Nursing Science Champion Susan Patton Honored With Dean's Circle of Care Award

College of Education and Health Professions Dean Kate Mamiseishvili created the Dean's Circle of Care Award three years ago to recognize friends and supporters who embody the culture of care that's at the heart of the college.

This year's award will be bestowed on Susan Patton, former executive director of the college's Eleanor Mann School of Nursing (EMSON), for advocating for and selflessly contributing her time and resources to the college and serving as a strategic thought partner to the dean.

In a letter about the honor, the dean praised Patton for her encouragement, support and friendship. She also expressed gratitude for Patton's generosity in establishing the Patton Nursing Science Day Endowment this year. The $150,000 gift from Patton and her husband, Robert C. Patton, allows the college to continue the growth and impact of this meaningful, annual event that brings together leading voices in healthcare, promotes advancements in nursing education and research and shares influential scholarship.

The dynamic forum, scheduled for April 30 this year, is hosted by EMSON and the Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society. Attendees can earn continuing education credit and professional development while exploring healthcare challenges in Arkansas like maternal health, chronic illness and rural care delivery.

Patton said she's honored to receive Dean Mamiseishvili's award because it emphasizes care.

"I am grateful for the rigorous education I received that has allowed me to care in so many ways," she said. "One of the best things about nursing is that you can change your job without changing your career. When I learned about the Eleanor Mann School of Nursing, I realized that nursing education really spoke to my heart. I've been everything from a clinical instructor, to a doctoral student, to a professor, to a director. Helping new healthcare providers, educators and researchers understand the requirements for them to be successful has been the most rewarding thing I have accomplished. And of course, caring is always at the forefront of everything we do."

Patton has dedicated her career to advancing nursing practice, education and healthcare leadership. She has a doctorate in community health promotion from the U of A and is a licensed Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, Certified Clinical Nurse Specialist and Certified Nurse Educator. She also holds master's degrees in nursing and health services administration and a bachelor's degree in nursing.

Though retired, Patton continues to teach in the college's graduate nursing program and is chair-elect of the Dean's Executive Advisory Board. Her research centers on fall prevention among older adults and on improving health behaviors in vulnerable populations.

Patton held several leadership positions in the health care industry prior to her academic career. She served as a chief operating officer for Austin (Texas) Regional Clinic; director of Girling Home Health in Austin, Texas; director of clinic operations for Northwest Health Systems and the Schmieding Center for Senior Health in Springdale; and project coordinator for a Robert Woods Johnson Maternal Child Health Grant at the Arkansas Department of Health in Little Rock. Patton currently serves on the Board of Directors for Circle of Life Hospice.

The college will host a banquet on March 6 to honor Patton, along with its departmental and college-wide alumni award recipients.

"The Dean's Circle of Care Award holds a special place in my heart," Mamiseishvili said. "We are thrilled to highlight Dr. Patton's loyal commitment and care for the college and its faculty, students and staff at our event this spring. I cannot imagine a better candidate for this award. Dr. Patton exemplifies the values of kindness and care and always stands by me as a strong advocate for our college."