Faculty and staff achievements

The School of Nursing is proud to highlight the achievements of faculty and staff since the last Vital Signs issue.

Faculty inducted into UMMC Academy for Excellence in Education

Over 20 School of Nursing faculty members were inducted late August into the UMMC Academy for Excellence in Education. The distinguished group joined other faculty across the UMMC campus as inaugural members in the Academy.

The inaugural members from the School of Nursing include Dr. Chelsey Andries, Dr. Jeanne Calcote, Dr. Kayla Carr, Dr. Kim Douglas, Dr. Tina Ferrell, Dr. Audwin Fletcher, Dr. Katie Hall, Dr. Jennifer Hargett, Dr. Lisa Haynie, Dr. Laree Hiser, Dr. Neeli Kirkendall, Dr. Susan Lofton, Dr. Robyn MacSorley, Dr. Carl Mangum, Dr. Tina Martin, Dr. Sharon McElwain, Deidre Morgan, Dr. Anne Norwood, Dr. Michelle Palokas, Tara Price, Dr. Mary Stewart, former assistant professor Amanda McCullough and recently retired Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Dr. LaDonna Northington.

The Academy was formed by the UMMC Office of Academic Affairs under the leadership of Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Dr. Scott Rodgers. It aims to enhance "the learning environment of all professional schools through support and recognition of outstanding educators, developing a community of dedicated faculty, and promoting educational excellence, innovation, leadership and scholarship."

See, Test, Treat annual cancer screenings

Various faculty and staff volunteered their time and expertise at See, Test, Treat providing cancer screenings for women at the Jackson Medical Mall's Thad Cochran Center. The annual program offers free mammograms, cervical and oral cancer screenings to over 60 women during the Saturday event. Results were given on the same day and follow up appointments were discussed for any positive results from the screenings.

The annual program, sponsored by the UMMC Cancer Center, has been held at UMMC since 2017. Due to the pandemic the 2020 screening was canceled and the 2021 program was held earlier this year. For more information about See, Test, Treat, visit the College of American Pathologists website. 

Thank you to all SON members and alums that have been involved with this event through the years!

Mangum awarded COVID-19 Civilian Service Medal

Congratulations to Dr. Carl Mangum for receiving a COVID-19 Civilian Service Medal from the National Disaster Medical System (ND

MS) for his federal service during the COVID-19 response. The associate professor and director of the Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner track, serves as the Delta-1 DMAT Commander and joins 12 other members on his team to receive the medal. The Disaster Medical Assistance Team various health care specialities; safety and logistical specialists; information technologists; and communication and administrative specialists from throughout Louisiana and Mississippi.

"I am humbled and proud to have received the COVID-19 Civilian Service Medal for my federal responses during the COVID-19 epidemic," said Mangum. "I am also proud to say there are a total of 13 members of Delta-1 DMAT that will receive this medal and thousands from the NDMS as a whole. It is an honor to serve and an honor to serve with such great people, stay safe!"