I serve as the Director of the Department of Nursing here at Ouachita. I provide daily
oversight of the program, faculty, staff, and students. In addition, I have the opportunity
to continue to contribute to student learning by serving in the classroom as Professor
of Nursing. I am passionate about this profession and enjoy helping equipping the
next generation of healthcare professionals.
Biography
Dr. Morris grew up in North Little Rock, Ark. and came to know Jesus personally at a very early
age. Throughout her formative years, she did not play “doctor” or “hospital” or “school”.
Nursing was not on her radar, nor was teaching. She was busy playing “cooking”, decorating,
or planning a party. She came from a loving, yet simple home. Her mom had pursued
her dream of being a hairstylist and owned a small salon. Her dad was a salesman.
As she grew and started considering her future, her parents’ advice was to make sure
that in finding something that she loved, that she could also make a living. This
advice came on the tail of watching her second grandparent receive a cancer diagnosis
that would quickly take his life. She started viewing how her love for people, desire
for relationships, and spiritual gift of hospitality/service could be translated to
a career in healthcare. This began her journey to nursing.
Dr. Morris spent her first two years at Ouachita before finishing her degree at Henderson
State University. She worked in the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit at Arkansas
Children’s Hospital before moving into academia at Baptist Health College Little Rock
(BHCLR). While at BHCLR, Dr. Morris completed both her Master of Science in Nursing
and Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees from the University of Arkansas for Medical
Sciences. Her doctoral work was centered around developing a comprehensive asthma
program for children in the Baptist Health preschool system. She maintains credentials
as an Advanced Practice Nurse and Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. Dr. Morris
served at BHCLR for 18 years in multiple roles including faculty, course leader, Coordinator
of Nursing, and Dean of Nursing. She joined Ouachita as Director and Professor of
Nursing in May of 2024. She has additional roles in nursing academia teaching online
with Capella University and offering NCLEX-RN review courses with Kaplan, Inc. Dr.
Morris is a member of Sigma Theta Tau national honor society for nurses and the National
League for Nurses (NLN). She is actively involved in her church, Geyer Springs First
Baptist Church and her and her husband serve as Sunday School directors. She has been
married for 21 years and has 3 children.
Q&A
Why did you come to Ouachita?
Because it is the best! I first came to Ouachita as a student in 1998. My time at
Ouachita was one of the most amazing times of my life! I developed life-long friendships,
gained a deeper knowledge and love for the Lord, and pursued my career calling. I
was a student at Ouachita for 2 years before having to transfer to another university,
as nursing was not offered at Ouachita at that time. Years later, it is a dream for
me to be back serving as Director of Nursing. The world is in desperate need of nurses
and I am thrilled to partner with students, faculty, the university, and our local
and global community in meeting this need! I am so excited for the foundation and
future of this program!
Why did you decide to become a professor?
In all honestly, the move from bedside nursing to academia was initially somewhat
selfish. I desired a more flexible schedule to allow for growing my family and being
present for kiddos. Little did I know, that my burden to balance wife, mother, and
professional would be blessed by a direction that the Lord had already paved for me,
the role of nurse educator. He quickly revealed to me His plan to contribute to nursing
by helping educate future generations of healthcare professionals, who loved Him and
loved His people!
Why is your subject an important one in our world?
Nursing is one of the most challenging, yet most rewarding career callings that exists.
The need for nurses has never been greater and is only predicted to grow in the coming
decades. The health of all people groups continues to decline and while historically
nursing has focused on treating disease, the shift to promote health and prevent illness
are now critical priorities.
What do you want future students to know about your degree program?
Holding a nursing degree offers a world of possibilities. Our department is committed
to helping students be successful in pursuing their desire to help people, regardless
of what area of nursing they choose to pursue. Although our program prepares students
to be entry-level generalist nurses, students can work with any age group, in any
geographical area, in any specialty or generalized field, for as many or few hours
as they feel led. A Bachelor of Science degree in nursing offers opportunities for
immediate professional work or serves as a foundation for advanced degree offerings
and additional advanced opportunities within the profession.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I love to spend time with family and friends! I love to travel, see new places and
eat good food! I enjoy exploring the outdoors and camping, as well as staying in fancy
hotels in big cities. God has created a big, beautiful world and I want to see it
all! I believe that I have the spiritual gift of hospitality and I love decorating,
planning events, and hosting people in my home.
What has been a meaningful Bible verse or passage for you?
Romans 8:28 - And we know that all things work together for good to those who love
God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. There have been some unexpected
"detours" in my life that I would not have anticipated, planned for, or welcomed,
but God has been faithful and He has used this verse to encourage me in fulfilling
His will for my life. God is so good!
Publications
Podium Presentation
- Implementation of a Comprehensive Asthma Program for Preschoolers: A Quality Improvement
Initiative
