Editor’s Note: This is part of a series introducing various members of the campus community to Eastern for a better understanding of those who maintain the operations of the university.

Where did you receive your degrees from? 

Associate Degree at Lake Land College, Bachelor’s Degree at Mennonite College of Nursing at Illinois State University, Master’s Degree in Nursing Education at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and Doctorate of Education at Grand Canyon University.

If we saw your music playlist, what would the top five songs be? 

• Take Me Home Country Roads by John Denver

• Funhouse by Pink

• Run by George Strait

• Lose Yourself by Eminem

• Cruise by Florida Georgia Line

Where is your favorite place on campus? 

North Quad

What is a place in Charleston you think everyone should know about?

Downtown Square

Who is someone you admire in your field and why? 

Catherine Kaesberg a nursing instructor I had in undergrad. Her classes were so interesting. She inspired me to teach.

Why did you go into the field you’re in? 

Nursing is very challenging and I wanted to be able to coordinate care and make a difference in people’s lives. 

What positions have you held during your career in higher education?

Instructor of nursing at Olney Central College for 9 years. I am in my 7th year at EIU. I have taught in the online RN-BSN program and now I am the Chair of the School of Nursing and Director of the traditional Bachelor’s program.

What are the most rewarding aspects of your current position? 

Building a new program and creating opportunities for students. It is exciting that our students have a new simulation lab and amazing faculty to teach them.

What are the most challenging aspects of your position? 

Building every new course in the new program from scratch. This includes determining textbooks and resources that best fit the classes. The national licensure exam for nurses is changing in 2023 so it is important that we create our courses to prepare for the new exam. 

What advice would you give to students in your department for their college careers?

No one said that it would be easy, but it will be worth it! 

What is your number one goal for your students? 

Completing the program and passing the national licensure exam.

The News Staff can be reached at 581-2812 or at dennewsdesk@gmail.com.