Cox College Summer/Fall 2017 The Pulse Magazine

the COX COLLEGE | SPRINGFIELD, MO

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Mission: Haiti Students learn life lessons abroad

Dr. Amy DeMelo selected after national search

Fall 2017

New President of Cox College

Summer/

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Renovation Campaign

disaster drill!

The next chapter for Cox College

preparing students for real life

summer '17

cont ents

read in this issue...

Traveling to Make a Difference.

Cox College students, alumni, faculty and community member travel to Haiti to provide medical assistance

It's Tulip Time!

Bringing back the tradition at Cox College

Engaged Student Body

Highlights of student accomplishments in the community

4 6 7

I Feel Valued

Fotine Williams, MSOT student, shares her experiences as a student at Cox College

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Exceptional Faculty

Highlights of faculty accomplishments in the community, and new additions

Renovating Cox College

Breathing new life into the historic campus

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Disaster Drill!

Each semester the Simulation Center hosts a mock disaster drill to provide students a chance to experience real life learning experiences

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Student to Nurse Educator

Alumni and current Assistant Professor, Marsha Floyd, shares her experiences at Burge and Cox College

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Making Dreams Come True

The defining moment for Betty Linton came through the compassion of an oncology nures who took the time to help her through a life chaning experience

Where Are They Now?

The latest news about Burge and Cox College Alumni

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G

reetings! Welcome to the first edition of our revamped newsletter, The Pulse, celebrating…YOU!

As you begin to peruse through this kickoff edition, we welcome your feedback. Our hope is that this newsletter brings back fond memories of your time spent here, friendships made, and the success you have experienced in your career as a healthcare professional.

Additionally, our intent is also that this newsletter provides a glimpse of life currently at Cox College as well.

Today, we continue the tradition you established years ago of being stellar students and ultimately graduating as outstanding health care professionals.

With our varied degree offerings, we continue to evaluate opportunities for growth and expansion being mindful of our commitment to excellence.

We WANT to hear from you, where you are, your life experiences, and invite you to feel free to stop and visit Cox College–we would love to reconnect with you! We want you to know we are committed to keeping the tradition established many years ago of excellence at Cox College.

Enjoy!

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In Dedication This first issue of The Pulse is in dedication to Dr. Robert Lunn for his service as interim president of Cox College. Thank you for wisdom and guidance during the change over of administration.

Sonya Hayter, EdD (Health Science ’01)

University and College Designers Association

cox college new president

by Claudette Riley Amy DeMelo, the former director of Springfield Catholic Schools, has been named the new president of Cox College.

She started her new job, Monday August 17th. DeMelo, who has been vice president of academic affairs and institutional effectiveness at the private college since 2014, is taking over at a pivotal time.

“This is an exciting time to be involved in health care and education, and I’m looking forward to being involved in the many opportunities ahead of Cox College,” she said, in a written statement. “We have a wonderful group of people dedicated to making a difference for our students and the community as a whole, and I’m privileged to be part of those efforts.”

The 900-student college housed at Cox North celebrated its largest graduating class in May, expanded its academic offerings and recently launched a $6.6 million campaign to expand, renovate and update its classrooms and labs.

She said the successes of the college—including a first-time pass rate on the nursing exam that is higher than the national average —are not served well by the aging facility.

DeMelo said improving the physical structure will help attract additional students.

The college’s largest undergraduate program is nursing. Other offerings include medical assistant, radiography, and diagnostic imaging.

Snacks • Drinks • Supplies Open Monday - Friday 7 am - 5 pm

There are a variety of graduate programs, as well, including master’s degrees in nursing and occupational therapy.

Jan Harris, chair of the college’s Board of Trustees, said DeMelo was hired after a national search. She replaces former president Lance Ratcliff, who resigned earlier this year.

“We are very excited about the ideas and initiatives Dr. DeMelo will champion in her role as president of Cox College,” Harris said, in a written statement. “We wanted to find the perfect candidate for this position, and even though we looked across the country to find the right fit, we were blessed to find the right person already here at Cox College.”

DeMelo grew up in New England and obtained her bachelor’s degree at Providence College. After moving to the Ozarks, she earned a master’s degree at Southwest Baptist University and a doctorate from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

She spent more than a decade in leadership positions at Springfield Catholic Schools, serving as director from 2007 to 2014. The private K-12 school experienced significant growth during her tenure.

According to a news release, DeMelo helped Springfield Catholic High School become nationally recognized, led a $13.9 million renovation and expansion of the high school campus and expanded early childhood education.S Reprinted with permission by the Springfield News-Leader

traveling difference to make a

by Kaitlyn McConnell

FOR OVER A WEEK, A GROUP FROM COX COLLEGE FLEW TO HAITI TO JOIN WITH TEAMS FROM OREGON, CALIFORNIA, INDIANA, KENTUCKY, OHIO, AND MISSOURI TO PROVIDE HEALTH CARE AND ASSISTANCE.

4 The Pulse • Summer/ Fall 2017

“Many of them write about how they’ve never seen things like this anywhere else,” says Lower. “It truly is a life-changing experience for each one of them, and I believe ultimately contributes to their skill as a practitioner later in life.”

Lessons are undoubtedly learned within classroom walls–but there are others that are best gleaned out in the field. That’s why, for 13 years, students from Cox College have traveled abroad to treat patients in some of the world’s most impoverished communities.

Considered by some to be the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, the time in Haiti gave students and other travelers an opportunity to give muchneeded care–and also take life lessons home with them.

“This trip gives them a chance to contribute to communities that need help, but also come back with a greater sense of empathy and compassion for the world,” says Leisa Lower, a professor at Cox College who has traveled with students on the school-organized trips for several years.

Preparations for the trips begin months in advance, and were coordinated

by Cox College professor Debbi Groves, who also traveled to Haiti on the

trip. Students and faculty begin collecting supplies to donate to the clinic they volunteer in and is overseen by Lifeline Christian Mission. Those items include baby formula, medicine and medical supplies, some of which were provided by CoxHealth.

All items are carefully packed in duffel bags, since import regulations strictly limit how many supplies may be brought into the country. The medicines are also strategically packed, because if it’s obvious what they are, they may be taken away at the border. “It’s not illegal to have them, but it’s difficult to get through customs because they will be confiscated and sold on the black market,” says Lower.

While in Haiti, the students treat patients alongside licensed health care practitioners. Locals come from miles–even hours– away for treatment.

“People will come down (continued on next page)

5 Cox College • Springfield, MO

traveling to make a difference (continued from page 5)

the mountain to be seen,” says Lower. “They’ll sit in in the waiting room all day until there is an opening for them.”

The ailments they see are wide and varied, ranging from prenatal care to parasites, dehydration and everything in between. “Until you really see what it’s like in an area like this, you don’t truly understand,” says Lower. Faced with limited supplies, she notes that students often have to think quickly to find innovative solutions to help patients. “What students get out of it can’t be found elsewhere. They have to think, ‘What do I have at my disposal that I can make work?’”

While students primarily learn from hands-on practice, they’re also required to journal as part of their coursework. “Many of them write about how they’ve never seen things like this anywhere else,” says Lower. “It truly is a lifechanging experience for each one of them, and I believe ultimately contributes to their skill as a practitioner later in life.”

Katelyn McConnell is the Media Relations Coordinator

Bringing back the tradition

by Jayne Bullard Cox College was once well known for the red and yellow tulips that bloomed each spring. Last fall, the College’s Development Council worked to bring the tulips back to the College. On November 18th, volunteers from the College’s faculty and staff gathered to plant 640 yellow and red “duet super” tulips. The tulips, which came from Holland, were planted on both sides of the walkway into the college and under a tree near the College’s mural. Despite being a quite cold and blustery day, the volunteers had a great time planting the bulbs, and even started a friendly competition as to which side of the walkway would bloom first (the north side of the walkway won!)

Earlier this spring, the blooming yellow and red tulips greeted students, faculty, staff and visitors to the college. One alumni, who had walked by the tulips, commented later that she felt like she was “home again” after seeing the tulips.

As the College looks forward to renovation plans, we can also look forward to the return of the tulips each spring!

for Corporate Communications at CoxHealth in Springfield, MO.

Jayne Bullard is the Vice President of Business and Finance for Cox College.

6 The Pulse • Summer/ Fall 2017

engaged student body

We believe in providing a learning environment that promotes student inspiration, support, and academic achievement

ASR Students Represent in Jefferson City Associate of Science in Radiography (ASR) students will participate in an event called “RT in JC”. This is an annual event where radiologic technologists and students from around Missouri go to the State Capital to advocate for state-wide licensure requirements. Missouri is one of only a few states in the county that allows nonregistered individuals to perform radiologic imaging procedures.

MSN Students Receive Spirit Award Master of Science in Nursing students Alicia Stogsdill and Ashley Scott received Partners Spirit awards in the RT in the JC recent CoxHealth Connections publication. They were recognized, along with another Cox employee, for showing compassion to an elderly patient who experienced a psychological episode while visiting friends in southwest Missouri. Congratulations Alicia and Ashley!

MSOT Program Works With Local Community to Plan a Park for People of All Abilities The Master of Occupational Therapy students have partnered with the City of Battlefield to create a cutting-edge Sensory Park project.

The purpose of the park is to expand on current universal design concepts to bolster supports for those with sensory processing difficulty. The purpose of universal design is to promote equal access for all individuals to a park that promotes therapeutic exercise, social participation, and provides a worry-free environment for all participants.

This park will feature sensory and interactive playground equipment that can be integrated with current therapy interventions. Students have analyzed the benefit of sensory designed parks and how they provide for individuals with disabilities across the lifespan.

Students will also look for how

universally designed parks provide opportunity for therapeutic growth and development.

The design of this park is very unique and one of the first ever all-inclusive ‘Autism Friendly’ parks!

There will be future opportunity for students to partner in this project and continue to develop and implement this universal-design plan.

The Autism Park Project is a part of a larger community project that promotes inclusion, specifically for those with autism.

A copy of the Blueprint for the project in its entirety can be found at: Barboa, L. & Luck, J. (2016, December 11). Blueprint for an Autism Friendly City: How Battlefield Became the First Autism Friendly City in Missouri. Retrieved from https://www. amazon.com/Blueprint-Autism-Friendly-City-Battlefield/dp/1541072766

Cooking Demonstrations Master of Science in Nutrition Diagnostics/Dietetic Intership students gave cooking demonstrations at the KGBX Women's Show in February.

7 Cox College • Springfield, MO

STUDENT TESTIMONIAL

valued Fotine Williams MSOT student

F

otine Williams was born in Rwanda and moved to Springfield, MO when she was 20 years old. She met her husband, Sheldon, at a college Bible study and has been married six years. A self-described people person, Fotine enjoys being around others and is an advocate for the discouraged and lonely; she strives to make a difference in their lives. As a young girl her dad always told her, “ if you aren’t kind and do not have God in your life, you have nothing.” This has always stuck with her.

Looking back on her life, she always knew she wanted to help people. She felt this was a direct result of the genocide she witnessed in her native country 23 years ago. At the age of seven, she remembers seeing people killing each other, including family members, which resulted in heart broken families and a divided country. These images never left her. Consequently, when she decided to come to the United States, she did not know where she should go, but only knew she wanted to help

others. After exploring a multitude of health occupations, she heard about occupational therapy and it became immediately apparent this was what she wanted to do. Occupational therapy helps those with disabilities or injuries figure out how to lead normal lives and continue to contribute to the community. Her passion of working with others to help them remain independent drives her.

Fotine applied to several institutions including Cox College, however, as soon as she stepped onto the campus, the staff and faculty made her feel so special she knew it was where she wanted to go.

“I have attended other schools and I could tell they viewed me as someone from Rwanda. The students here do not see me as a woman of color, but they look at me strictly because they value what I have to say. That has changed everything. I have been so happy since coming to Cox College. I wake up every morning somewhere where I want to be. I feel like it is another opportunity to be with people I enjoy being

8 The Pulse • Summer/ Fall 2017

"The students here do not see me as a woman of color, but they look at me strictly because they value what I have to say." ............................................................ around without cultural challenges.

For someone considering Cox College… go apply. Once you get "The students into Cox College you will never here do not look back and I feel it is the best see me as a school ever."

woman of color, but they look As a student, Fotine found that at me strictly there are many resources and because they people willing to help. “They value what I make you feel like family.” Fotine’s have to say."

plans after school are still in progress, but she has many opportunities available to her.

Her dream has been to open a clinical orphanage in order to give back and help those who do not have anyone. Having not seen anything like this in the United States, she hopes one day to fulfill this dream. Until then, she plans to focus on in-home health care.

exceptional faculty Cox College is committed to excellence in meeting the educational needs of students and the health care community.

Dr. April Swanson, MSOT Academic Field Coordinator/ Assistant Professor, and Dr. Amy DeMelo, President of Cox College, were participants in the second annual Cox Health Innovation Accelerator event held on January 23rd and 24th at the “E Factory."

There were over 100 applicants from across the system with 51 participants chosen. The purpose of the Innovation Accelerator is to gather ideas on how the health system can be more innovative in providing care and doing business.

Dr. DeMelo was a member of the “Drop in Day Care” team and her team placed third at the event.

Dr. Amy Vaughn, Associate Professor, has been appointed department Chair for the Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy program at Cox College.

Cinnamon Jones, Assistant Professor, was nominated and selected as Honored Nurse representing Cox College at the annual Salute to Nurses Ceremony in April sponsored by the Springfield News-Leader.

Cindi Aurentz, Assistant Professor, recently received her Nurse Educator Board Certification. Cindi has been with Cox College for 2 years and recently joined the MSN department. She is working towards her DNP Leadership and Innovation.

Dr. Amy Townsend received her Ed.D degree from Northcentral University!

The Masters of Science in Nutritional Diagnostics/ Dietetics completed its reaccreditation visit in late March. The program is accredited by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). The visitors described the program in one word, "Stellar." Many thanks to Kristen Williams, Department Chair and the Cox College Nutrition and Dietetics department for all of their hard work to make the visit a success!

Kacie Craig, Assistant Professor, announced that 100% of the ASR class of 2017 passed their ARRT radiography certification exam.

Congrats!

We're growing!

To prepare for the future we're excited to not only add the faculty you see below, but also an additional four full time faculty members and 13 adjunct faculty.

Welcome New Faculty

Welcome new faculty

Lisa Stueve, MSN

Paul Kitchell, MBA

Dustin Cox, DPT

Anna Quigg, PhD

Michelle Jackson, OTR/L

Kathy Pittman, MSN

Assistant Professor Undergraduate Nursing

Assistant Professor Radiologic Sciences

Associate Professor Occupational Therapy

Associate Professor Occupational Therapy

Assistant Professor Occupational Therapy

Associate Professor Undergraduate Nursing

9 Cox College • Springfield, MO

MAKING HISTORY

Renovating Cox College

by Lisa Alexander

Breathing new life into the historic campus In 1961 the doors opened on the new dormitory for the nursing students at Burge. In 2017, the walls, the halls and the outstanding education are very much the same! Our graduates continue to outpace others in licensure passage rates across the state and nation.

The building in which they learn however now lags far behind. Cox College has stood the test of time and weathered a lot of change in programs, name and paint. It has now reached the point where it requires a new life. Today‘s students have different needs and wants. The facility itself can no longer accommodate all the requirements that technologies demand.

Window air conditioners make it nearly impossible to temperature control a room that houses the computer lab. While the education received is exceptional, the facilities are not and it has now begun to affect the nursing enrollment.

It is critical to our college’s future to bring the campus in line with others, making every aspect of an education at Cox College the best.

A $6 million dollar Campaign has been launched to

reinvest in the facility that has given so many students a lifetime career.

Grants are being written, corporations solicited and private donors are being reached out to in an effort to reach this goal. It is the hope of the Alumni Campaign Committee (Norma Meier Curry 1971, Julie Sanders Bixler 1984 and Mertie Rice Jones 1966) that our alumni will want to be a part of the effort. In the past three weeks letters with Campaign information have been sent out. If you did not receive one, please contact us at 417-269-7150 or chf@coxhealth.com. As a special thank you to our alumni, a recognition wall will be located in the entry of the College acknowledging all alum who make a gift.

You are our legacy and we want to honor those who are willing to invest in the future of nursing and health sciences. The response to date has been so kind and generous.

The class of 1971 is leading the pack on donations but it has several on it’s heels! One class is going together to reach a goal of $5,000 to put their name on a room. The CoxHealth Foundation is happy to

10 The Pulse • Summer/ Fall 2017

UMBFC Charitable Trust Donates to Cox College Renovation Cox College receives a $15,000 donation from UMBFC Charitable Trust that will go towards our reinvestment campaign.

UMBFC’s incredible generosity will positively affect the lives of students for many years to come. A huge thank you to the Cox Health Foundation and UMBFC for helping us get closer to achieving our goal.

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New front Entrance

Student Lounges

The new front entrance will reflect the CoxHealth look while retaining the "Helping Hands" mural.

Updated furniture and interior design will be more study friendly.

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 PROPOSED FRONT ENTRANCE

This fall at the Alumni Dinner additional renderings will be unveiled of the construction to come. The overall design will allow us to enlarge classrooms, add additional student study and gathering space as well as accommodate technology upgrades. The mural will be preserved and given extra attention with new lighting and an overhang to protect it from the weather. The project is expected to take 14-18 months to complete once all the funding is raised. As a part of the project, we will be displaying photos of how each floor in the building was used over time. If you have photos you are willing to share for our “by floor” history collage, please send them to chf@coxhealth. com or copies to Lisa Alexander at 3525 S. National, Suite 204, Springfield, MO 65807. Please identify the year and the floor and we will give photo credit to those chosen for the history markers. We look forward to highlighting Burge as well as Cox College memories.

PROPOSED COURTYARD VIEW

features IMPROVING THE STUDENT'S EXPERIENCE

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work with any class or group to meet your giving needs. All gifts are fully tax deductible and a receipt will be issued to each donor. As of this printing, almost $2 million has been raised. It’s a great start that will lead us to a rebirth of a great building. One with more stories inside its walls than any most likely want told!

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Enlarged Classrooms

More Open Space

Outdoor Ampitheater

Bigger classrooms will help meet present and future needs.

Ceilings will be opened and floor layout will changed.

Accessible from the patio and basement level, it will provide additional classroom space.

11 Cox College • Springfield, MO

Thank you for being the caregivers of today, helping us prepare for the caregivers of tomorrow. For more information or questions on the Campaign or to update your address with us, please give me a call at 417-269-7109.

Lisa Alexander is the president of CoxHealth Foundation in Springfield, MO.

disaster drill!

preparing students for real life

by Molly Brown, Simulation Center Director

from Scott Regional Technology Center (Monett) and Branson High School participated as the victims.

The mock disaster provides a wonderful opportunity for Cox College students to participate in an interprofessional learning environment to work together and practice objectives such as: prioritization, delegation, communication, assessment, and triage. This semester providers included NURS208 and 1st semester ASR students. Students from NURS206 participated as our existing patients. Other participants include: CoxHealth chaplain and security, CoxHealth volunteers, community members, and Cox College alumni members.

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ach semester the Simulation Center hosts a mock disaster scenario.Together with the Area Health Education Center (AHEC) 40-50 victims are moulaged, triaged, and treated after a mass casualty incident occurs in the Springfield area.This year, high school students

12 The Pulse • Summer/ Fall 2017

 Nurses have to use all their skills

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to assess and treat disaster

"Victim" is getting "moulaged" by the

victims as well as

talented staff at AHEC to provide

provide comfort

realism to the simulation

and care

 Delegation is a main objective of the Mock Disaster where all participants play a vital role including being a transporter.

 Critical thinking emerges as Team Leaders and Triage nurses work to formulate a plan to care for the influx of crtical victims.

Student Experience

Stacy Gholz, 2017 BSN graduate, was one of the participants. She has been an EMT since 2011 and has experienced many things in that time, but she admitted she was quite nervous for the disaster drill. She was chosen by the class to be the Triage Coordinator, which proved to be both an honor and a curse.

She admitted that she thought she could go in somewhat prepared, but as she found out, isn't always the case. Luckily, she was paired with a great group of classmates who are all ED nurses now.

chaotic. That is the point though, isn't it? This was the closest experience any of us has had to a "real" disaster and we handled it the best we could as brand new nurses with limited experience and resources.

"We had a great plan to start off with and as the first few patients rolled in the door, we acted accordingly. However, as our triage/ED was overran with patients, family members, EMS, hospital staff, etc. it became somewhat

We experienced the full range of emotions; I had been anxious, which later changed to determination, slight panic, and then relief once the drill was over. It was a great experience that I will always remember."

13 Cox College • Springfield, MO

ALUMNI

 Marsha going over lab results with Steven Graff on the high tech computers of her day.

to

nurse educator , Marsha Floyd, 80

Then

Now

T

imes certainly have changed since Assistant Professor, Marsha Floyd began her nursing education at the Burge School of Nursing in 1977. As a diploma school, there was a heavy emphasis on clinical education and students spent 3-4 days per week in the hospital. Most students lived in the dorm where first year students had rooms on the second floor, second year students on the third floor, and third year students on the fourth floor. In fact, two of the IT staff have their offices in her old dorm room she shared with two roommates!

"The College has faced many challenges during the last 35 years, BUT EVERY TIME, the PEOPLE of Cox College come through..."

After graduating in 1980, Marsha began her nursing career as a house float and was the charge nurse on a different unit every night on the 3-11 shift until she took a permanent position on the pediatric unit.

Vickie Donnell, her clinical instructor, who always inspired others with her attention to detail and ability to know the right question to ask to make her students develop critical thinking. Somehow “Mrs. Donnell” always knew more about the student nurses’s patients then they did–even after much preparation!

In 1982, Marsha joined the faculty of Burge School of Nursing and taught Pediatric Nursing and Medical-Surgical Nursing for several years. For the past 10 years, teaching Pharmacology has been a major component of her workload assignment.

Marsha remembers having several excellent instructors as a student. One in particular was

Another instructor that stands out in her mind is Mertie Jones, who is now the Vice-Chair of the Cox 14

The Pulse • Summer/ Fall 2017

One of the most memorable experiences that Marsha had as a student happened during a major snow storm in the winter of 1980. Only two faculty were able to make it that day, and since the dorm was attached to the hospital, students were still expected to report to clinical as scheduled.

When the students got there, most nursing units had no clinical instructor and very few staff nurses. So, they divided the senior students up among all of the floors and put them to work! The RNs that made it in that day were very happy to have them.

Marsha feels she’s been blessed to have been able to merge two professionas that she truly loves; nursing and education. Her greatest pleasure as a nurse educator has been the people she has worked with for the past 35 years–students and co-workers alike. She’s proud to be a member of the Cox College community and believes that no matter what challenges come up, the PEOPLE of Cox College come through and continue to work towards the mission of the College, meeting the needs of students and the health care community.

DON'T FORGET! Help make the difference in the future of health care by donating to the CoxHealth Foundation.

Please review the giving envelope that is inside this issue. There are several worthy funds that need your help. THANK YOU!!

by Betty Linton, '16

ALUMNI

r

making dreams come true

College Board of Trustees. Like Vickie Donnell, Mertie seemed to always be a step ahead no matter how hard students worked or prepared for clinicals.

Marsha has seen first hand the quality of work Mertie does and feels like the College is in good hands with her representation on the board.

THE DEFINING MOMENT IN HER LIFE CAME THROUGH THE COMPASSION OF AN ONCOLOGY NURSE WHO TOOK THE TIME TO TALK, COMFORT, AND EASE HER TROUBLED MIND DURING CHEMOTHERAPY TREATMENT. FROM THEN ON, SHE KNEW SHE WANTED TO BECOME A NURSE.

I

n 2006, my life changed forever after being diagnosed with breast cancer. Two years following that diagnosis, I went through extensive surgeries and treatments. The defining moment in my life of becoming a nurse came with administration of my first chemo treatment. As I was crying, my oncology nurse immediately stopped what she was doing, pulled up a chair, and held my hands for what seemed like forever! She comforted me and put my mind at ease providing peace for the road ahead. Through her demonstration of compassion I knew I wanted to do the same for others; I wanted to be a nurse. I started classes during the end of heavy chemo treatments with continuation of lower dosed treatments as well.

I started college fall of 2007 in Mid-Missouri taking prerequisite classes for my BSN. I began to pray about where to go. In speaking with several individuals at the hospital where I worked about their nursing school experience, Cox College kept coming up during several of those conversations. One day while surfing online, I explored Cox College’s website. I had a strong feeling that’s where I wanted to finish my nursing degree. I called and spoke with an admission's counselor the next day and met with her the following week and decided on Cox College. I had a great inner peace about my choice.

After years of school, I graduated Cum Laude in May 2016 with my BSN. Cox College professors and staff provided support and helped make my dream come true! Every college professor, physician, and health care staff encountered during the education process contributed to being prepared! I will always be grateful to each of them and will definitely consider Cox College for a Master’s degree. I have secured a job close to home, which I love. Currently, I am helping change lives through home health care along with building a hospice program in my hometown. Thank you to my Professors for being great leaders and instilling within us all there are no limits and all things are possible! What a wonderful example to follow!

15 Cox College • Springfield, MO

1423 N. Jefferson Avenue Springfield, MO 65802

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Our Burge and Cox College graduates are making an impact on the world!

Charlene Sims, '16

Has just finished up her ONS/ONCC Chemotherapy & Biotherapy Certification.

She recently attended the MHA Preceptor Academy to learn about orienting new nurse hires, as well as for capstone and clinical students.

Heath Jennings, '16

Currently works at the Cox Health Emergency Department, Heath is involved at local, state, and national levels with the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA), and partnered with coworkers to develop new departmental initiatives that will increase patient care and satisfaction.

He has also started teaching an Emergency Department’s Graduate Nurse Residency program. Heath attended the ENA’s Nurse Advocacy Day, in Jefferson City, and the Day on the Hill, in Washington D.C. Both events are designed to allow thousands of nurses to come together, discuss legislation that will impact us, as nurses, our patients, and our communities, and then speak with our governmental leaders and lawmakers to affect those changes through current and future legislation.

"I have found that becoming involved helps me to find my areas of interest and develop friendships and professional relationships with people that I would not have otherwise had the opportunity to meet. I am thankful to Cox College, professors and administration, for their dedication and desire to prepare me and others to enter the healthcare field."

MJ (Lehman) Bean, '76

She has worked full time since graduation as a critical care nurse, Critical Care Director and most recently as the Director of Advanced Clinicals where she assisted her hospital's implementation of CPOE. She currently resides in Christiansburg, VA with her husband Carl. They have two daughters; Jessica, an ED RN, who is married with two sons, and Sarah, a Nurse Practitioner, who is engaged to be married this October.

Currently, Charlene is on the inpatient Medical Oncology unit at Centerpoint Medical Center in Independence, MO. She is teaching monthly Pain Ambassador courses to nurses. The class focuses on effective multi-modal therapy for different types of acute and chronic pain, along with safe analgesic admin, equi-analgesic transition from IV to PO meds, adjuvant therapies, and having open communication with patients regarding their pain management, etc.

She hopes to get her OCN and Med/ Surg Certifications in the near future.

"My experiences, education, and training at Burge enabled me to have a strong work ethic and a great career in nursing."

Brittany Carpenter, '13

After completing the Cox College dietetic internship program Brittany worked at CoxHealth as an inpatient dietitian. In 2014 she accepted a position at Hy-Vee as a retail dietitian. As a preceptor to Cox College MND/DI students, she coordinated the "Fast, Fresh, and Delicious" cooking classes that the MND/DI students participate in. In 2016, she accepted a corporate dietitian position with Pyramid Foods, a grocery retailer with over 50 stores across 3 states. Brittany is the former president of the Southwest Missouri Dietetics Association and was awarded the 2016 Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year Southwest District from the Missouri Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She is currently working on a Master’s degree in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine.

stay in touch

We want to here from you! Please let us know where you are and what you're are doing! Send all submissions (including photos!) to alumni@coxcollege.edu.