the ortho-neuro floor and later became the orthopedic surgery supervisor in the operating room. Currently, she is the peri-operative nurse educator at Tanner Medical Center in Carrollton, Georgia. In recognition of her excellence in clinical nursing practice, Anne has received numerous awards over the years from the Association of PeriOperative Registered Nurses including Nurse of the Year. In 2004, Anne received the AORN national award for Outstanding Achievement in Mentorship and also was the recipient of the Outstanding Achievement Award in Administrative Leadership and Management from Wellstar Health System. Anne is a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society and is actively involved in the Pi Mu Chapter. She is well known for the numerous professional organizational positions she held, multiple volunteer experiences in community activities, and the many professional presentations she made.

Judy Pressley Phillips was inducted into the Hall of Honor in recognition for her Excellence in Clinical Nursing Practice. In 1984, Judy graduated from Georgia Baptist School of Nursing and earned a BSN degree with honors from the Florida Atlantic University, a master of science degree in nursing degree as a family nurse practitioner

from Medical University of South Carolina, and is expected to graduate the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program at Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing in May 2012. Judy worked in critical care at several hospitals in Florida and South Carolina. She is certified in critical care and as a family nurse practitioner. While working at Desoto Memorial Hospital in Florida, she was name the Employee of the Year. After relocating to West Palm Beach, Judy was named the director of two large critical care units and the emergency department. At that hospital, she was named the Manager of the Year.

When her family moved to Florence, South Carolina, she assumed a leadership position in creating an open heart unit at the Carolina Hospital System. At that institution, she was named a Hall of Fame employee. In 2000, Judy and her family moved to Asheville, NC and she began working as a nurse practitioner at Cancer Care of Western North Carolina – which is a large oncology/ hematology practice employing nine physicians and nine nurse practitioners. Since she began working in oncology, Judy has become certified as an advanced oncology nurse and was named Oncology Nurse of the Year by the Oncology Society of Western North Carolina.

Betty Anders Corn was inducted into the Hall of Honor in recognition for her Excellence in Community Health Service. Betty graduated in 1957 from Georgia Baptist School of Nursing. While a student at Georgia Baptist Hospital School of Nursing, Betty seriously considered becoming a nurse midwife working in the hills of Kentucky, ---- however, she became a Public Health Nurse with the Greenville County Health Department in South Carolina

and remained there for over 30 years. As a public health nurse, she learned to improvise in caring for patients in their homes – particularly when doing physical therapy for individuals with a disability – especially, individuals who had experienced a stroke or had cerebral palsy or spina bifida. Once she and a colleague cut two small trees and sanded them smooth to make parallel bars for a child with spina bifida. Betty used a utility truck to access patients in isolated, rural areas. In 1962, she was named the Team Leader for Home Health Nurses.

In 1972, Betty returned to college to become a family nurse practitioner. After graduation, she worked for a year with a physician before establishing her own practice. Betty initiated the first Teenage Family Planning Clinic in which she did physical exams, counseled girls on birth control measures, and created classes for postpartum clients. In 1987, she was the recipient of the Maternal Child Health Nurse of the Year Award. The person who nominated Betty for induction into our Hall of Honor gave high praise to the impact Betty has had upon patients, students, and colleagues. In concluding the nomination for Betty, the person stated: “Betty Jean Anders Corn has exemplified the nursing ideals that Georgia Baptist School of Nursing instilled in its multitude of graduate nurses.”

Tom Dalia was inducted into the Hall of Honor for his Excellence in Mentorship. Tom is not a graduate of the School or College of Nursing – nor is he a nurse – however, he has been an integral part of the College for a long time. He earned bachelor and master’s degrees in architecture from Tulane University School of

Architecture. While a student at Tulane, he was awarded the Moise Goldstein Award for Free Hand Drawing and a Design Letter of Commendation. Tom is a principal with Smith Dalia Architects with over 30 years of experience in the design and construction industry. Two of Tom’s noteworthy concerns in designing facilities have been technology and accessibility. Tom and Smith Dalia Architects began to work with the College of Nursing in the mid 1990s as we contemplated whether to renovate the downtown facility or build a new facility for the College of Nursing. Tom spent countless hours engaging students, faculty, and staff in thinking about how we wanted to teach and work in the coming years and how that teaching would be conducted in a facility. He and his colleagues designed our current College of Nursing facility. Tom’s adept communication skills and delightful sense of humor extend to participation on national panels and as a guest speaker in numerous venues. He is a member of the College of Nursing’s Board of Visitors and continues to support our strategic planning processes.

The influence of Tom Dalia and Smith Dalia Architects upon our College of Nursing will forever be echoed by the facility designed for us.

Joan Stephens Fountain was inducted into the Hall of Honor in recognition for her Excellence in Mentorship.

After graduating from Georgia Baptist School of Nursing in 1973, Joan worked for on the pediatrics unit at Georgia Baptist Hospital and then worked for nine years in a pediatric office at the Children’s Center of Clayton County. For the past 30 years, she has worked in the Special Care Nursery at Georgia Baptist Hospital and

the Atlanta Medical Center (as it has been since 1997).

She is a Neonatal Resuscitation Program Instructor, a registered preceptor, and a certified neonatal intensive care nurse. One significant honor she received was being named the 2008 Nurse of the Year at Atlanta Medical Center. Joan has mentored countless nursing students in their clinical experiences in the special care nursery.

The person nominating Joan for induction into the Hall of Honor stated: “Joan is an outstanding teacher who gently pushes young nurses to become competent in care of the most tiny and vulnerable patients. She role models compassion when she interacts with frightened (continued on page 12) parents.”

A L U M N I D AY

Georgia Baptist College of Nursing of Mercer University

Award Recipients and Hall of Honor Inductees | October 21, 2011 The Hall of Honor was established in 2002 during the Centennial Celebration to honor the excellence displayed by so many of the alumni from Georgia Baptist School of Nursing and Georgia Baptist College of Nursing. Each inductee into the Hall of Honor receives the beautiful Flame Award. The prestigious Flame Award represents the brilliant reflections cast by graduates and supporters of the College and profession of nursing as they made incredible contributions to the nursing profession and to the world-at-large.

All Hall of Honor inductees and recipients of the Distinguished Alumna Award and the Edna Earle Teal Award have their names on special plaques hanging in the College of Nursing in the literal Hall of Honor. These previous recipients were recognized during the 2011 Alumni Day honors ceremony.

2011 Hall of Honor Inductees into the Hall of Honor and a Summary of Their Achievements Diane Riberich Atkinson was inducted into the Hall of Honor in recognition of her Excellence in Clinical Nursing Practice. Graduating from Georgia Baptist Hospital School of Nursing in 1983, Diane also earned a bachelor of science in nursing degree from Georgia State University in 1985 and graduated magna cum laude. She worked as a staff nurse at Georgia Baptist Hospital on both the neuroscience unit and the neuro-intensive care unit. In 1990, Diane was hired by Piedmont Hospital to help establish an acute 39 bed neuroscience unit with responsibilities for developing and implementing policies and procedures for the unit as well as providing care. After seven years of managing the neuroscience unit, Diane became the nurse manager of the Piedmont Hospital Gamma Knife Center. In 2007, Diane began working at Saint Joseph’s Hospital Gamma Knife Center doing what she loves best – providing patient care. Two years later she assumed a dual role at Saint Joseph’s Hospital in which she works as a staff nurse in the Gamma Knife Center as well as serves as a nurse navigator for patients undergoing specialized high-dose radiation procedures.

Anne Stewart Medlin was inducted into the Hall of Honor in recognition for her Excellence in Clinical Nursing Practice. In 1961, Anne graduated from Georgia Baptist School of Nursing, and later earned her BSN degree from the State University of West Georgia. After graduating

from Georgia Baptist Hospital School of Nursing, she worked for a year at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital in Albany, Georgia. Following that she worked as a staff nurse in orthopedics, ophthalmology, and polio rehabilitation at the Medical College of Georgia. Anne joined the nursing staff at Georgia Baptist Hospital in 1963 and over the course of time through 1975, she worked in several roles on the ortho-neuro floor and later became the orthopedic surgery supervisor in the operating room. Currently, she is the peri-operative nurse educator at Tanner Medical Center in Carrollton, Georgia. In recognition of her excellence in clinical nursing practice, Anne has received numerous awards over the years from the Association of PeriOperative Registered Nurses including Nurse of the Year. In 2004, Anne received the AORN national award for Outstanding Achievement in Mentorship and also was the recipient of the Outstanding Achievement Award in Administrative Leadership and Management from Wellstar Health System. Anne is a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society and is actively involved in the Pi Mu Chapter. She is well known for the numerous professional organizational positions she held, multiple volunteer experiences in community activities, and the many professional presentations she made.

Judy Pressley Phillips was inducted into the Hall of Honor in recognition for her Excellence in Clinical Nursing Practice. In 1984, Judy graduated from Georgia Baptist School of Nursing and earned a BSN degree with honors from the Florida Atlantic University, a master of science degree in nursing degree as a family nurse practitioner

from Medical University of South Carolina, and is expected to graduate the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program at Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing in May 2012. Judy worked in critical care at several hospitals in Florida and South Carolina. She is certified in critical care and as a family nurse practitioner. While working at Desoto Memorial Hospital in Florida, she was name the Employee of the Year. After relocating to West Palm Beach, Judy was named the director of two large critical care units and the emergency department. At that hospital, she was named the Manager of the Year.

When her family moved to Florence, South Carolina, she assumed a leadership position in creating an open heart unit at the Carolina Hospital System. At that institution, she was named a Hall of Fame employee. In 2000, Judy and her family moved to Asheville, NC and she began working as a nurse practitioner at Cancer Care of Western North Carolina – which is a large oncology/ hematology practice employing nine physicians and nine nurse practitioners. Since she began working in oncology, Judy has become certified as an advanced oncology nurse and was named Oncology Nurse of the Year by the Oncology Society of Western North Carolina.

Betty Anders Corn was inducted into the Hall of Honor in recognition for her Excellence in Community Health Service. Betty graduated in 1957 from Georgia Baptist School of Nursing. While a student at Georgia Baptist Hospital School of Nursing, Betty seriously considered becoming a nurse midwife working in the hills of Kentucky, ---- however, she became a Public Health Nurse with the Greenville County Health Department in South Carolina

and remained there for over 30 years. As a public health nurse, she learned to improvise in caring for patients in their homes – particularly when doing physical therapy for individuals with a disability – especially, individuals who had experienced a stroke or had cerebral palsy or spina bifida. Once she and a colleague cut two small trees and sanded them smooth to make parallel bars for a child with spina bifida. Betty used a utility truck to access patients in isolated, rural areas. In 1962, she was named the Team Leader for Home Health Nurses.

In 1972, Betty returned to college to become a family nurse practitioner. After graduation, she worked for a year with a physician before establishing her own practice. Betty initiated the first Teenage Family Planning Clinic in which she did physical exams, counseled girls on birth control measures, and created classes for postpartum clients. In 1987, she was the recipient of the Maternal Child Health Nurse of the Year Award. The person who nominated Betty for induction into our Hall of Honor gave high praise to the impact Betty has had upon patients, students, and colleagues. In concluding the nomination for Betty, the person stated: “Betty Jean Anders Corn has exemplified the nursing ideals that Georgia Baptist School of Nursing instilled in its multitude of graduate nurses.”

Tom Dalia was inducted into the Hall of Honor for his Excellence in Mentorship. Tom is not a graduate of the School or College of Nursing – nor is he a nurse – however, he has been an integral part of the College for a long time. He earned bachelor and master’s degrees in architecture from Tulane University School of

Architecture. While a student at Tulane, he was awarded the Moise Goldstein Award for Free Hand Drawing and a Design Letter of Commendation. Tom is a principal with Smith Dalia Architects with over 30 years of experience in the design and construction industry. Two of Tom’s noteworthy concerns in designing facilities have been technology and accessibility. Tom and Smith Dalia Architects began to work with the College of Nursing in the mid 1990s as we contemplated whether to renovate the downtown facility or build a new facility for the College of Nursing. Tom spent countless hours engaging students, faculty, and staff in thinking about how we wanted to teach and work in the coming years and how that teaching would be conducted in a facility. He and his colleagues designed our current College of Nursing facility. Tom’s adept communication skills and delightful sense of humor extend to participation on national panels and as a guest speaker in numerous venues. He is a member of the College of Nursing’s Board of Visitors and continues to support our strategic planning processes.

The influence of Tom Dalia and Smith Dalia Architects upon our College of Nursing will forever be echoed by the facility designed for us.

Joan Stephens Fountain was inducted into the Hall of Honor in recognition for her Excellence in Mentorship.

After graduating from Georgia Baptist School of Nursing in 1973, Joan worked for on the pediatrics unit at Georgia Baptist Hospital and then worked for nine years in a pediatric office at the Children’s Center of Clayton County. For the past 30 years, she has worked in the Special Care Nursery at Georgia Baptist Hospital and

the Atlanta Medical Center (as it has been since 1997).

She is a Neonatal Resuscitation Program Instructor, a registered preceptor, and a certified neonatal intensive care nurse. One significant honor she received was being named the 2008 Nurse of the Year at Atlanta Medical Center. Joan has mentored countless nursing students in their clinical experiences in the special care nursery.

The person nominating Joan for induction into the Hall of Honor stated: “Joan is an outstanding teacher who gently pushes young nurses to become competent in care of the most tiny and vulnerable patients. She role models compassion when she interacts with frightened (continued on page 12) parents.”

Georgia Baptist College of Nursing of Mercer University Hall of Honor Inductees (continued from page 11)

David E. Harrell was inducted into the Hall of Honor for his Excellence in Mentorship. His influence upon the College of Nursing is so powerful that with all honesty, it can be stated the College of Nursing would not be in existence today were it not for the efforts, encouragement, and support of David Harrell. David earned a bachelor of science in business administration from Nova University, a master of science in financial services from the American College, a master of science in health care policy and management from Mercer University, and a PhD in health services from Walden University. He is a fellow in the American College of Health Care Executives and is board certified in health administration. Prior to his current position as vice President for Health Care Strategic Development with Global Health Education, David was the Director of Strategic Development Healthcare with the University of Phoenix. He was a successful business person in the insurance field before venturing forth into health care administration. While living in Florida, David was actively involved in politics and served as president of the Jacksonville City Council. Additionally, he was senior vice president at the Baptist Medical Center in Jacksonville, Florida. David has many years of teaching experience at several institutions.

Currently, he is an adjunct professor in the School of Public Health at Emory University and was previously a visiting professor in the Robinson College of Business at Georgia State University and an adjunct professor at Mercer University in the Stetson School of Business and Economics. For several years, he was director of managed care services with Coopers & Lybrand.

From 1991 through 2000, David was President and Chief Executive Officer of Georgia Baptist Health Care System. It was in this position that he exerted the tremendous impact upon the evolution of the College of Nursing and upon multiple individuals employed by the different entities within a large health care system.

Karen Lanier Core was inducted into the Hall of Honor in recognition of her Excellence in Health Care Administration. Karen graduated from Georgia Baptist Hospital School of Nursing in 1958. Evidence of the impact she has had upon nursing practice and health care

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administration, Karen was nominated by two individuals for her administrative excellence with the Laurens County Hospital in Dublin, Georgia. From 1981 through 2000, she served as chief executive officer for nursing at the Hospital Corporation of America facility in Dublin. She was presented a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Georgia Association of Nurse Executives and from Georgia College and State University. Karen served on the Board of the Three Rivers Home Health Agency (which was founded by two of our Georgia Baptist Hospital School of Nursing graduates). Due to the fact Karen was unable to attend the Induction Ceremony, she sent the following message to all attendees: “I am overwhelmed with the honor I am receiving. How exciting and humble I feel. Thanks to the great institution of GBH and nursing. I am so sorry I could not be present today.”

Kathy Graves Ferrell was inducted into the Hall of Honor in recognition of her Leadership in Health Policy and Law. Graduating with honors from Georgia Baptist School of Nursing in 1973, she received the highest award given to a student: the Davidson-McKie-Newton Award. Additionally, she received the Cofer-MathewsCaulk Award for Excellence in Maternal Infant Nursing.

While a student, she was elected Miss GBH by her peers and was very actively involved in numerous School of Nursing events and organizations. Earning a bachelor of science in health arts degree from the University of Saint Francis, she also worked as a staff nurse in ob/gyn and from 1975 to 1983, she was the health occupations instructor in Fayette County High School. For three years, she worked in leadership positions at South Fulton Hospital. Kathy has worked as an independent contractor for review of Medicare claims, and for several years she worked with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama as a manager in Medicare services and as a medical review consultant.

From 2001 until the present time, Kathy has worked as a certified legal nurse consultant providing legal support services in the area of healthcare delivery.

Attorneys and clients give high praise for her work as a legal consultant. Since 2008, Kathy has served as a parish nurse with her church and provides whole person health promotion and disease prevention services with an emphasis upon spiritual care.

Anita Sexton Scott was inducted into the Hall of Honor in recognition of her Excellence in Nursing Education.

Graduating in 1972 from the Georgia Baptist School of Nursing, Anita also earned a bachelor of science in psychology from the Brenau College in 1975 and a master’s degree in education from Brenau College in 1977. Anita worked as a charge nurse in maternity nursing at Northeast Georgia Medical Center and as an instructor in the Hall School of Nursing in Gainesville.

Later, she became the Inservice Education Coordinator at Northeast Georgia Medical Center and eventually served as the Director of Educational Services and Academic Liaison for this health care system. From 2004 through 2006, Anita served as the Director of Workforce Planning and Employment with the Health System in Gainesville. Anita served on the Georgia Nurses Association’s Cabinet on Continuing Education from 1994 through 2006. She was a charter member of the Nu Gamma Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society. For six years she served on the Georgia Hospital Association’s Manpower Task Force, and in 1995 she was the state recipient of the Barbara Lewis Mentoring Award by the Georgia Hospital Association. Anita was on the Executive Board of Directors for the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce from 2003- 2006 and served on several advisory boards for schools of nursing. Anita is the author of four publications; the most recent article was in a 2007 issue of Nursing Education Perspectives and was entitled “Mentoring Partnerships as the Wave of the Future for New Graduates.”

Jo Scott-Petty was inducted into the Hall of Honor in recognition for her Excellence in Nursing Education.

Graduating in 1971 from Georgia Baptist Hospital School of Nursing, Jo earned a BSN degree from the Medical College of Georgia in 1976. After graduating from Georgia Baptist School of Nursing, she worked as a staff nurse in pediatrics at the Medical Center of Central Georgia in Macon. Jo became a health occupations instructor at Baldwin County High School in Milledgeville and was named the Program Director and Lead Instructor in the Baldwin Vocational School of Practical Nursing. For three years, Jo served as the Program Director of Practical Nursing at Macon Technical College. Jo worked as a staff nurse in telemetry

Georgia Baptist College of Nursing of Mercer University Hall of Honor Inductees

such as through attendance at meetings of the state and national level nursing student organization, nursing council meetings of the Southern Regional Education Board, and at Alumni Day events.

(continued from page 12)

and the medical critical care unit at Rockdale Medical Center. From 1992 through 1998, Jo was an instructor in the practical nursing program at DeKalb Technical College and served as the Lead Instructor and Department Chairperson in that program. In 1996, she was named the Classroom Educator of the Year from the Georgia Vocational Association. For three years, Jo served as the clinical research coordinator for the Rockdale Clinical Research Associates. In 2003, Jo retired from the Georgia Department of Technical and Adult Education after 30 years of service. Jo is a very active member of the Georgia Baptist College of Nursing Alumni Board and the Pi Gamma chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International.

Jeanne Penny Sewell was inducted into the Hall of Honor in recognition for her Excellence in Nursing Education. Jeanne graduated in 1969 from Georgia Baptist School of Nursing and earned a BSN degree from the Medical College of Nursing in 1974. In 1983, she earned a master’s degree in nursing administration with a minor in medical-surgical nursing from the University of Maryland. Jeanne earned a post-master’s certificate in nursing informatics from Duke University.

After graduating from Georgia Baptist Hospital School of Nursing, she worked as a staff nurse in pediatrics at Grady Memorial Hospital. Additionally, Jeanne worked in numerous positions such as head nurse in the Labor and Delivery area and head nurse in the open heart/ intensive care unit at Georgia Baptist Hospital. She taught nursing at Salisbury State University and was an interim faculty member at the Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University. Since 1991, Jeanne has been an Assistant Professor of Nursing at Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville, GA. She is actively involved in numerous professional organizations with a focus on her area of expertise in nursing informatics. Currently, she is on the Editorial Review Board for the Online Journal of Issues in Nursing as well as the Journal of Online Learning and Teaching. Jeanne is the editor of Merlot (which stands for Multimedia Educational Resources for Learning and Online Teaching) and has authored or co-authored 5 textbooks – one of which is the book published by Lippincott Williams and Wilkins entitled Informatics and Nursing: Competencies

and Applications. Jeanne has received 16 grants and has presented at state, national, and international conferences on subjects such as healthcare informatics, education, and clinical practice.

Dr. Linda Streit was inducted into the Hall of Honor in recognition of her Excellence in Student Leadership Development. Linda is not a graduate of our School or College of Nursing, however, she has been an integral part of the College of Nursing faculty since 1990 and now serves as Dean. She earned a bachelor of science degree in nursing from Indiana State University and master’s degree in nursing from Old Dominion University. From the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Linda earned a Doctor of Science in Nursing degree with a major in adult health nursing with a functional role as a nurse consultant. Linda is certified in endof-life nursing education and by the American Heart Association as a healthcare provider. She is a tenured professor in the College of Nursing. College peers selected Linda in 1992 and 1999 as the recipient of the Faculty of the Year Award. In July 2010, she became the second dean of our College of Nursing since its founding in 1989. Prior to teaching at our College of Nursing, Linda worked as a staff nurse in several areas such as the emergency department, critical care units, and progressive care units.

Additionally, Linda taught at Old Dominion University and the Medical College of Georgia. Throughout her professional career, Linda has been known as a strong mentor for all levels of nursing students. In a multitude of ways, she encourages students to become leaders in the profession. Currently, she is a role model for professional involvement by serving as President of the Pi Gamma chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International. Additionally, she finds ways to involve students in professional activities

Sheri Webster was recognized as the inaugural recipient of the Mercer University Young Alumna Award from the College of Nursing. Sheri earned her BSN from Clemson University and graduated from the MSN degree program at Georgia Baptist College of Nursing in 2006. In this MSN degree program, her area of concentration was in nursing education. While at Georgia Baptist, she received the Kathryn Ransbotham Scholarship and the Susan Sweat Gunby Leadership Scholarship sponsored by the Georgia Baptist Alumni Association. While in the MSN degree program, Sheri received the Pi Gamma Chapter Graduate Student Award. Sheri was the recipient of the “Rising Star” award from Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society; this recognition is presented to outstanding graduate student researchers. She presented her thesis research at the international research conference hosted by Sigma Theta Tau International and at the 2007 biennial convention of Sigma Theta Tau International in Baltimore. Sheri is certified as a specialist in poison information and holds the position of lecturer at Clemson University School of Nursing, where she is the lead teacher and clinical coordinator for the Leadership, Management, and Senior Practicum course. Additionally, Sheri is an advisor for the Clemson University Student Nurse Association, and is an active member of multiple professional organizations and a strong supporter of the College of Nursing and Mercer University.

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Georgia Baptist College of Nursing of Mercer University

ALUMNI NOTES 1950s Barbara D. Comer ’54 worked in the operating room for 46 years and thought it was time to retire, but still returns every year for Alumni Day. Merle Willis Griffin ’57 misses nursing and has many fond memories of her student nursing days.

On January 29, 2012 she celebrated 10 years of survival from pancreatic cancer (at stage III, only 2% survive). She participated in the 16th annual PAN CAN walk on November 19, 2011.

She has 19 chosen grandchildren – 4 Bosnian, 6 Filipino, 6 Vietnamese, and 3 Sudanese. She also has one biological granddaughter.

Margaret McCain ’57 lives in Buford, GA in a Senior Apartment setting. She is active in her Sunday School Class WMU, Abundant Life Fellowship at Buford First Baptist Church. She has three children, four grandchildren, two stepchildren, four step-grandchildren, and five stepgreat grandchildren.

Bette Branan Jones ’58 is retired and living in Griffin, GA. She stays busy participating in water aerobics and yoga three days a week and Tai Chi once a week.

Clara Kelley ’58 is the Director of Bereavement Services at Eternal Hope Hospice. Prior to this position, she worked for over 24 years at Spalding Regional Hospital. She also taught in the Certified Nursing Assistant program at Griffin Tech and is a former member of the advisory board for the nursing school there. She is currently on the advisory board for the Council on Aging, which serves 10 counties. She is an active member of Berean Baptist Church.

1960s Tamara Parsons Acree ’61 is a Parish Nurse at Ellijay First United Methodist Church. She taught at DeKalb College (now Georgia Perimeter College) for 20 years. Although she retired, her RN license remains active. She has participated in nine mission trips and published in Journal of Pediatric Health Care.

Jane Matthews Bolton ’61 went to Tift College and received a BS in 1963. She worked in Louisville, KY while her husband was in school.

She returned to Georgia Baptist Medical Center and retired from the OB / nursery in 2004. She now enjoys family and volunteering.

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Mary Alice Hedden ’61 retired in January 2011 after working for 17 years as a labor & delivery nurse and then as a nurse manager of Atlanta Women’s Specialists for 32½ years. She is now busy with volunteer work, visiting with family, and gardening. She recently returned from a mission trip to Haiti.

Patricia Rogers Stowe ’61 is currently a Family Nurse Practitioner with Warwick Healthcare Rural Health Clinic in Warwick, GA. She is married to Carl Stowe and they have three children and six grandchildren.

Edith Robinson Fox ’62 resides with her husband M. Glenn Fox in Tucker, GA. They have three sons and two grandchildren. She retired from DeKalb Medical Center in 2003.

Catherine J. Futch ‘67 retired as Regional Compliance Officer at Kaiser Permanente on June 30, 2010. She is having a marvelous time during her retirement years, learning to be a “real artist.” She also plays golf and stays busier than when she worked!

Mary F. Nash, RN, BS, CNOR ’68 is currently working at Henry Medical Center in Stockbridge in the position of Director – Perioperative Services.

Carol J. Cowart Sapp ’68 married James Larry Sapp. Together they have one son, two daughters, and eight grandchildren.

She volunteers as National President of the Baptist Nursing Fellowship. She is an Associate Professor in nursing at Georgia College and State University in Macon, GA. Shirley Rogers Rawlins ’69 is currently an Adjunct Clinical Faculty member at Georgia Baptist College of Nursing. She is also a Disaster Health Officer with the American Red Cross. She currently lives in Douglas County with her husband, Buddy.

She has two daughters and two grandsons. She is currently an active member of the Mt. Paran Church of God and serves in the adult worship choir. Her hobbies include organic vegetable gardening, biking, camping, and music.

1970s Debbie Miller ’70 is a Medical Nurse Auditor for EquiClaim in Chicago, IL. She works part time at Children’s Hospital of Atlanta – Egleston in Atlanta, GA and is a Parish Nurse at First Alliance Church, Atlanta, GA.

Suzanne Lampert Dunn’72 received her BS and MS in Counseling at Georgia State University; MSM in Management at Troy State University; and her Ed.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision, December 2011. She is employed as Director of Nursing at Georgia MENTOR, where she works with nurses caring for intellectual and developmentally disabled adults and children.

Joan Stephens Fountain ’73 worked at Georgia Baptist Hospital (GBH) in pediatrics 1973-1977.

She also worked at Children’s Center of Clayton County Pediatrics nine years then returned to GBH in Special Care Nursing and has been here 30 years. She is an RNC-certified in Neonatal Intensive Care, a Neonatal Resuscitation program instructor, a S.T.A.B.L.E. program instructor and a certified preceptor. She has been married to her wonderful husband, Andy, for 39 years. She also has a daughter and two sons, as well as three lively grandsons. She volunteered at the “Bodies Exhibition,” and is active in Boy Scot Troop 909 in Jonesboro, GA, (where her youngest son earned his Eagle Scout rank and her oldest grandson is a scout). She also volunteers at Historic Oakland Cemetery in Atlanta as a docent and visitor’s center staff.

Kathy Graves Ferrell ’73 is the owner of Ferrell Consulting – Legal Nurse Consulting. She serves on the National Board of Directors for the American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants and as a Parish Nurse at Christ Presbyterian Church in Nashville, TN. She has been married to Jimmy Ferrell for 40 years and they have three children and two grandchildren.

Janie Weaver Mercure ’71 is the Manager of Clinical Services at Pinnacle Orthopedics, Marietta Division, Marietta, GA. She is married to James J. Mercure and they have two children: Joseph and Elizabeth.

Anita Sexton Scott ’72 retired in 2006 and enjoys traveling and spending time at her lake home (Lake Hartwell). She is a grandmother to two-year-old “Avery” and 10-month old, “Rylee.”

She worked at Northeast Georgia Health System for 34 years in various roles.

Belinda Searcy Mitchell ’73 is the house Nursing Supervisor at Tanner Health System in Carrollton, GA. Phyllis Botta-Heald ’76 is married to Glenn and they have one son. She works at the Medical Center of Central Georgia in Women’s Services.

Georgia Baptist College of Nursing of Mercer University Laura Downs (Sissy Durham) ’76 married Richard Downs. Together they have two daughters and one grandson. She works at DeKalb Medical in Atlanta, GA. Pam Smith McElroy ’76 has worked at Hospice Case Manager for Altus Hospice for 5 years.

Diane Ashmore Granger ’78 currently works at Gwinnett Medical Center as a Faith Community Nurse and at Lawrenceville First Baptist Church.

1980s Ginger Goss Parker ’81 married Michael L. Parker in 1985. Together, they have two daughters – Hannah and Sarah. She has worked at Floyd Medical Center in Rome, GA in the newborn nursery for 19 years. She also makes and sells homemade fudge to support her four years of Ukraine Mission trips. She hopes to travel to the Ukraine in 2012, with her church, Pleasant Valley South Baptist Church in Silver Creek, GA. Abby Stanley Holcombe ’82 is married to Dr. Robert h. Holcombe (27 years). They have three daughters. She is employed at the Surgery Center of Rome, GA. This is an outpatient facility where her roles are associated with pre-op and post-op nursing. She served on the Floyd Foundation fundraising committee and recently chaired a “Shades of Pink” fashion show to benefit Floyd’s Breast Center. She also chaired a 5K run and 2mile health walk to also benefit the Breast Center.

Over the past three years, she has helped to raise over $100,000 for the Breast Center. The Center serves the northwest Georgia area and supports a mobile mammography unit.

Mimi Cordoso Jones ’83 is married to Dr. Robert T. Jones, Jr. and has one daughter. She worked in ICU for 12 years following graduation. She received her BSN at Clayton State in 1996. She worked in case management and risk management but now is employed as a Clinical Documentation Specialist at DeKalb Medical. She is responsible for two DeKalb Medical campus locations and loves it.

Judy Phillips ’84 is currently a nurse practitioner working in oncology and hematology in Asheville, NC. She is also going to Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing and plans to graduate with a DNP in May 2012. She has been married for 28 years to David Phillips and they have two daughters and their first grandchild was born on June 8, 2011.

Susan Meadow ’86 received the 2011 Clinical Excellence Award from St. Mary’s

Healthcare System where she has been employed since graduation from Georgia Baptist Hospital School of Nursing in June 1986. She wants to thank all of her nursing instructors for “teaching me how to be a great nurse.” In addition, she shared, “So many things about Georgia Baptist are still some of the highlights of my life in nursing.

I am so blessed to have been called to this career and trained by the best--thanks Georgia Baptist!”

1990s Karen Petersen Pugmire ’90 BSN has worked at Atlanta Medical Center since graduation, 21 years ago. She was an ICU RN for 15 years and has been the trauma nurse practitioner for the last 6 years. She was inducted into the Georgia Baptist College of Nursing Hall of Honor for Excellence in Clinical Nurse Practice in 2010.

She was recognized as Atlanta Medical Center’s Nurse of the Year in 2009. She received her Master of Science in Nursing with a FNP specialty from Georgia State University in 2005.

Regina Long Cook ’94 BSN works with Gentiva Hospice and holds certification in Hospice and Palliative care. She has one son, one daughter and one granddaughter.

Kelly Cantwell Myers ’95 BSN is a school nurse at Pace Academy.

2000s Becky Lake ’02 BSN and ’10 MSN is married to Andrew and they now have two sons, Gabriel Porter and Noah. She currently works at Piedmont Healthcare.

Blake Green ’03 BSN is a critical care nurse at Atlanta Medical Center. He completed his MSN at Kennesaw State University, with specialization as a Family Nurse Practitioner. On May 2, 2012 he was presented with the Nursing Excellence Award from the Atlanta Journal Constitution. This event was held at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center.

Sheri Webster ’06 MSN was named the 2011 Amy. V. Cockcroft Fellow – Center of Nursing Leadership, University of South Carolina. She is currently enrolled in the PhD in Nursing Science program at the University of South Carolina.

Erica L. Moore, ’07 BSN has worked in the ICU at Atlanta Medical Center since graduation. She was recently accepted to “two” CRNA programs.

Rebecca Young Gephart ’08 BSN began her

career in the operating room at Windy Hill Hospital in Kennesaw. Since this time, she completed her MSN with specialization in Family Nurse Practitioner at Southern Adventist University in May 2012. She is now a certified FNP. Bralie Branan ’09 BSN is working in Neuro ICU at Piedmont Hospital. In early 2012 she received the Daisy Award. This award is given to a nurse who consistently demonstrates excellence in clinical expertise, extraordinary service, and compassionate care.

The award is made to recognize outstanding role models in the nursing community. Bette Jones (‘58 graduate) is very proud of her niece and sent this information to us.

Nichole Dennis ’09 BSN has been employed in the Burn Unit at Grady Health System in Atlanta since graduation. She applied to the Air Force flight RN position in 2010. After passing her flight physicals and interviews, she was accepted to the program in October 2011. She left for officer training in late 2011. She holds the College of Nursing dear to her heart and hopes to stay involved as an alumnus.

Mary Patton Mann Roberts ’09 BSN married Drew Roberts on June 16, 2012. She is employed at Piedmont Healthcare and received the New Member Pillar Award from Sigma Theta Tau in November 2011.

2010s Crystal Webster Mackie ’10 BSN married Daniel Mackie on May 12, 2012.

Taylor Choi ’12 BSN was recognized in the Gwinnett Magazine, May 2012 for her commitment in caring for persons who have had a stroke.

Obituaries Christine Abercrombie Greene of Douglasville, GA age 105 died on May 18, 2012. She was a 1927 graduate of Georgia Baptist Hospital Training School.

Almeda “BOOTS” Hines Fincher Donalson of Cropwell, AL, age 101, died on May 23, 2012.

She was a 1933 graduate of Georgia Baptist School of Nursing and she was featured in the Fall 2011 publication.

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Georgia Baptist College of Nursing of Mercer University

Faculty Accomplishments Publications Barber, L. M. (in press). The Chair: A Poetic Reflection of Caring. Hektoen International.

Bellury, L. M., Beck, S. L., Ellington, L., Pett, M. A., Clark, J. C., Stein, K. D. (2012). Older breast cancer survivors: Can interaction analyses identify vulnerable subgroups. Oncology Nursing Forum, accepted for publication.

Bellury, L. M., Pett, M. A., Ellington, L., Beck, S. L., Clark, J. C., Stein, K. D. (2012). The Effect of Aging and Cancer on the Symptom Experience and Physical Function of older Breast Cancer Survivors.

Cancer, published online 6/6/2012, doi: 10.1002/cncr.27656 Bellury, L. M. (2011). Elderly Breast Cancer Survivorship (Doctoral Dissertation). Retrieved from ProQuest Dissertations and Theses (UMI No. 3465596).

Hodges, H. (2011). Complexity Theory and Problem-Based Learning. Journal of Nursing Education, 50(1), 7-13, doi 10.3928/01384835-20101029-01 Keeley, A., & Chase, L. (2012).

The Impact of Mental Illness on the Experiential Family Assessment to Promote Affective Learning. Journal of Nursing Education, 51(2), 111-114.

Davis, A. H., & Kimble, L. P. (2011).

Human Patient Simulation Evaluation Rubrics for Nursing Education: Measuring The Essentials of Professional Nursing Practice. Journal of Nursing Education, 50(11), 605-611.

Maxwell, K. 2011. The Implementation of the UHC/AACN New Graduate Nurse Residency Program in a Community Hospital. Nursing Clinics of North America, March 46(1), 27-33. Epub 2010 Dec 3.

Sudia-Robinson, T. (2011). Neonatal Ethical Issues: Viability, Advance Directives, Family-Centered Care. MCN: The American Journal of Maternal Child Nursing, 36(3), 180-185.

Sudia-Robinson, T. (2011). Ethical Implications of Newborn Screening, Life Limiting Conditions, and palliative Care.

MCN: The American Journal of Maternal Child Nursing, 36(3), 188-195.

Callister, L. C. & Sudia-Robinson, T. (2011). An Overview of Ethics in Maternal Child Nursing. MCN: The American Journal of Maternal Child Nursing, 36(3), 154-159.

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Callister, L. C. & Sudia-Robinson, T. (2011). Enhancing Maternal Child Nursing Practice Through Ethical Insight.

MCN: The American Journal of Maternal Child Nursing, 36(3), 150.

Presentations/Abstracts/ Posters Baraona, K. (2012). Reducing Risk for Low Birth Weight: An Educational Tobacco Cessation Intervention for Obstetrical Practices. Presented at the Interprofessional Education and Collaboration in Health Care: The Time is Now. Atlanta, GA. Poster presentation. This topic was also presented at the March of Dimes Prematurity Symposium Examining National, State, Clinical, and Community Efforts. Washington, DC. Poster presentation.

Baraona, K. (2012). Trends in Pregnant Smokers: Evaluation of Centering Pregnancy and Traditional Models of Prenatal Care.

Second Annual Evidence Based Practice Conference. Augusta, GA. Podium presentation.

Barbe, T. (2012). Building Blocks for Strong Test Construction: Part 1. Presented to the faculty at Pacific Union College.

Angwin, CA. Barber, L. M. (2011). The Chair: A Poetic Reflection of Caring. Presented at the 41st Biennial Convention of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.

Grapevine, TX. Poster presentation. Also presented at the Pine Mountain Poet’s Society (2011). Hamilton, GA and to Georgia Baptist College of Nursing (2011).

Barber, L. M. (2011). Courage to be a Nurse Educator. Presented at the 41st Biennial Convention of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.

Grapevine, TX. Poster presentation.

Barber, L. M. (2011). Women and Heart Disease. Presented to the Vernon Woods Retirement Community. LaGrange, GA. Oral presentation.

Bellury, L. M. (2012). Dash to Discharge: Practice Change Takes Much More Than Evidence. Oncology Nursing Society Annual Congress. New Orleans, LA. Podium presentation.

Adherence to Breast Self-Exam/ Breast Self-Awareness in College Aged Women. National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health, Orlando, FL. Poster presentation.

Chase, L. and Keeley, A. 2012. Effects of Mental Illness on the Family: Experiential Family Assessment to Promote Students Affective Learning. American Psychiatric Nurses Association 26th Annual Conference, November 7-10, 2012 in Pittsburgh, PA. Dattilo, J. and Brewer, K. (2011).

Baccalaureate Nursing Students Perceptions About Hand-Held Devices and Electronic Resources as Clinical Learning Tools. AACN Conference, Baltimore, MD. Estes, S. (2012). Utilizing Pharmacology Tools Through the Curriculum. ATI Educator Enrichment Conference, Atlanta, GA. Oral presentation.

Estes, S., Quinn-Thornton, K., and McKnight, L. (2012). Community Clinical and Cultural Immersion: Baccalaureate Nursing Students’ Experiences in Appalachian Kentucky. National Student Nurses Association Conference, Pittsburgh, PA. Poster presentation.

Gunby, S. April 27, 2012. Interview by the Atlanta Journal Constitution. Topic: What makes a great nurse?

Gunby, S. S. (2012). Thriving in a Legalistic Environment. AACN Faculty Development Conference, Atlanta, GA. Invited plenary presentation.

Gunby, S. S. (2011). Transforming and Leading by Choice. Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta 6th Annual CHOICE Retreat.

Atlanta, GA. Invited presentation.

Harris, E. (2011). Mercer University Faith-Based Palliative Care ServiceLearning Initiative. Sigma Theta Tau International 41st Biennial Convention.

Grapevine, TX. Oral presentation.

Harris, E. (2011). Keynote Address at the Georgia Association of Nursing Students Annual Conference, Athens, GA. Harris, E. (2012). It Isn’t Easy Being Green. Keynote address at the MedicalSurgical Nursing Conference, Piedmont Hospital. Atlanta, GA.

Based Learning. Pi Gamma Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International– Business Meeting Presentation. Atlanta, GA. Hodges, H., & Keeley, A. (2011).

Coaching Toward Career Persistence: A Global Collaborative Strategy to Build Capacity Worldwide. Sigma Theta Tau International 41st Biennial Convention.

Grapevine, TX. Podium presentation.

Harris, E. (2012). Panel discussion member for the Georgia Alliance of Science Librarians Annual Conference, Atlanta, GA. Kamp, F. (2012). Boots, Chaps, and Cowboy Hats…Making Simulation Real. Pre-conference workshop at the International Nursing Simulation / Learning Recourse Centers Conference.

San Antonio, TX. Keeley, A. (2011). The Parish Nurse and Persons With Severe and Persistent Mental Illness: Working to Overcome Stigma. The 25th Annual Westberg Parish Nurse Symposium, St. Louis, MO. Oral presentation.

Keeley, A. (2012). The Stigma of Mental Illness and the Parish Nurse.

Congregational Nurse Preparation Course, Atlanta, GA. Kimble, L. P., & Momary, K. M. (November, 2012). A Novel Self-Report Measure of Nuisance Bleeding Following Chronic Antiplatelet Drug Therapy.

American Heart Association Scientific Sessions, Los Angeles, CA. Data-based podium presentation.

Kimble, L. P., Momary, K. M., Grason, S. A., Sponsel, K., Goux, S., & Daehler, A. Concern About Medication, Nuisance Bleeding and Adherence to Clopidogrel.

American Heart Association Quality of Care and Outcomes Research (QCOR) Conference, Atlanta, GA. Research databased poster.

Dunagan, P. B., Kimble, L. P., Gunby, S. S., & Andrews, M. M. (2012).

Psychometric Evaluation of Tools Measuring Cultural Competence in Baccalaureate Nursing Students: A Pilot Study. Southern Nursing Research Society, New Orleans, LA. Poster presentation.

Bellury, L. M. (2011). Evidence-based Practice for Oncology Nurses. Metro Atlanta Oncology Nursing Society Chapter Meeting. Invited speaker.

Harris, E. (2012). The Dramas of Grief.

Presented at Hospice Atlanta Education Initiative for Clergy and for Families of Children Under Stress (FOCUS) Annual Education Conference. Oral presentations.

Streit, L. A. and Domico, D. (2011).

Developing and Sustaining Partnerships: The Key to Successful Healthcare Initiatives.

41st Biennial Convention for Sigma Theta Tau International. Grapevine, TX, Paper presentation,

Bertulfo, T. F. & Gaskins, S. (2012).

A Text Message Reminder to Increase

Hodges, H. (2011) Preparing New Nurses With Complexity Science and Problem-

Streit, L. A. and Domico, D. (2011).

Palliative Care in Church Communities.

Georgia Baptist College of Nursing of Mercer University 41st Biennial Convention for Sigma Theta Tau International, Grapevine, TX, Paper presentation.

Streit, L. A. (2011). Healing Partners: The parish Nurse and Hospital Care Providers.

Northside Hospital Ethics Committee Presentation, Atlanta, GA, August, 2011 Sudia-Robinson, T., Gunby, S. S., & Bulfin, S. J. (2011). Forging the Pathway to Collaborative Scholarship Among Nursing PhD and DNP Students. Sigma Theta Tau International 41st Biennial Convention.

Grapevine, TX. Podium presentation.

Sudia-Robinson, T., Bulfin, S. J., Gunby, S. S., Kimble, L., Streit, L., & Domico, V. D. (2012). Successful Scholarly Community Building Among DNP and PhD Student in Hybrid Doctoral Study. Naples, FL. Podium presentation.

Sudia-Robinson, T. (2012). Expanding Ethical Insight and Skill Development Among Nursing Students, Faculty, and Practicing Nurses. Sigma Theta Tau International Research Congress, Brisbane, Australia. Podium presentation.

Sudia-Robinson, T. (2011). Anticipating and Managing Emerging Ethical Issue in Nursing Practice, Education, and Research.

Sigma Theta Tau International 41st Biennial Convention. Grapevine, TX. Poster presentation.

Sudia-Robinson, T. (2011). Ethical Issues in Neonatal Care. Pi Gamma Chapter of Sigma Theta. Atlanta, GA. Summerville, J. (2012). Easy as 1, 2, 3: Using One Handler to Program a Scenario.

International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation, San Antonio, TX Summerville, J. (2011). Using All Levels of Fidelity to Create Short Simulations to Promote Recognition of Acute Situations and Clinical Decision Making. International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning. Orlando, FL.

Grants Submitted/Funded Baraona, K. (2010-2011). “Promise of Nursing for Georgia Regional Faculty Fellowship.” ($3,000).

Fuller, F., Streit, L. A. and Domico, D. May 2012. Competitive grant submitted to HRSA - Advanced Education Nurse Traineeship. The grant focused on support for family nurse practitioner students. Funding decision is pending.

Fuller, F - Project Director. Funding request: $700,000.

Kimble, L. P. (2012). Served as sponsor to PhD student Natasha Laibhen-Parkes’ application for the Jonas Nurse Leader Scholars Program. ($10,000). Funding period 07/01/12 – 06/30/14.

Kimble, L. P. (2012). “Perceptions of Nuisance Bleeding and Its Impact on Adherence Decisions in Patients on Antiplatelet Therapy.” ($2500) Mercer University Seed Grant.

Streit, L. A. and Domico, D. July 2012. Health Resources and Service Administration (HRSA/DHHS), Nurse Faculty Loan Program. Total support: $1,250,000. Funding period 07/01/12 06/30/12. Streit, L. - Project Director.

Sudia-Robinson, T., Kimble, L. P., and Gunby, S. S. (2012). “Ethical Insight and Skill Development Among Nursing Students: Pilot Project for Instrument Development.” ($3050) Mercer University Seed Grant.

Appointments/Honors/ Service Kim Baraona was promoted to the rank of Clinical Assistant Professor, effective July 1, 2012.

Kim Baraona (2011) received The Emily Flanders Nairn Scholarship for support her doctoral education.

Linda Mason Barber (2012). Presidential Consultant to the Georgia Association of Nursing Students (GANS).

Linda Mason Barber (2012). Event Committee Chair for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s Disease in Troup County.

LaGrange, GA. Linda Mason Barber (2011-present).

Board Member, Heart of West Georgia, LaGrange, GA. Linda Mason Barber (2011-present).

Race Director and Event Coordinator for the 5K run/1 mile walk to benefit Harmony House (domestic violence shelter), LaGrange, GA. Linda Mason Barber (2010-2012).

Coordinator for CPR/First Aid course for Florida State University Circus Members at Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain, GA. Linda Mason Barber (2012). Member of the Scholarship and Awards Committee for the Georgia Association for Nursing Education (GANE).

Lanell M. Bellury (2012). Received the Outstanding PhD Student Dissertation Award, University of Utah.

Lanell M. Bellury – Metro Atlanta Oncology Nursing Society Chapter; Nominating Chair 2011; President-elect 2012.

Lanell M. Bellury (2012). Abstract Reviewer, 6th Biennial Cancer Survivorship Research Conference.

Lanell M. Bellury (2012). St. Joseph’s Hospital Institutional Review Boards, 1 & 2; Scientific Nursing member.

and Chair of Scholarship Committee. She is also an abstract reviewer.

Lanell M. Bellury (2010 - ongoing).

Director, Nursing Research Scholar Program St. Joseph’s Hospital of Atlanta.

Ann Keeley serves as a member of the advisory council, Friendship Center, and a Parish Nurse at Holy Comforter Church.

Atlanta, GA.

Susan J. Bulfin (2012). Distinguished Faculty Member of the Year. Selected among the faculty at Georgia Baptist College of Nursing.

Laura P. Kimble serves as a reviewer for Applied Nursing Research, Heart & Lung, and Research in Nursing and Health.

Susan J. Bulfin (2012). Received Family Nurse Practitioner certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

Susan Estes was promoted to the rank of Clinical Associate Professor, effective July 1, 2012.

Susan S. Gunby serves as Editor of the Journal of Southeastern Surgical Associated and is a member of the Editorial Review Board for the International Journal for Human Caring.

Susan S. Gunby is a manuscript reviewer for the Journal of Nursing Scholarship and Nursing Outlook.

Susan S. Gunby served as an Abstract Reviewer for the 2012 State of the Science Congress on Nursing Research and the 23rd International Nursing Research Congress, Sigma Theta Tau International.

Elaine Harris was the co-planner for the Visiting Nurse Health System Hospice Atlanta Clergy Outreach Initiative held March - April 2012. The initiative focused on four two-hour seminars to help clergy minister to congregants who are facing a life-limiting illness, end of life, or grief.

Elaine Harris is a bereavement consultant for Families of Children Under Stress.

Helen Hodges is a member of the Review Panel for Western Journal of Nursing Research, Journal of Advanced Nursing, and the Journal of Nursing Education.

Helen Hodges serves as a grant reviewer for Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Division of Nursing, Nursing Education, Practice and Retention (NEPR), Objective Review Committee (OCR), Bethesda, MD.

Laura P. Kimble serves on the Nursing Research Advisory Council for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA. Brenda B. Rowe was appointed to the Georgia Board of Nursing by Governor Nathan Deal in November 2011.

Kelli Shugart was promoted to the rank of Clinical Associate Professor, effective July 1, 2012.

Linda A. Streit was nominated and elected to serve on the Board of the Southern Regional Education Board – Council on Collegiate Education for Nursing. She will assume her position following the annual meeting held in November 2012.

Linda A. Streit was appointed to serve on the Region 7 Communications Committee for Sigma Theta Tau International.

Tanya Sudia-Robinson serves as a Reviewer for Project Grants through HRSA. Tanya Sudia-Robinson serves as a Reviewer for MCN, The American Journal of Maternal Child Nursing.

John Summerville served as a simulation consultant to St. Joseph’s Hospital of Atlanta, 2012.

Additional Nursing News Dr. Linda A. Streit and Professor Ann Keeley attended the St. Joseph’s Mercy Care Services Banquet and Award Luncheon to honor Regina M. Benjamin, MD, MBA and 18th Surgeon General of the United States.

Fran Kamp serves as a CPNE Consultant: Appeals Committee for Excelsior College.

Fran Kamp provides service to the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation Learning (INACSL) as a member of the Conference Planning Committee

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Georgia Baptist College of Nursing of Mercer University

UPCOMING PI GAMMA EVENTS Pi Gamma New Member Tea Tuesday, November 13, 2012 at 4:00 p.m.

Tea will be served in the Trustees Dining Room on the Cecil B. Day Campus, Atlanta, Georgia.

Pi Gamma New Member Induction Saturday, December 1, 2012 at 10:00 a.m.

The member induction will be held in the chapel of the Atlanta Administration & Conference Center.

Pi Gamma Spring Member Meeting Wednesday, February 20, 2012 at 12:00 noon The spring member meeting will be conducted in room 137 in the College of Nursing Building.

PhD Student Named Jonas Scholar (continued from page 5) “We wanted the Jonas Nurse Leaders Scholar Program to dramatically change the landscape of nursing education and, ultimately, the future of nursing and healthcare,” said Donald B. Jonas, co-founder. “We feel we’ve made great strides towards the first goal and look forward to the impact these remarkable men and women will have on the healthcare of future generations.”

Ms. Laibhen-Parkes will receive a total of $20,000; $10,000 for each of the 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 academic years.

“I am extremely proud of Ms. Laibhen-Parkes,” says Dr. Laura Kimble, Piedmont Healthcare Endowed Chair in Nursing and faculty sponsor in the nomination of Ms. Laibhen-Parkes. “Her research and practice will be critical to the development of new knowledge in nursing education.” Mercer University is one of only two schools in Georgia to have a student receive this prestigious scholarship. Mercer University nursing dean Linda A. Streit said, “Natasha exemplifies all the qualities of a Jonas Scholar. Her intellectual ability, strong work ethic, and commitment to nursing education and scholarship provide the foundation for her national leadership potential.”

The Jonas Center for Nursing Excellence will reach an important milestone this fall, as the third cohort of nursing doctoral candidates in its Jonas Nurse Leaders Scholar Program brings the program to a national scale. Launched in 2008 with six scholars in three states, the program now includes more than 200 students in nearly 85 schools across the United States. It is the largest program addressing the nation’s dire shortage of nursing faculty.

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Georgia Baptist College of Nursing of Mercer University

Student Awards Received at the 2011-2012 National Student Nurses Association 60th Annual Convention

Isabel Hampton Robb Leadership Award: Presented to Margaret (Maggie) Adamack [GBCN ‘12], Immediate past president of the Georgia Association of Nursing Students.

Most Outstanding School Website: Georgia Baptist Association of Nursing Students

The Image of Nursing Award was submitted by Katie Quinn Thornton [GBCN student] on behalf of the Georgia Association of Nursing Students.

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NonProfit Org. U.S. Postage

Paid Atlanta, GA Permit No. 2281

3001 Mercer University Drive Atlanta, GA 30341-4115

Save The Date For

Nursing Alumni Day 2012 Friday, October 19, 2012 Atlanta Campus • Mercer University Please join your classmates and fellow alumni in celebrating the nursing profession.

Georgia Baptist College of Nursing of Mercer University offers: Bachelor of Science in Nursing; including pre-licensure and RN-BSN Master of Science in Nursing with three specialties: Nurse Educator (NE) Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Doctoral Programs include DNP and PhD

Graduates Alma Garner, Stella Taylor, Grace Lee Attaway and Kate Endress at the inaugural commencement, November 16, 1904

110 Years of Nursing Excellence