Nursing is not just what I do, it is who I am! When I decided to go back to school to become a nurse, I was already an educator. I understood the power of learning, growth, and creating environments where people could thrive. I was excited to be able to combine nursing and my passion for teaching with direct care and service to others. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside extraordinary nurses who taught me that excellence isn’t something you import, it’s something you recognize, celebrate, and elevate in the people already doing the work.
That’s why I’m so honored to join UAMS as your Magnet Program Director and Assistant Director of Center for Nursing Excellence. I did not join this team to bring excellence to this organization; I’m here to support the excellence you demonstrate every single day at the bedside, in the clinic, in the classroom, and in every corner of this institution.
You already know what it takes to achieve Magnet Recognition—you’ve done it before. You know the dedication, the innovation, and the commitment to excellence required to earn that distinction. Now, as we prepare for our second designation, we have the opportunity to build on that foundation and showcase how far we’ve come. This journey—what I’m calling “Magnet 2.0: An Encore of Excellence” — is about demonstrating the continued growth and evolution of nursing excellence at UAMS.
Here’s what remains true: Magnet is nursing-led, but it’s not nursing-exclusive. Achieving this designation requires collaboration across every department—environmental services, pharmacy, IT, lab, food services, leadership, and beyond. Your first Magnet journey proved this. Our encore will amplify it even more.
The benefits of Magnet designation are substantial and worth revisiting. Research shows Magnet organizations have lower mortality rates, fewer complications, higher patient satisfaction scores, and better nurse retention. For you—the nurses who make this place run—Magnet means increased autonomy, more opportunities for professional development, stronger shared governance, and most importantly, improved nurse satisfaction. You deserve to work in an environment that recognizes your expertise, values your voice, and invests in your growth. Maintaining Magnet designation ensures we continue building that culture together.
Before joining UAMS, I spent 11 years at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX, where I had the privilege of contributing to their 5th and 6th Magnet designations—the 6th being earned “With Distinction”. I’m currently completing my DNP (anticipated Fall 2027), not because I needed another degree, but because I believe in lifelong learning and modeling the commitment to excellence I ask of others.
Brené Brown reminds us that “A leader is anyone who takes responsibility for finding the potential in people and processes, and who has the courage to develop that potential.” That’s exactly what this journey is about: recognizing the incredible potential that already exists within each of you and having the courage to develop it together.
In the coming months, you’ll hear more about opportunities to continue or join us as Magnet Ambassadors and Magnet Champions. I invite you to connect with me, share your stories of excellence, and be part of this encore. You should be proud. I already am. And I am incredibly excited to lead this exceptional group on our Magnet 2.0 journey.
