Auburn campaign seeking

for the School of Nursing$13.6 MILLION

LANTERNAUSO

N

FALL 2015

FacilitiesWith only 11,700 square feet, Miller Hall

no longer provides adequate space for the school. A new building that is four times the size will drastically increase the availability of much-needed space for classrooms, lecture halls, simulation labs, and research initiatives; provide ample room to grow enrollment; and expand opportunities for students to learn in a highly technical, dynamic, and interdisciplinary environment.

Growing the enrollment is paramount to providing stability not only to an industry plagued by bedside, primary care, and outpatient staffing shortages, but to Auburn’s graduate programs. Because Auburn’s undergraduate program serves as a feeder to the graduate programs, increasing undergraduate admissions capacity will have a significant influence on meeting the primary care and chronic-illness management needs of the people of Alabama and beyond.

The healthcare industry is responding to national nursing shortages by calling for schools of nursing to expand capacity to train the next generation of primary care professionals. Prospective students have

their research efforts promptly. Additionally, research support for current faculty will increase their productivity and funding applications, assist with their publishing success, and enhance the school’s reputation.

ProgramsEngaging top undergraduate students

in research will enhance Auburn’s use of evidence-based practice and better prepare students for graduate study. Increasing global outreach and research efforts will support ongoing student clinical learning initiatives in Africa and South America. Support of student leadership activities will prepare students for leadership positions and increase Auburn’s visibility nationally. Gifts to fund faculty outreach efforts will support projects that benefit the community, translate faculty teaching and research into action, and provide students with hands-on opportunities to hone their nursing skills.

As part of Auburn University’s ambitious

$1 billion comprehensive campaign, the

School of Nursing is seeking $13.6 million

for a new facility and increased support for

students, faculty, and programs. Students $3,000,000

Faculty

$1,200,000

Programs $4,600,000

Facilities

$4,800,000

responded to that all in droves, which for Auburn meant undergraduate enrollment grew 250 percent and graduate enrollment increased fivefold between 2010 and 2014.

StudentsEstablishing annual and endowed, need-

based scholarships for undergraduate students will help increase opportunities for first-generation students to pursue careers in nursing. Merit-based scholarships will assist in attracting the talented students for which Auburn competes with peer institutions. Fellowships and assistantships will allow graduate students to pursue their degrees full time, accelerating their entry into the workforce.

FacultyFaculty shortages across the country

have limited Auburn’s capacity to enroll more students as the need for nursing graduates continues to grow. Named, endowed professorships for nursing faculty will assist Auburn in attracting and retaining superior faculty. Start-up support for new faculty members will provide them with the necessary funds to begin

To learn more about the School of Nursing’s campaign and ways to support it, contact Shelley Grider at (334) 844-6753 or gridesw@auburn.edu.

Development Coordinator Christy Tanner earned a degree in social work, graduating magna cum laude, from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2008 and a master of public

administration in nonprofit and community governance from Auburn in 2011. She is a licensed baccalaureate social worker and has been employed with Villa Hope Adoption since 2009. Tanner is also an active member of Church of the Highlands and the Junior League of Lee County. Prior to her appointment in the school, she served as the development coordinator for the Honors College, Graduate School, and Auburn’s military/ROTC. Proud of her upbringing as a farmer’s daughter, Tanner enjoys country living, including deer hunting and bass fishing. Some of her other favorite pastimes are listening to music and attending live shows, reading, cooking, and playing with her dog, Deacon.

Assistant Clinical Professor Ed Campbell, a board certified pediatric nurse, started his career as a missile and munitions maintenance officer in the U.S. Air Force. He entered nursing as

a second career after the birth of his first son. The child, born with an anoxic brain injury and cerebral palsy, unfortunately passed away before Campbell finished his nursing degree. Campbell worked at Children’s of Alabama before he taught at Jefferson State Community College in Birmingham. He joined Auburn’s faculty in February. He has a BS in molecular biology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, an ADN from Jefferson State, and an MSN in nursing education from Liberty University. Campbell is currently enrolled in the doctoral program in interdisciplinary leadership at Creighton University, which he anticipates completing in 2016. He and his wife have three children.

Assistant Clinical Professor Kelley Noll, a native of Evansville, IN, received her BSN from Samford University in December 2007 while working at Brookwood Medical Center

in Labor & Delivery as an OB Tech. She was hired as an RN and stayed at Brookwood until July 2011. Noll began working at Baptist Medical Center East in Montgomery the following month, but joined the faculty at Auburn a year later as a clinical associate. She completed her MSN through the joint Auburn/AUM program in 2013 and is currently working on a PhD in adult education at Auburn. Noll was named an assistant clinical professor last fall. Within the school, she serves on the committees for Research/Scholarship and Curriculum. She’s also the membership advisor and faculty sponsor for her collegiate sorority chapter on campus.

Clinical Associate Sarah Watts, a native of Camden, earned a BSN and MSN from Samford University in 2005 and 2012, respectively. She is currently in the doctoral nursing

program at Mercer University in Macon, GA, and anticipates graduating in December 2016. The focus of her dissertation is the learning environment in undergraduate nursing education. Before joining the Auburn faculty earlier this year, Watts had worked for the school on a part-time basis. She also worked at East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika and St. Vincent’s East Hospital in Birmingham. Watts is a member of the Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society, Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, Phi Kappa Phi, and the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses. Her areas of specialty include emergency and critical care nursing.

Assistant Clinical Professor Erica Kierce is from the Auburn-Opelika area. She received an ADN from Southern Union State Community College in 2007, a BSN through the EARN program at

Auburn University Montgomery in 2010, and an MSN from the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a specialty of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in 2013. Before joining the faculty at Auburn earlier this year, Kierce worked at East Alabama Medical Center in the inpatient psychiatric unit, East Alabama Psychiatric Services’ outpatient office, and East Alabama Mental Health-Family and Children Services’ community clinic. She also taught as adjunct faculty for the EARN program at AUM. Kierce lives in Auburn with her husband and two sons. Her interests include reading with her children, refinishing furniture, and when time allows, painting and creating art. She also loves coffee.

New Faces

Student SuccessA Parent’s PerspectiveAfter her son, John Parker, was treated for pneumonia at Baptist East in Montgomery, Kim Wilson shared the following story with Auburn faculty: “We wanted to tell you how much we appreciate

your nursing student Colby Nelson. Colby and John Parker became buddies instantly. Colby was so compassionate, caring, and did his job with excellence. We could tell he has a calling to nursing. Please let Colby know how grateful we are for his care of John Parker. He is going to make an incredible nurse. Thanks again for everything.”

ePortfolio Award WinnerHannah Sims received second place in Auburn’s ePortfolio Project at the second annual award luncheon hosted by Provost Timothy Boosinger. The ePortfolio Project, an initiative that promotes learning through the creation of integrative portfolios, recognized the exceptional work of 13 students at the event.“These students have invested countless hours into creating something that is more than just a collection of the work they have completed while at Auburn,” Boosinger said. “They have created a resource that demonstrates their knowledge, skills, passion, and capacity to impact the world beyond Auburn.”

Informing the PublicFor their Community Assessment project, four nursing students – Hailey White of Nashville, TN; Sydney Brown of Birmingham; Sara Young of Florence; and Madeline Scullin of Birmingham – spent a hot June day in Union Springs.They set up a display in front of the Main Drug Store because of its proximity to medical offices and talked to people about asthma. Each person who entered the store was offered a bottle of water and

some health information. One customer, Rebecca Atkins, who has asthma, was grateful for the tips from the students.

Student-Athletes Turned NursesThe fall 2014 cohort included three student-athletes:

Mary Arrington, from Marietta, GA, is an outside hitter/defensive specialist on the volleyball team.

Alyssa Ivey, from Franklin, TN, is a setter on the volleyball team.

Alex Harrell, from Phenix City, is a member of the women’s golf team.

The spring 2015 cohort included one student-athlete:

Carly Scheper, from Fort Mitchell, KY, is a member of the women’s swimming and diving team.

Body Lessons at Boot CampAssistant Clinical Professor Ann Lambert took 85 nursing students to Brainiac Boot Camp, a summer reading program at Stephens School in Alex City this summer. The Auburn students developed age-appropriate health projects to present to the young campers. The theme for the day was the body. More than 280 youngsters attended Auburn’s presentation.”

Awards & HonorsSGA Honors Faculty & StudentsThe Auburn Student Government Association held its annual Honors

Ceremony on April 15 and recognized outstanding faculty and students from every college and school. For the School of Nursing, the Outstanding Faculty Award went to Amy Curtis, left, an assistant clinical professor, and the Outstanding Student Award was given to Amy Ellison, right.

Distinguished Alumna AwardSusan Posey Holmes, ’81, a BSN graduate from the first class in the School of Nursing, was recognized

during the annual convocation ceremony as the 2015 recipient of the Distinguished Alumna Award. The annual award recognizes exceptional accomplishment in, or contributions to, the nursing profession. Also, pictured is Dean Gregg Newschwander.

Nurse of Nurses AwardThe Robert and Marjorie Goodson Nurse of Nurses Award was presented to Kinsey Crow in the spring

and Lucy Bracht in the summer. Established to honor the memory of the Goodsons, a civic-minded couple who loved the Opelika community and the young people in the area, the award is presented to a student in their final semester of the professional nursing program. The senior class decides on the honoree by answering one question: If you were a patient in the hospital, who in your class would you want to be your nurse?

Also this summer, senior Logan Dean became the first recipient of the Robert and Marjorie Goodson Perseverance Award. The honor is presented to a student in their final semester of the professional nursing program who

has a 3.0 GPA and has been employed out of necessity during their final academic year.

Faculty SuccessTanya Johnson, assistant clinical professor, had her first manuscript published, collaborating with Associate Professor Teresa Gore, on the leadership simulation.

Caralise Hunt, assistant professor, received an Intramural Grant Program award to support her diabetes research project.

Kelley Noll, assistant clinical professor, received a grant for Auburn’s ePortfolio Project.

E. Jean Dubois, associate clinical professor, received a $21,250 Auburn University Competitive Outreach Grant to support CHIP, the Community Health Investment Program. Dubois is collaborating with Margaret Williamson in the Harrison School of Pharmacy. The mission of CHIP is to increase access to and enhance healthcare services to the underserved residents of the community.

Karol Renfroe, the Nursing Resource Center coordinator for the past seven years, is now an assistant clinical professor.

When Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley appointed Francine Parker to the Alabama Board of Nursing four years ago, she became the first Auburn faculty member to earn a seat on the board.

Now, as the Alabama Board of Nursing, or ABN, celebrates its 100th year, Parker has the honor of serving as its president, upholding the board’s mission to promote the safety and welfare of the public.

ABN is an administrative state agency whose ultimate responsibility is enforcement of Alabama’s Nurse Practice Act and Administrative Code through the regulation of nursing practice. With nearly 90,000 licensees in Alabama, including 70,000 registered nurses and 18,000 practical nurses, nursing represents the largest population of professionals licensed and regulated by any single regulatory board in the state. Its mission is to advance safe quality care through licensure, certification and education.

Parker Embraces Leadership Role with Alabama Board of Nursing

Hendricks Addresses Graduates of Her Alma MaterConstance Hendricks, a Charles W. Barkley

Endowed Professor, delivered the keynote address at Concordia College Alabama’s commencement ceremony in May.

Simply put, the ABN safeguards the people of Alabama by assuring nurses graduate from approved programs and are licensed to practice once they have passed the National Council Licensure Exam. There currently are 68 pre-licensure programs in Alabama, all of which submit a detailed education report to the board annually, summarizing key program components, such as curriculum and faculty resources. Parker has served on a subcommittee to evaluate these reports for the past three years.

Serving on the board and now as president has added much responsibility to Parker’s already full plate. In addition to her teaching duties, she has been the interim associate dean since June 2014, which will transition to a permanent position this fall. Although an administrative appointment is accompanied by substantial increase in responsibility, Parker has embraced the leadership role and is able to connect practice to theoretical foundations within the leadership and management course she teaches to senior students.

“I believe the leadership skills developed over the 35 years of my nursing career, in practice and academia, have prepared me well for the roles of board president and associate dean,” she explained. “It’s good for our students to see me actively involved in such an important agency as the board. Role modeling lifelong learning illustrates for students that faculty do not just talk the talk, but we are committed to service in our areas of expertise.”

Parker started her nursing career in 1976, joined the Auburn Montgomery nursing faculty in 1994, and became full-time faculty at Auburn in 2006. She said she plans to stay at Auburn until her retirement, which she promises is “many years down the road.”

She graduated from Alabama Lutheran Academy, the valedictorian in 1971, before it became Concordia College, the nation’s only historically black Lutheran college or university. Hendricks is a native of Selma, where Concordia is located. She currently serves as president of Concordia’s National Alumni Association.

For the 89th commencement ceremony, more than 50 students walked across the stage to receive their diplomas in business administration, early childhood education, general education, applied management, and general studies. Students who participated in the Concordia University-Wisconsin Justice and Public Policy program also received their diplomas.

“I am humbled and honored to have been given the privilege to stand in between graduates getting their diplomas, so my goal was to share an inspirational challenge in 10 minutes,” she admitted.

In her speech, Hendricks offered words of wisdom and encouragement: “You are a Concordia College Alabama alumnus. You

successfully navigated the challenges to demonstrate that you are worthy of crossing this platform this morning. You have been nurtured in a Christ-centered educational environment for a life of responsible service in the church, in the community, and yes, even in the world. Best wishes in your life’s journey as you become better than the best in your role as a member of the Concordia College alumni family and as you become the best you can become.”

The Rev. Tilahun M. Mendedo, president of Concordia, allowed Hendricks’ daughter, Denisha Hendricks, to participate in the ceremony, processing in with CCA faculty. Denisha, a two-time Auburn alumna, is the associate vice president and director of athletics at Chicago State University.

After CCA, Hendricks went on to earn degrees from the University of Alabama-Birmingham and Boston College, where she was the first African-American to complete its nursing doctoral program. She has been a part of the Auburn faculty for 17 years, and retired Aug. 1.

In March, I had the opportunity to participate in Project SERVE, a clinical nursing experience at the nation’s most reputable military medical establishment, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD. Having spent six years on active duty prior to becoming a nursing student at Auburn, I knew the experience would have an impact. However, I could have never imagined the significance of that impact immediately following the week-long trip.

Prior to departure, exercises were conducted much like training exercises during my time in the U.S. Navy. Information was provided in modules to familiarize our group with the uniforms and rankings of the military branches that predominately work within Walter Reed. Additionally, basic information was provided on traumatic brain injuries and post-explosion amputations, which are commonly treated and rehabilitated at the center.

We got an early start at the hospital just as we would for the rest of the week and began our journey of countless memorable experiences with patients and military members alike. For me, the feeling of belonging almost immediately returned. Having worked in a joint military setting, the only item that could have

made me feel more at home would have been putting on my old uniform.

Admiration was the next overwhelming sensation. I admired the cohesion of the workforce, the immaculate format of medical record charting and, most uniquely, the bond between the patients and the many members of the healthcare team. It was that bond that touched me deeply. In this setting, the patients were not just patients; for me and the many other members in uniform, they were our brothers and sisters, and now, our heroes.

One might wonder what causes the switch to truly view someone with admiration and heroism. For me, it was the patients’ determination to not only recover from life-threatening injuries to a state that superseded their former self,

but more importantly, to return to their deployment teams in the setting that caused their devastating injuries.

As the week progressed, interviews were conducted with patients of varying recovery stages and a familiar trend emerged. Most important to each patient was the need to be in charge during their recovery. Transitioning from a state of independence to a state of complete dependence is not only physically limiting, but mentally and emotionally as well. Having identified this predominant issue, Walter Reed has implemented appropriate care measures in accordance with evidence-based practice to make patients active partners in their care.

Monumental observances were made during my Project SERVE experience, including a bilateral leg amputee utilizing innovative prosthetics to walk for the first time. Even for that individual, the importance of reaching the community with the knowledge of how to better care for military veterans was of the highest priority.

It is partnerships similar to Project SERVE that will help nurses similar to me appropriately care for these individuals as access to care in the community becomes more accessible. Just three weeks following my experience at Walter Reed, I had the opportunity to care for a veteran of the Vietnam War who had sustained an amputation of his left leg. The prosthetic he utilized was constructed nearly 70 years ago and when asked why he never requested an updated prosthetic, he explained that due to the difficulty he had experienced in receiving medical care over the years, he did not want to take away another veteran’s opportunity for care that was more urgent. It was with great confidence and compassion that I was able to educate this patient on the partnership I had experienced and the changes currently being implemented. My experiences in the Navy and at Walter Reed made my interactions with this individual indefinitely more rewarding and successful and I look forward to the impact that I can make in the future on veterans and my healthcare colleagues.

– Amanda Bridges, senior

Project SERVE: The Student Perspective A Walk Among My Heroes

“The people of Calderon taught me more about the true meaning of nursing than two years in school and hundreds of clinical hours ever did. Their happiness was contagious, and I’ve never been surrounded by such gratitude.”

– Dani Callari, Senior

“Overall, this experience taught me a lot about diversity, the importance of education, and instilled a passion for medical missions in my life. I will be able to take my experience in Ecuador into my personal nursing practice and relate to different cultures through respect, kindness, and empathy. ”

– Amy Ellison, Senior

I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect heading down to Ecuador for a medical mission, but it sure wasn’t to come back home with a mind full of new inspirations and desires. For two weeks in March, an Auburn team of 30 people – nurse practitioners, pharmacists, registered nurses, and students in all of these fields including nutrition – hosted a free health clinic for the women and children of Calderon, Ecuador.

We used five rooms in the upstairs of a church currently undergoing construction to create a clinic. The triage room was the size of a small closet, where two nursing students stayed throughout the day as patients cycled in and out. Exam rooms were fashioned out of outdated medical equipment and boxes. Tarps were hung to create as much privacy as possible. The pharmacy worked out of three trunks full of medication.

I may have ended every day dirty and drained, but my heart has never been so full. I would go back to serve these people in a heartbeat. The people of Calderon taught me more about the true meaning of nursing than two years in school and hundreds of clinical hours ever did. Their happiness was contagious, and I’ve never been surrounded by such gratitude.

I’ll never forget one particular instance: I was working with the nurse practitioner students, and our first patient was 50 years old. She had never had a pap smear and refused to let her or her 22-year-old daughter receive one simply because she was uneducated about the procedure. Another student and I took the time to go through the procedure step-by-step and explain the benefits. In turn, she allowed for herself and

One of my favorite days was spent focusing on women’s education. The women were so eager to learn about their health. We taught them about STIs, heart disease, diabetes, birth control, and breast exams. They were so grateful for the information and so excited to learn about exercise and other ways to prevent health problems. They were even eager to receive medications from the pharmacy and be educated on them.

Overall, this experience taught me a lot about diversity, the importance of education, and instilled a passion for medical missions in my life. I will be able to take my experience in Ecuador into my personal nursing practice and relate to different cultures through respect, kindness, and empathy. This trip only magnified my desire to become a nurse educator, especially where education is unavailable or limited. I love interacting with Hispanics, and Ecuador will always hold a special place in my heart.

– Amy Ellison, Senior

her daughter to get the exam. A few hours later, a little girl came into our exam room holding at least 15 pounds of bananas. Inside the bag was a note, written on a napkin, and when translated said, “Thank you for taking the time to teach me and my daughter.”

Through our time in Ecuador, we impacted the lives of more than 350 people, treating over 300 women and 50 children. As much as I believe I helped them, the women and children of Ecuador impacted my heart in more ways than I could have ever imagined.

– Dani Callari, Senior

For two days, I worked with the nurse practitioners and nurse practitioner students, providing the women with pap smears, STI testing, breast exams, and education on self-maintenance and prevention. I heard many stories of women diagnosed with an STI because of an unfaithful partner, while other women were extremely worried about their health because they knew little about normal findings with their bodies due to a lack of education. The greatest need I saw was among the 13- to 17-year-old girls. I specifically remember a 14-year-old who was eight months pregnant and had multiple STIs. It was difficult for me to see how young she was, how little she knew about her condition, and her apathy toward the situation. She was not educated on how she got the infection and had little regard for her own sexual health. This experience showed me how empowerment through not only education about STI and disease processes, but also what she is worth as an individual and who she is to Christ could greatly affect her outlook on life and the future.

Ecuador: The Student Perspective Providing Care at a Women’s Clinic in Ecuador

The Blue Jean Ball, the annual fundraiser for the Auburn University School of Nursing and Auburn Montgomery School of Nursing, will be held “Under the Stars” at Coach Pat Dye’s Crooked Oaks Hunting Lodge in Notasulga, on Friday, Oct. 2.

The rustic and secluded confines of Dye’s property provide the perfect refuge for a laid-back evening under the stars. Now in its 15th year, the Blue Jean Ball always attracts hundreds of friends, faculty, and students for a casual party to benefit students, faculty, and programming initiatives in the Schools of Nursing.

Starting at 5 p.m., nursing students will serve Conecuh sausage. Haflinger-drawn and mule-drawn wagon rides, as well as tours of Dye’s home and lodge, will be offered. Bidding for silent auction items will continue until 7:30 p.m. Quick draw artists will show off their skills and local author Camille Foshee-Mason will sign copies of her book, Duty Shoes: A Nurse’s Memoir.

Curtiss, Auburn Montgomery’s beloved mascot, will be available for photos from 5:30-6:30 p.m., and Birds of Prey from the College of Veterinary

Medicine’s Southeastern Raptor Center will be available from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Dinner with all the fixin’s from Moe’s Original BBQ will be served from 6-8 p.m. The Auburn Astronomical Society will lead a star viewing at 8 p.m.

The live auction, emceed by Dye and Auburn men’s basketball coach Bruce Pearl, will begin at 8:30 p.m. Kidd Blue will provide musical entertainment during dinner and following the live auction.

As always, guests are encouraged to don their favorite Western wear.

Individual tickets are available for $125 each. Event supporter levels start at $1,200 for a table for eight guests. Reservations must be made in advance. For more information or to order tickets, visit auburn.edu/bluejeanball or call (334) 844-7390.

Health Science SectorAcademic and

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School of Nursing

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At its February meeting, the Auburn Board of Trustees took the first steps in building a new home for the School of Nursing.

The board agreed to select Stacy Norman Architects of Auburn, with Ayers Saint Gross of Baltimore, MD to provide architectural services and Hoar Program Management of Birmingham to serve as construction management for the project.

An estimated budget is among the details yet to be determined. Nursing Dean Gregg Newschwander has assembled a committee to work with the architects in designing a building that best fits the needs of the school’s programs as well as its students, faculty, and staff.

Architect, Construction Manager Named for New Building Project

The new home is expected to be among the first buildings located in Auburn’s new health sciences sector at the corner of South Donahue Drive and Lem Morrison Drive. The building is among the provost’s top-five facility priorities.

With a space four times the size of Miller Hall, the school will not only be able to increase undergraduate enrollment, but also provide sufficient space for classrooms, lecture halls, simulation labs, and research initiatives.

The next update on this project, including philanthropic naming opportunities, will be featured in the December newsletter.

Annual Blue Jean Ball Dubbed ‘Under the Stars’Friday, October 2