Cox College Leadership - CoxHealth

Cox College of Nursing & Health Sciences
Summer 2008
Volume 5, Issue 2
New leadership for Cox College has led to exciting changes in the past year.
Published for the Alumni and Friends of Burge School of Nursing and
Cox College of Nursing & Health Sciences
Cox College Leadership
Dr. Anne Brett arrived in August 2007 as the College’s new President. Dr. Brett has a Master’s Degree in Nursing Administration from
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, and a Doctorate Degree in Nursing from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She was previously
employed as Executive Dean of Health Sciences and Public Services at Moraine Park Technical College, West Bend, Wisconsin.
Here at Cox College she has assumed responsibility for all aspects of the college’s operation, and its place
within the academic community. One of her first recommendations (approved by the Board) was a
redefining of two administrative positions. The Academic Dean is now the Vice-President for Academic
Affairs. A new position, Vice-President of Operations was also created.
The President is responsible to the Board of Directors. She is Chief Executive Officer of the College and
is the official advisor and executive agent of the Board. She oversees, advises and evaluates the work and
performance of the Vice Presidents, the Director of Institutional Research and Assessment, Director of
Library Services, and the Executive Secretary.
Dr. Anne Brett
President of Cox College
We are pleased to introduce Dr. Martin Sellers, who began his position
as Vice-President for Academic Affairs in January 2008. He has a
Master’s Degree in Public Administration from New York University,
and a Doctorate Degree in Political Science from Temple University,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Dr. Sellers was previously employed as Vice-
President of Academic Affairs of College of Saint Mary, Omaha
Nebraska. His responsibilities at Cox College include oversight of all
academic activities, policy development, accreditation and regulatory
processes, departmental budgets, financial resources and academic
personnel. The Vice-President for Academic Affairs assures the integrity
of academic programs and encourages excellence in teaching and learning.
He oversees, advises and evaluates the work and performance of the
Department of Nursing Dean, Dr. Charlotte Ward, and the Department
of Health Sciences Dean, Dr. Deborah Loper.
Dr. Martin Sellers
Vice-President
for Academic Affairs
Dr. Karen Hazen
Vice-President of Operations
Dr. Karen Hazen accepted the position of Vice President of Operations in October 2007. She has been
a familiar face at the College during the last several years, first as Dean of Student Services and then as
Interim President. She has a Master’s Degree in Community Counseling from the University of
Nebraska-Kearney, and a Doctorate Degree in Counseling Education and Practice from the University of
South Dakota. She is responsible for the oversight of the budget and management of resources, fiscal
processes, facilities operations, enrollment management services and student support services. The Vice
President of Operations assures the integrity of the fiscal operation of the college and the services
provided to students in support of academic affairs. She oversees, advises and evaluates the work of the Business Manager, Dean of
Enrollment Management, Technical Support Coordinators and Education Specialist.

2
Faculty News
A team of faculty members are working with Dr. Ward and Dr.
Sellers to develop a business plan and proposal for a master’s in
nursing to include a nurse educator and clinical nurse leader
tracks.
Dr. Linda Moran is collaborating with
Dr. Brenda Ross from Cottey College on a
research project looking at women’s
experiences with chronic illness. They will
be presenting their work at the annual
conference of National Council for
Research on Women entitled Hitting the
Ground Running: Research, Activism and
Leadership for a New Era in June at New
York University.
Jean White (‘60) will be retiring from Cox College at the end of
the month.
Congratulations
Tricia Wagner (’91), nursing faculty member, successfully
completed the rigorous exam process to become a Certified
Geriatric Nurse Practitioner. Tricia joins a very elite group of only
about 600 certified Geriatric NPs in the Country.
Jean White’s Retirement
Department of Nursing Update
Charity (Thomas) Hall, BSN May 2008
graduate (pictured left) wrote two
evidence-based practice papers while
enrolled in NURS406 that have been
accepted for publication in The Student
Voice Newsletter sponsored by the Oncology
Nursing Society.
Upon graduation, Charity began her
nursing career with CoxHealth as a staff
nurse on the Oncology floor.
Academic News
Accreditation
The Department of Nursing completed accreditation visits from
the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission
(NLNAC), the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
(CCNE), and the Missouri State Board of Nursing.
NLNAC has granted the Associate of Science in nursing program
full 8 year accreditation.
CCNE has granted the Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs
full 5 year accreditation.
The Missouri State Board of Nursing continued their approval
of both the ASN and BSN programs.
NCLEX Pass Rates
NCLEX results for the December, 2007
89.3% ASN graduates
87% BSN graduates
Enrollment
300 students are currently enrolled in the nursing programs
In Fall 2008 there will be:
• 40 students will be
admitted to the ASN
program
• 5 LPN’s to the ASN
completion program
• 4 High School Early
Decision Option Students
• 36 students to the entry
level BSN class
Mrs. Jean (Leker) White (’60) will retire this month from service to CoxHealth. Jean is a 1960
graduate of Burge Hospital School of Nursing. Her career with Cox has included working as a staff
nurse, and as an instructor with the
Burge Hospital School of Nursing and
then with Cox College. She has been an
active alumna and will continue her
involvement with the Burge/Cox
College Alumni Association.
Far Left: Jean (Leker) White (’60)
1960 Burge Hospital School of Nursing
Graduation Photo
Left: Jean poses with a certificate honoring her
years of service with Cox.
Nursing Alumni
Chapter Board of
Directors
Jean White (’60)
President
jwhite@coxcollege.edu
Phyllis Fennell (’64)
Vice President
phylfennell@aol.com
Gail Morris (’02, ’04)
Secretary
paulmorris@centurytel.net
Vickie Donnell (’71)
Treasurer
VickieDonnell@yahoo.com
Linda Van Matre Brown
(’65)
Director
myrlinda@sbcglobal.net
Barbara Pittman (’55)
Director
MoShriner@aol.com

Academic News
Department of Health Sciences Update
As the department looks to the future they are concentrating on increasing the
quality of their programs through a rigorous learning outcomes assessment
process. They will continue to focus on increasing student enrollments. The
Department is investigating the possibilities of increasing the number of
offerings. Upon approval an Associate of Science Medical Assisting program
will begin this coming fall.
Pat Wyrick Retires
Pat Wyrick, Coordinator/ Instructor of the Health Sciences Transcription
Program will be retiring officially July 31, 2008. She will remain on staff as
Adjunct Faculty until
December, 2008, teaching in
the Transcription Program.
Pat’s accomplishments are
many. During her tenure at
Cox College, she developed
both the Transcription and the
Medical Billing/Coding
programs which have been
Pat Wyrick receives a certificate in
appreciation for her years of service to Cox College
Health Sciences
Alumni Chapter Board
of Directors
Linda Laudermith (‘03)
President
lmlaudermith@hotmail.com
Marilyn Barnes (‘04)
Vice President
somee2@aol.com
Tammy Loebach (‘05)
Secretary
Tloebach@msn.com
Cynthia Eckley (‘04)
Treasurer
missourponca@centurytel.net
Marcella Musgrave (‘03)
Director-at-Large
mmusgrave@sbcglobal.net
Bonnie Allison (‘03)
Director-at-Large
balliso@coxhealth.com
very successful producing
many Transcriptionists and
Coders many of whom still
remain in touch with her
today.
Pat was given a retirement party on April 30,
2008, at Cox College in the Fountain Plaza
Room with many present and past students,
Department Heads, and Administrators in
attendance. After retirement she plans on
spending more time with her 84-year-old
Mother, her 3 children, 10 grandchildren, and
9 great-grandchildren. She also plans to spend
much more time going on trips with her 4
sisters. Pat was given a Gift Certificate from
her many friends and former students to
Great Southern Travel and is now planning
an Eastern Caribbean Cruise sometime in
September. We will miss her but wish her the
very best in her retirement.
Pat Wyrick
at her April 30th retirement party.
Health Sciences Leadership
American Heart Association
Heart Walk
2008 Cox College
Heart Walk Team
3
Dr. Deborah Loper comes to Cox College as the new
Dean of Health Sciences. She has a Master’s Degree in
Exercise Physiology and a Doctorate in
Administration, Curriculum and Instruction from the
University of Nebraska – Lincoln.
She taught at the university level for 22 years as a
professor of exercise
physiology and
kinesiology. Dr.
Loper was previously
employed as Dean of
Arts & Sciences at
Colorado Mountain
College in the Rocky
Mountains.
Her leisure time is
spent in active pursuits
such as hiking, biking
and skiing as well as
reading and travel.
Dr. Deborah Loper
Dean of Health Sciences
The Cox College of Nursing and Health Sciences Heart
Walk team raised $740.00 for the American Heart
Association.
The Heart Walk took place on the morning of April
12th at the Cox South field. Team members walked
either a one or three mile course in unseasonably cold
temperatures, extreme winds and snow flurries. Cox
College students also maintained a booth that provided
free blood pressure checks for event attendees.

College Roots
Alumni Spotlight
5
During her trip to Florida in March 2008 to visit
alumni, Dr. Brett had the opportunity to meet
Dr. Claudine O’Conner and husband, Tom.
Dr. O’Connor is the widow of Lester L. Cox for
whom Cox College is named.
Cox College welcomed home alumni Julia (Blaine) Guppy ‘58 as a speaker at the May
2008 Cox College graduation. Fifty years ago Ms. Guppy started her career in health
care. After graduation she worked for a short
time at Burge Hospital (now Cox North) in
labor and delivery. She then joined the faculty
for Burge School of Nursing which was
followed by becoming the school nurse in
Neosho.
Ms. Guppy earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s
degrees in Nursing and went on to teach
nursing until her retirement. However, even
in retirement, she continues to
participate in the nursing profession by
conducting chart reviews for an assisted living
organization.
Ms. Julia (Blaine) Guppy ‘58
Graduation Photo
Deaths
Dr. Brett and Dr. Claudine
O’Conner in Florida
Important Dates
Nursing Alumni Dinner
September 20th, 6:00 p.m., Fountain Plaza Room
Barbara (Young) Gleason ‘76
Please submit alumni updates to:
generationsofcaring@coxcollege.edu
Ms. Julia (Blaine) Guppy ‘58 with
Dr. Anne Brett at Graduation, May 2008
Cox College Bookstore
More than books!
Candy
Chips
Magazines
Jewelry
Generations of Caring
Editorial Board
Lisa Alexander
Vickie Donnell
Laurie Patton Glasson
Jean White
Special Thanks to:
Nicole Abbott
Wilma Bunch
Cappuccino
Sodas
Cox College Apparel
Basic Toiletries
For more information call 417-269-3508

4
Where in the World is Dr. Brett?
Alumni News
During the past semester Dr. Brett has visited several cities across the United States. Along the way she has met some outstanding
alumni who have great pride in being a Burge/Cox College graduate and have moved on to do wonderful things, such as the 1970 alumni
she met in Phoenix who has earned her Masters Degree and teaches end of
life care for her real job but also works every Saturday for a hospice home
care to stay in touch with the patient care aspects.
Most recently Dr. Brett has
concentrated on tour stops
in the major cities of
Missouri, beginning with a
stop in Joplin on April
15th. There she met a
1954 graduate who had
recently published a book
about the year she spent in
India caring for the
indigent population there
while in her 70s.
Joplin
L-R: Julia (Blaine) Guppy ‘58, Leslie (Reagor) Nivens ‘54,
Dr. Brett, and Phyllis (Presley) Vineyard ‘69
Orlando, FL
Drucilla (Crotts) Tiliakos '60 and Dr. Brett
On May 2nd she was in Columbia where
she met a graduate who is the administrator
for all of the Veteran’s Homes in Missouri.
In Kansas City, on May
9th, she met a 1984
graduate who is a now a
family nurse practitioner
and runs a clinic for the
homeless and underserved
population.
Columbia
L-R: Brenda (Baker) Wilson ‘77, Billie Horak, ‘67, Dr.
Brett; Mary (Mackey) Black ‘59, Naomi (Quade) Cupp ‘70,
Anne (Gayer) Payne ‘73, Susan (Scheperle) Pendergrass ‘69
Kansas City
L-R: Cynthia (Mittan) Moore ‘84,
Lynn (Haas) Ross ‘72, and Dr. Brett.
Finally, on June 6th Dr. Brett
was in St. Louis where she
met Mary Belle (Squibb)
Eggers ’58. Mrs. Eggers was
a school nurse for over 20
years.
In a compelling speech to the spring 2008 graduating class of Cox College students,
Dr. Brett spoke of her adventures visiting with alumni and concluded with this
reminder:
This is your heritage and the foundation of Cox College…
Today you join the ranks of these outstanding alumni and I hope
that you will carry on the tradition of proudly wearing
your pin to let everyone Know that you are a Cox College graduate.
St. Louis
L-R: Alumna Mary Belle (Squibb) Eggers ‘58 and
CoxHealth Libraries Director, Wilma Bunch.
Wilma joined Dr. Brett for the St. Louis stop.

6
Graduation
On May 16th Cox College held commencement exercises on the campus of Drury University in the Weiser Gymnasium. A total of 90
students completed their respective programs. Graduation was followed with a reception in the Fountain Plaza room for students, their
families and friends, and Cox College faculty and staff.
Department of Nursing had 68 graduates including:
ASN - 26 graduates
BSN - 35 graduates
RN-BSN – 7 completion students
The Department of Health Sciences had 22 graduates including:
Dietetic Internship program - 8 graduates
Medical Transcription - 7 graduates
Medical Billing /Coding - 7 graduates
Top Left: Students from the
Dietetic Internship Program
Middle Left: Medical
Transcription and Medical
Billing/Coding Students
Above: ASN graduates marching
in to graduation
Bottom Left: Several students
from the BSN program take time
to pose before graduation.

Simulation Lab — Will it Become a Reality?
We are just a few thousand dollars away from reaching our goal on the Kerr Matching Grant. This will put us one step closer to realizing
the dream of building a Simulation Lab for the College.
The Kerr Foundation, a charitable organization based in Oklahoma, has offered us a $10,000 challenge grant for the purchase of
equipment for our proposed Simulation Lab. As you know, the Simulation Lab will bring many new opportunities to Cox College. It will
provide enhanced learning with “real life” experiences using human simulators in a controlled, no-risk environment for our students. The
lab will also provide an opportunity to create the first “train
the trainer” program for our region. Our model will draw
nurse educators from the 83 nursing programs within a 200-
mile radius to utilize our facility, generating revenues to grow
and sustain the program.
As leaders within our organization, we hope you will help us
to spread the word of this challenge. The Kerr Foundation has
only made one other gift to Springfield and few to Missouri.
By rising to the occasion we have the potential of future gifts
as we work towards our new campus.
Trivia Night
It’s not often the Wicked Witch, Scooby Doo and KY3’s Chad Plein get to spend some quality time together, but this years Trivia Night
gave them all a reason to celebrate.
The Cox College of Nursing and Health Sciences Trivia Night ended up being a record breaking
event.
Some people hit the beach while others hit the road as
bikers to answer some tough questions, tackle a new,
trickier audio round and be challenged by Springfield
Trivia.
While one team took home the trophy for the night’s game and
another took home best costume the real winner was the College. We cannot thank the
community enough,
whether you donated a
silent auction item or
showed up to play the
games. We couldn’t do it
without you! CoxHealth’s
Information Systems
helped us land the laptop
donation that brought in a
lot of money.
Thank you!!
Left: Scooby-Doo and Gang were the winners of the costume contest.
Employees throughout CoxHealth showed their support with their participation.
If you are interested in making your own personal gift, please
mark “Kerr Foundation challenge” in the memo section of
your check. The CoxHealth Foundation will gladly receive
your gift and is handling the tracking of the match. We have
12 months to raise the $10,000 to receive their donation. The
sooner it is raised, the faster we will have the funds and be
able to begin purchasing the equipment for the Simulation
Above: Examples of a “Sim Lab” that would provide
Lab. Our goal is to have it operational by next fall. If you
students with hands-on experiences.
would like additional information to share with potential
donors or friends of nursing, please contact: Lisa Alexander or Laurie Patton Glasson at the Foundation at 417-269-7150
7
Above: Gail Allen (‘91) with
15-year old son Paden.
The members of their team threw a slumber
party complete with pajamas,
stuffed animals, and the necessary equipment
to do hair, nails, and make-up.

Non Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 1318
Springfield, MO
1423 N. Jefferson
Springfield, MO 65802
Phone: 417-269-3401
Fax: 417-269-3581
E-mail: generationsofcaring@coxcollege.edu