Biography
Sarah grew up in Arkadelphia, AR where she is a graduate of Arkadelphia High School.
Upon graduation, she pursued her love of music at Ouachita. Her mentors, Mr. Robert
Hesse and saxophone instructor Dr. Caroline Taylor led her on her journey to Ouachita.
In December 2008, she completed her Bachelor of Music Education in Instrumental Music.
In 2011, God called her to embark on a different journey. She returned to college
at National Park Community College where she would graduate in the Spring of 2014
with an Associates of Science in Nursing. After completion of her ADN, Sarah began
working in the intensive care unit in Hot Springs, AR. As a lifelong learner, she
continued her education while working full-time in the ICU. In the Fall of 2016, she
graduated from Arkansas Tech University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and
was inducted into the nursing honor society, Sigma Theta Tau.
As God has done before, Sarah began to feel his push. In the fall of 2018, she returned
to school in pursuit of her master’s degree. While working on her masters, she transitioned
from full-time bedside nursing to nursing education. In August 2019, Sarah joined
the faculty at National Park College in the Division of Nursing. In the Spring of
2020, she completed her Master of Nursing Administration at Henderson State University.
In August 2020, Sarah completed her Nursing Education Certificate. While completing
her education, Sarah continued to work at bedside and was awarded The Daisy Award
for her work in Critical Care in October 2020.
Outside of educating future nurses, Sarah enjoys spending time with her family. She
enjoys being outdoors, camping, watching her daughter play softball and showing lambs.
She continues to work bedside in a long-term care unit. Sarah and her husband, Brent,
have two children.
Q&A
Why did you come to Ouachita?
Having grown up in Arkadelphia, I always knew about OBU. I never dreamed I would go
to college here, but in following one of my mentors in the field of music who was
teaching at OBU at the time and my private saxophone instructor who also taught at
OBU, I landed at OBU on scholarship. It has always felt like home. I returned for
both reunion band concerts. Once a division of nursing was started, God called me
back to OBU.
Why did you decide to become a professor?
I have always loved teaching. Even when I worked bedside, I had the opportunity to
work with student nurses and new hires. Helping them connect the dots and that "light
bulb" moment made me realize that I was called to be a nurse educator.
Why is your subject an important one in our world?
Nursing is important because we are caring for Gods people. It also gives us an avenue
to reach others and share Gods word with those who do not know God.
What do you want future students to know about your degree program?
I want my future students to know that nursing is such a rewarding career. It’s not
just an academic program, but a career. We care for people in their highest points
in life such as bringing a baby into this world and caring for individuals during
their most vulnerable of times such as when they are taking their last breath. It
is challenging, but so rewarding. It’s the greatest profession.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy spending time with my family. I enjoy camping, being outdoors, caring for
our animals, watching my daughter play softball and show lambs.
What has been a meaningful Bible verse or passage for you?
When I first met my husband, he shared a verse with me that helped me get through
some challenges. The verse has stuck with me through the years and gotten me through
not only the challenging times but the good. It is a constant reminder that we are
commanded by God, and he is ALWAYS with us. "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and
courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is
with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9
