New faculty join UMMC academic ranks

Dee Armond

Dee Armond, an instructor in the Associate Degree Nursing program at Copiah-Lincoln Community College in Wesson, has joined the Medical Center faculty as an adjunct clinical instructorin the School of Nursing.  

Armond earned the Associate of Science in Nursing degree in 2014 at the University of West Alabama in Livingston and the Master of Science in Nursing, with a nursing education emphasis, at Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, in 2018. 

She worked previously as a registered nurse and charge nurse for DCH Regional Medical Center in Tuscaloosa, Alabama; nursing instructor for the University of Alabama Capstone College of Nursing in Tuscaloosa; nurse manager for Sumter Health and Rehabilitation in York, Alabama; graduate assistant/professor of nursing at the Capstone College of Nursing; and practical nursing instructor and Associate Degree of Nursing clinical instructor for Hinds Community College in Jackson. She has also worked as a travel nurse for Integrity Nursing. 

Armond is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses and the American Nurses Association.  

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Iesha B. Smith

Iesha B. Smith, a neonatal occupational therapist for Children’s of Mississippi in Jackson, has joined the Medical Center faculty as an assistant professor-education in the Occupational Therapy program in the School of Health Related Professions. 

Smith earned a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy in 2014 in SHRP and is a third-year student in the Doctor of Health Administration program in SHRP, with prospective graduation in May 2025. 

She worked previously as a pediatric occupational therapist at Beyond Therapy in Ridgeland, an adult outpatient occupational therapist for Performance Rehab in Ridgeland and Richland, and for Therapy Management Corporation in Maggie Valley, North Carolina. 

Smith is a member of the Mississippi Occupational Therapy Association, American Occupational Therapy Association and American College of Health Care Executives. 

She is certified by the National Association of Neonatal Therapists as a Certified Neonatal Therapist.