Where are you from?

I was born in Irving, Texas. My father died of cancer when I was 5 years old, and we moved to Norman to be closer to my mom’s family. When my mom remarried, I was 14 years old, and we moved to Canadian, Oklahoma. Currently, I live with my husband and four foster children in Crowder, Oklahoma. I also have three adult children and three grandbabies.

What do you do here at OSUIT?

I am a faculty member in the nursing program and teach Nursing Care of Families.

Why did you pursue a career in nursing?

My mom is a nurse. When my father died, mom was left with three children, a high school diploma, and limited income. She started college when I was 7 and completed her degree in nursing from OU Health Science Center when I was 11. She is an incredible, intelligent, caring woman, and I wanted to be just like her.

Tell us a little about your experience or history with the university so far?

I was hired in August of 2011 to teach Nursing Care of Families. I was attracted to the size of the campus and the smaller classes. OSUIT allows faculty the opportunity to know their students, and I find this appealing. Students quickly realize they are not just bodies in seats to us.

What’s been the best thing about working at OSUIT?

The best thing about working in the nursing program is the faculty, which I have the privilege of working with. Our nursing faculty are all very student-focused. There is consistent teamwork striving toward improving the nursing education we provide and the strength of our program.

What’s your favorite spot on campus?

Well I have two. The picnic tables behind the nursing building next to the pond or the walking track around the pond north of the NCAT building. Both provide relaxation and beautiful scenery.

What would you tell someone who was thinking about attending or working at OSUIT?

If you are interested in developing lifelong relationships, quality education, and feeling like you are truly a part of something, then you need to at least look at OSUIT. Our students are told to do their research and visit several colleges/universities. I am confident that given the choice, they will choose OSUIT. Our excellence shows through.