Foundation Award for Service

I. Philosophy of Service

My philosophy of service is grounded in accountability, collaboration, and purposeful leadership. Service is not an obligation distinct from academic work; it is an essential expression of scholarly work that advances institutional mission, professional excellence, and community well-being. I believe meaningful service begins with listening and understanding the needs of students, colleagues, and partners, and responding with integrity, accountability, and engagement.

At MSU, my service is guided by a commitment to shared governance, transparency, and innovation. By contributing to strategic planning, graduate education, and curricular development, I seek to promote student success, interdisciplinary collaboration, and faculty growth. Within my department, I view leadership as relational and inclusive, prioritizing mentorship, program quality, and collective responsibility through active participation in committees, searches, and student-centered initiatives.

Professional and community service extend beyond campus. Engagement in professional organizations, journal review, and expert consultation allows me to contribute disciplinary expertise while remaining responsive to evolving healthcare and educational needs. Community involvement reflects my belief that universities thrive when they are deeply connected to the communities they serve.

Ultimately, my approach to service is holistic and value-driven focused on building trust, fostering collaboration, and creating sustainable impact that supports excellence today while preparing for future opportunity.

II. Examples of Service

At the university level, I have contributed significantly to strategic initiatives, currently serving as a Co-Chair of the Strategic Plan Strategy Working Group for the Igniting Opportunity: Missouri State University's 2025-2030 Plan, focusing on promoting interdisciplinary curriculum and scholarship, as well as a member of the Success for ALL Graduate Students Task Force. My roles as Judge for EIDF, Brightspace D2L Early Adopter, LMS Faculty Reviewer, SEM Council, Academic Affairs Budget Committee, BB Advisory Group, and Bear Bridge Mentor reflect my dedication to fostering innovation and supporting faculty and student success. Additionally, my leadership on the Graduate Council, including serving as Committee Chair for the Screening Committee and previously as Graduate Council Chair, underscores my commitment to graduate education. Within the College of Health and Human Services, I have chaired multiple committees, including the MCHHS Search Committee, MCHHS Student Success Innovation Project Committee (MSSIP), and currently chair the Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC), ensuring collaborative and student-centered initiatives. I have previously served on the MCHHS Budget Committee, and the committee for College Review of Professorship Applications. My involvement in budgetary and search processes further demonstrates my investment in the college’s growth and sustainability.

At the departmental level, I have provided continuous leadership as Graduate Programs Director, serving as chair of the Graduate Committee, chair of the SON Personnel Committee, and Faculty Search Committees, while actively contributing to committees focused on curriculum development, evaluation, simulation, NP programs, APG, bylaws, fundraising, marketing and recruitment, and attends all department events, ie. Project presentations days, faculty enrichment activities, donor reception, and commencement. These roles have strengthened program quality and faculty engagement.

Beyond the university, I have maintained active participation in professional organizations, including Association of Asthma Educators, National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, Sigma Theta Tau-serving on Board as Treasurer elect currently, Advanced Practice Nurse of the Ozarks (APNO)-served as president previously, American Nurses Association (ANA), and Nursing Education Consortium of Southwest Missouri, as well as statewide organizations Missouri Nurses Association (MONA), Missouri Organization of Nurse Leaders, serving as program committee member. In addition, I serve as a consultant to the professional community as a Journal Reviewer for three professional journals and as an expert consultant for asthma and child abuse. My service extends to the community, where I hold officer positions in organizations such as the Lake Ridge Estates Property Owners Association and St. Eligius Guild, and contributed to youth and health initiatives through GO CAPS and contribute annually to the United Way of the Ozarks.

III. Future Commitment to Service

My experiences reflect a sustained and holistic commitment to service that advances the university’s mission, supports leadership and professional development, and strengthens community partnerships. I am proud of the impact my efforts have made and remain dedicated to ongoing fostering innovation, collaboration, and excellence. I am honored to continue serving Missouri State University, School of Nursing, and our broader community to lead and serve in meaningful ways in my current positions and any future opportunities.

IV. Topics related to service for which you are available for presentations and/or consultations (e.g., public affairs, relationship of service to teaching, and relationship of service to research).

Academic Service and Shared Governance: Effective faculty engagement in university and college governance, Committee leadership

Graduate Education Leadership: Graduate program development and review, Graduate student success, retention, and support structures

Interprofessional Education (IPE): Designing and sustaining interprofessional education initiatives, Collaborative teaching and learning across disciplines

Faculty Leadership and Development: Faculty mentoring and career advancement, Navigating promotion, tenure, and review processes

Curriculum, Assessment, and Program Quality: Curriculum development and redesign, Program evaluation and continuous quality improvement

Professional Service and Nursing Leadership: Leadership roles in schools of nursing, Engaging in professional organizations for career and discipline advancement

Community Engagement and Partnership