Dr. Nancy Armstrong
Help us congratulate Dr. Nancy Armstrong on her abstract acceptance, “Using Active Learning Strategies to Teach Pharmacology in Nursing,” to the NurseTim conference. More information about NurseTim conferences can be found at, nursetim.com/conferences.
Welcoming Dr. Lauren Roberson
Join with us in welcoming Dr. Lauren Roberson as the new nutrition program director and assistant professor in the department of Applied Health Sciences. Dr. Roberson’s previous experience includes working as a teaching assistant in the department of communication at the University of Kentucky (2017-20), as a research associate at the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension (2016-17) and as a clinical dietitian at Good Samaritan Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky (2014-16).
“I partook in each of these experiences to find my true passions – teaching and research,” said Dr. Roberson. “I feel there is so much more opportunity to impact change in both of these areas as opposed to in a clinical setting alone.”
Her favorite areas of research include nutrition and aging, program development and evaluation, health campaigns, nutrition interventions, health behavior change, and motivation. She completed her Bachelor of Science in dietetics in 2012, her Master of Science in dietetic administration in 2014, and her Doctor of Philosophy in health and strategic communication in 2020 at the University of Kentucky. In 2018 Dr. Roberson received the Bruce H. Wesley Memorial Scholarship Award, and was named as the recipient of the Carozza Graduate Fund for Excellence in Health Communication in 2019 and again in 2020.
Dr. Roberson has experience teaching a variety of courses at Murray State including research and writing for nutrition professionals, nutrition throughout the lifecycle, nutrition education and counseling, clinical dietetics practicum, and community nutrition. She also taught principles of food preparation, communication theory, communication strategies for professional excellence, and interpersonal communication at the University of Kentucky. This spring she will be teaching medical nutrition therapy III, special problems in nutrition, medical terminology, nutrient metabolism, community nutrition, and pathophysiology for nutrition-related diseases.
“Teaching is about so much more than the content,” said Dr. Roberson. “It’s about being a mentor and helping students reach their goals and full potential. I really enjoy helping them along on that journey, building them up and seeing all that they accomplish. I know I’ve done my job when I get news of a former student securing a dream job, getting into graduate school or doing well on an important exam. That’s the best part of the job for me.”
Dr. Roberson is originally from Taylor Mill, Kentucky, a small town in northern Kentucky. She has a passion for cooking, particularly baking. In her spare time, she enjoys kayaking, hiking and playing with her four dogs, Winston, Hank, Patrick and Roxy Roo. She is also an avid Elvis Presley fan and a car enthusiast.
Lucretia M. McClenney Scholarship in Nursing
In 2018 Col Lucretia McClenney established and endowed a scholarship at Murray State University for nursing students with at least one parent from an underrepresented population and who has experience and background in a multicultural environment. Students will be able to apply for this scholarship beginning in the fall of 2021. More information about applying for scholarships can be found here or through myGate.
Col McClenney, a 1972 nursing graduate, was the virtual keynote speaker for the 2020 Murray State Veterans Day celebration. A 30-year retired Army veteran and past Murray State distinguished alumnus, Col McClenney is a staunch veterans advocate, who is currently serving as a member of the former POW advisory committee, Department of Veterans Affairs. She is a former consultant with the DoD Vietnam War Commemoration and director of the Center of Minority Veterans, Department of Veterans Affairs. During her service Col McClenney served in a variety of medical treatment facilities worldwide.
Pictured right is Col Lucretia McClenney.
Bernice Jones White Nursing Scholarship
The Bernice Jones White Nursing Scholarship was generously endowed by Dr. Allen White, Jr. this past year. To be eligible for the scholarship students should be enrolled full time, admitted to the Murray State University nursing program and have a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Preference will be given to residents of Kentucky and Tennessee. Financial need may also be considered. Students will be able to apply for the scholarship beginning in the fall of 2022. More information about applying for scholarships can be found here or through myGate.
Mrs. White was born on June 28, 1924 in Leslie County, Kentucky. She grew up in the coal camps of Southeastern Kentucky during the Great Depression and was no stranger to hard work. In March of 1951 she married Henry Allen White, a senior chief machinist’s mate in the U.S. Navy. Mr. White served as a seaman and petty officer in World War II and was ultimately promoted to senior chief petty officer. They were happily married for 63 years and were the proud parents of one son, Henry Allen White, Jr.
Mrs. White was known for her kind, caring personality so it came as no surprise when she chose a career in nursing where she specialized in geriatric care. When she wasn’t working she enjoyed hiking, fishing and being with her family, including several nieces and nephews who adored her.
Pictured right is Bernice Jones White.
School of Nursing & Health Professions
Our school offers many different health careers that offer you the opportunity to influence the well-being of individuals, families, and communities.
Website: http://www.murraystate.edu/sonhp
Location: 120 Mason Hall, Murray, KY 42071
Phone: 270-809-2193
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MSU-School-of-Nursing-Health-Professions-100228168258965
Twitter: @MsuSonhp