Jefferson Chronicle-Spring/Summer 2016

JEFFERSONChronicle

The Veteran’s Bachelor ofScience in Nursing

at Jefferson College of Health Sciences

Have you wanted to get your Bachelor’s degree in nursing, but found it was never the right time?This could be the perfect time to earn your degree, advance your career and move to the next level!

Jefferson College of Health Sciences and Carilion Clinic are offering you the chance to enroll in

the Post-Licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program (RN-to-BSN)

at a special tuition rate—just $350 per credit hour.

We are accepting applications NOW, with seats available in the fall 2016 semester!

Contact the Office of Admissions today to request more information about the program and how to apply.

1-888-985-8483 or (540) 985-8483 • [email protected]

Earn Your BSN at Jefferson College at a Special Tuition Rate!

College Board of DirectorsMr. Stephen A. Musselwhite

Chair

Ms. Ellen WadeViCe Chair

Mr. Joseph B. WrightSeCretary/treaSurer

Ms. Jeanne ArmentroutMs. Maryellen F. Goodlatte

Dr. David M. GringMs. Brenda Hale, R.N.

Mr. Keith F. HelmerDr. Maxine M. Lee

Mr. William R. ReidRev. Joy Sylvester-Johnson

The Honorable Philip TrompeterMr. G. Robert Vaughan, Jr.

Ms. Lori Viar, ’99Mr. Gary D. Walton

College AdministrationNathaniel L. Bishop, D.Min.

PreSident

Lisa Allison-Jones, Ph.D.dean for aCademiC affairS

Glen Mayhew, D.H.Sc.aSSoCiate dean for inStitutional

effeCtiVeneSS

Anna Millirons, M.B.A., C.P.A.dean for adminiStratiVe SerViCeS

Scott Hill, M.S.dean for Student affairS

Francis C. Dane, Ph.D.Chair, artS & SCienCeS

Sharon L. Hatfield, Ph.D.Chair, Community health SCienCeS

Ava G. Porter, D.N.P.Chair, nurSing

Connie Cook,. M.B.A.Senior direCtor of enrollment management

Margie Vest, M.A.Ed.online and Continuing eduCation direCtor

Erik W. Williams, B.A.direCtor of deVeloPment

Magazine EditorsMark A. LambertErik W. Williams

WritersJean Jadhon, WdBJ-7

Mark A. LambertRobert D. Natt

Luanne Rife, the roanoke timeS

Erik W. Williams

PhotographyStephanie Klein-Davis, the roanoke timeS

Mark A. LambertRobert D. Natt

Laura WhiteErik W. Williams

Brett Winter Lemon PhotographyKevin Hurley Photography

Muncy Fine Photography

Design & PrintingSource4

J E F F E R S O N C H RO N I C L E 1

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tSections SPRING/SUMMER 2016A Letter from the President ........................................................................................................... 2

Jefferson Matters

Jefferson College Adds Doctoral Degrees and Creates School of

Graduate & Professional Studies ...................................................................................... 3

Jefferson College Named a Top School in Capital Improvements

by Virginia Living Magazine ............................................................................................. 4

Jefferson College Confers Doctor of Humane Letters to Carilion Clinic

President and CEO Nancy Howell Agee .......................................................................... 5

A Message from Dr. Nancy Howell Agee: “The Growth of Jefferson College

of Health Sciences” ............................................................................................................ 5

Winter Commencement 2015 .......................................................................................... 6

Jefferson Life

Jefferson College Offers Free App to Better Serve Website Users with Disabilities ...... 7

Fourth Annual Jefferson College 5K Riverside Run and Wellness Walk ....................... 8

Carilion Clinic Life-Guard Presents Proceeds from Rotor Run to Jefferson College .... 10

The Veteran’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Jefferson College of Health Sciences ......... 12

Meet Lauren Miley, VBSN Admissions Counselor ....................................................... 12

Meet Misty Hairston, Nursing Student .......................................................................... 14

Meet James Miller, Veteran Retention Advisor .............................................................. 15

Meet Robert Natt, VBSN Marketing Specialist .............................................................. 15

Your Gift. Their Education. Our Health. It’s all Connected ...................................................... 16

2016 Alumni Awards Program Nominations ............................................................................. 16

Beyond Jefferson

Jefferson College Named a 2016 Military Friendly® School .......................................... 17

From WDBJ-7: Jefferson Students Help Save a Life ...................................................... 18

Jefferson College Community Works to Help Improve Healthcare in Uganda .......... 19

From The Roanoke Times: Physician Assistant Students Learn Residents

Need Nudges to Change Behavior ................................................................................. 20

Healthcare Careers are Within Reach ............................................................................ 22

BE Counted 2015-16 ...........................................................................................inside back cover

Keep Up with Jefferson College on Social Media ........................................................back cover

College AccreditationJefferson College of Health Sciences is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges

and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate and master’s

degrees, and, effective fall 2016, to award doctoral degrees. Contact the Commission on

Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for

questions about the accreditation of Jefferson College of Health Sciences.

2 VISIT US ONLINE AT WWW.JCHS.EDU

Dear Alumni and Friends of Jefferson,

Education is one of the greatest gifts that we can share. Passing on our

collected knowledge to the next generation enables us to continue making

incredible advances that benefit everyone. Nowhere is this more true than in

healthcare.

The National Institute on Aging reports that the average lifespan of a human

being in 1900 was 50 years. Today, it is more than 83 years. While there are

many factors resulting in this increase, healthcare and the contributions

of healthcare professionals play a vital role. That’s why Jefferson College

of Health Sciences continually works to create new avenues to higher

healthcare education for a wide variety of students.

In this edition of the Jefferson Chronicle, you’ll find many examples of these

innovative programs and initiatives, including the new Veteran’s Bachelor

of Science in Nursing program. Last year, we were proud to announce that

Jefferson College had been awarded an over $1 million federal grant to create

a program tailored to the needs of veterans who want to become nurses.

Beginning on page 12, you can meet the team that is recruiting veteran

students and developing the curriculum.

We are implementing new technologies that make our resources available

to more healthcare students than ever before, including eSSENTIAL

Accessibility. This free app empowers students, faculty, staff and site visitors

with physical disabilities to better access the College’s website at www.jchs.

edu. You can see more about eSSENTIAL Accessibility on page 7.

Jefferson College is now offering opportunities to build on experience and knowledge through our new doctoral degree programs in Health

Sciences and Nursing Practice, which are detailed on page 3. Both degrees will provide graduates with opportunities to teach, conduct

medical research, participate in advanced clinical practice and more. In addition, our new School of Graduate & Professional Studies will

ensure that our post-graduate students have access to academic leadership and guidance that will ensure their success.

We are working with high school and college students, early and mid-level professionals, and anyone interested in healthcare careers at our

annual “Healthcare Careers are Within Reach” event. This collaborative effort between Jefferson College, the Virginia Tech Carilion School

of Medicine and Virginia Western Community College provides the groundwork for these prospective students to pursue healthcare and

medical education. You can read more about this initiative on page 22.

These examples show how Jefferson College of Health Sciences is reaching out to potential students who may have thought a healthcare

education and career was not possible for them. For all of these groups, Jefferson College is the key to opening the doors of opportunity.

I am proud to lead the College at a time when we are working so diligently to be inclusive, and I pledge that we will continue these efforts.

Healthcare is a noble and compassionate calling, and all of us at Jefferson College of Health Sciences are dedicated to welcoming the next

generation into our world.

Sincerely,

Nathaniel L. Bishop, D.Min.

President, Jefferson College of Health Sciences

A Letter from the President


In November 2015, Jefferson College of Health Sciences announced the addition of two new doctorate-level programs to the institution’s 25 existing

healthcare-focused degree and certificate programs. The new programs, the Doctorate of Nursing Practice and the Doctorate of Health Sciences, will

welcome their first students in fall 2016.

“From the 1980s, when we were educating approximately 200 students in a handful of associate and certificate programs, to today, when almost

1,100 students are enrolled in 25 degree and certificate programs on our campus, Jefferson College of Health Sciences has grown to become a leader

in healthcare education in the Roanoke Valley and beyond,” said College President Dr. Nathaniel L. Bishop. “With the announcement of these new

degrees, we take the next important step in our development.”

In addition to the announcement of the new doctorate-level programs, Dr. Bishop introduced the new “Jefferson College of Health Sciences School

of Graduate & Professional Studies,” which will be home to the college’s graduate-level programs and the more than 250 students currently enrolled

in those programs. The addition of the School provides an administrative framework to best meet the needs of these students.

“At our last College Board of Directors retreat,” said Jefferson College Board of Directors member Ms. Maryellen Goodlatte, “we received an in-depth

report about the need to offer upper-level degrees in response to the rapidly changing healthcare environment of the Roanoke region, a segment of

the local economy that continues to be strong and growing. On behalf of the Board of Directors, college leadership and our colleagues at Carilion

Clinic, I would like to say how pleased we are to offer these opportunities as way of continuing that growth.”

The implementation of the doctorate-level programs marks a significant milestone in the history of Jefferson College of Health Sciences. Beginning

in fall 2016, over 1,000 Jefferson students will have the opportunity to earn doctorate, masters, bachelors and associate degrees, as well as participate

in a variety of graduate and undergraduate certificate and recertification programs.

Jefferson College Adds Doctoral Degree Programs and Creates School of Graduate & Professional Studies

Jefferson College President Dr. Nathaniel L. Bishop announces the addition of doctoral-level degrees and creation of the new School of Graduate & Professional Studies, with Dr. Lisa Allison-Jones, Dr. Ava Porter, Dr. Sharon Hatfield and Jefferson College Board of Directors member Ms. Maryellen Goodlatte.


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Jefferson College of Health Sciences

has been named one of the top colleges

in Virginia in the category of Capital

Improvements by Virginia Living Magazine.

The recognition highlights the completion

and opening of the Virginia Intercollegiate

Anatomy Lab (VIAL) on the Jefferson College

campus at Carilion Roanoke Community

Hospital in downtown Roanoke. The $2.5

million VIAL space opened in May 2015, and

was the result of a collaboration between

Jefferson College of Health Sciences, the

Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine

and Radford University.

The recognition appeared in Virginia Living

State of Education, a special bound-in

Jefferson College Named a Top School in Capital Improvements

by Virginia Living Magazinesupplement to Virginia Living’s

October 2015 issue.

Featuring in-depth, positive coverage

of news and trends in secondary and

higher education, Virginia Living State

of Education includes Top High Schools

& Colleges 2015, a list of more than 150

programs in public and private high

schools and two- and four-year colleges

leading the way in innovation across the

state. Virginia Living’s Top High Schools

& Colleges 2015 recognizes schools

for excellence and innovation in six

categories: Arts & Humanities, Science,

Math & Technology, Fine & Visual Arts,

Capital Improvements, Athletics and

Special Needs.

After thorough review of each school’s

programs and accomplishments, Virginia

Living’s editors selected schools that

have instituted programs or recently

begun capital improvements aimed at

strengthening students’ experiences in and

beyond the classroom. Virginia Living’s

Top High Schools & Colleges 2015 is a

resource for anyone curious about why

Virginia’s schools are consistently ranked

among the nation’s best.

This is the second consecutive year

Virginia Living magazine has recognized

Jefferson College of Health Sciences. In

2014, the publication named Jefferson

College one of the top Health & Medicine

colleges in the state.

At the 2015 Winter Commencement Ceremony, Jefferson College of Health Sciences conferred a Doctor of Humane Letters to Carilion Clinic

President and CEO Dr. Nancy Howell Agee.

The first honorary doctorate given by Jefferson College in the history of the school was awarded to Mr. William Reid, whose vision established

Community Hospital and the Roanoke Valley School of Nursing. Mr. Reid is credited as the founder of the modern iteration of the College.

Over time, the Community Hospital of the Roanoke Valley evolved first into the Community Hospital of Roanoke Valley College of Health

Sciences in 1982, and then Jefferson College of Health Sciences in 2003. Growth at the College has been exceptional in the years since its

founding, from approximately 200 students enrolled in a handful of associate degree programs in 1988 to over 1,100 students from 31 states

today in 25 programs on the graduate, baccalaureate, associate and certificate levels.

Through all of this explosive growth, expansion of academic offerings and national recognition, Dr. Agee has been an exceptional supporter

of Jefferson College of Health Sciences. It is with her leadership and vision that the College has been able to become what it is today. Dr. Agee

has been a vocal advocate for the way in which Jefferson College educates the healthcare professionals of tomorrow and has been vital to

ensuring our students receive exceptional educational and clinical opportunities throughout Carilion Clinic.

At the ceremony, Dr. Agee said of the graduates from Jefferson College, “Hopefully, many of them actually are staying in our

region, but also taking the learning they had here and the experiences that they had here and going all across the globe—

being well educated but also taking our character, taking our values and spreading that out around for patients everywhere.”

Jefferson College Confers Doctor of Humane Letters to Carilion Clinic

President and CEO Nancy Howell AgeeDr. Nancy Howell Agee receives her doctorate-level hood from Jefferson College Board Chairman Mr. Steve Musselwhite and President Dr. Nathaniel L. Bishop.

In January 2016, Dr. Agee was featured in a video produced by Carilion Clinic,

speaking about the incredible growth and evolution of Jefferson College of Health

Sciences over the past three decades. You can watch this video online now at

https://youtu.be/QGWQY3F1eys or by scanning the QR code to the right with your

smartphone.

The Growth of Jefferson College of Health Sciences

Scan this code with your smartphone to see this video.


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Scan this code with your smartphone to see this video.


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Jon Bledsoe Barlow, IIIMaggie Sue Beehner

Brian R. BixlerKaitlin Elizabeth Breidel

Adam Wesley BryantAnna Corinne Joo Coffey

Laura Elizabeth CookJennifer R. Davis

Shayla N. FawcettMonica Lynn Fischer

Jeffrey H. ForsythCarolyn Hope Funke

Brittany GaryJared S. Geissinger

James Winston GillsChiara Nicole Glass

Tiffany E. HeeseLindsay Marie Hoffman

Alison Maren HuberBrittany E. Krantz

Heather KuenJana Kelsey Little

Laura Megan LogemanAmy Elizabeth McKinney

Alisha Gail OliverStephanie Carmella Parker

Melissa Marie PaschallSamuel Newell Pearce, III

Amelia Kate RodeAnne Elizabeth Rodgers

Lauren Elrod RouxStephen Paul Rucker

Andrew Phillip ShiflettKelsey Lee Shirk

Natalie SmithCortney Elizabeth Tanner

Lauren F. Urrea

Master of Healthcare Administration

Lisa Lawson AtkinsonBecky S. BowlesLisa M. Dishner

Christine L. McMillanElizabeth Hallee Mercogliano

Diana Kathryn WilkersonLeah Wynette Williams

Master of Science in Occupational Therapy

Brittany Lauren FalkenauBriley J. Holt

Alicia Erin HuttonWesley Matthew JividenLauren Courtney Jones

Brandon Andrew JusticeAshley Caitlin Loera

Leah McAleerRebecca Elizabeth McClintic

Lara Remi McGuiganChad T. Meyer

Brittany Elizabeth MitchellMegan N. Newcomb

Lyndsay RakesSara Nicole SimmonsScott Andrew Sutphin

Amanda Caroline ToneyTrey A. Washington

Master of Science in Physician AssistantMegan Clinton Allison

April A. AmaralKristen Eileen Anderson

Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences

R. Nolan BrackenrichJoanna Michelle Mason

Miranda R. Shaffer

Bachelor of Science in Health and Exercise Science

Nicholas Lee BilbroBrandi Leigh Long

Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences

Kelley Roberts CarrJasmine Rena Ferrell

Hannah Ball HaleLacy Marie Harris

Lauren Rebecca LeeAmanda Gibson Leggett

Emili Ashton MorganHolly Reneé Roop

Brandy Michelle Stone

Bachelor of Science in NursingMeghan Wingate Bird

Emmanuela St.-Fleur BoothShelby Marie Bowling

Emily Kathryn BrickhouseShane M. Clary

Brittany Iris ColegroveElisha Elizabeth Cuddy

Jennifer DietrichRobert C. Dingus, Jr.Quinci Fay DonahueTroy Michael Evans

Michaela Jo FlemingBronwyn Randolph Foley

Wayne Christopher GouldAshley Keene GrahamAlyson Hope GreggerCarol Mariela Gomez

Monique Cache’t JeffersonRebecca Louise JohnsonAndrew Sheldon Jones

Breanna KawaGiuliana C. Kelleher

Carolyn A. KieferChelsea Rene Holt

Davis Ross MacGregorAbby Rae Martin

Stephanie A. MeyerTamika Darcine Mixon

April Cierra NivensAlexandra M. PetersJessica Jones Plott

Marquita Louise ReinhardtEmma Caroline Salmon

Shannen Elaine SchuckerKatelyn Ann Seay

Jillian Marie SedlarSamantha Elizabeth Shepherd

Katherine R. StrubleZachary Cameron TinsleySamantha Justine Tonon

Tuyet Anh Thi TruongKathryn Booker Turner

Kimberlee Alissa WaltonAbby Rose Williams

Marci Dawn WilliamsRenee Wilson

Associate of Applied Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant

Lisa Kay Bailey

Jefferson College continues to build on our legacy of educating

the best and brightest healthcare leaders of tomorrow. On Friday,

December 11, 2015, we celebrated our Winter Commencement

Ceremony at the Berglund Center in Roanoke. One hundred

twenty-six students on the master’s, bachelor’s and associate

degree levels accepted their diplomas and became alumni of

the College during the event. We welcomed Patrice Weiss, M.D.,

Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer for Carilion

Clinic and Professor in the Department of OB/GYN at the Virginia

Tech Carilion School of Medicine, as our Commencement Speaker.

On this page is a full list of our winter graduates. Please join us in

congratulating our 2015 graduates on their outstanding accomplishments!

To see a full event gallery from our Winter Commencement Ceremony,

visit www.jchs.edu/event/2015-winter-commencement.

Winter Commencement 2015

2015 Winter Graduates


Jefferson College of Health Sciences, an affiliate of Carilion Clinic, is proud to announce its partnership with eSSENTIAL Accessibility.

Through the partnership, Jefferson College now offers a desktop app that empowers students, faculty, staff and site visitors with physical

disabilities to access the College’s website at www.jchs.edu.

The eSSENTIAL Accessibility app™ provides a suite of

keyboard and mouse replacement solutions, among other

tools, designed to help people with physical, reading and

age-related disabilities get online. The app is free to the

end user and can be downloaded by clicking the blue

wheelchair and keyboard symbol located in the lower right-

hand corner of any page on Jefferson College’s website.

Visitors who click on the icon are directed to a special

Jefferson College channel.

People who are unable to browse the web using conventional

methods due to conditions such as arthritis, paralysis or MS,

can use this app to navigate completely hands-free using

tools like motion technology and voice-activated navigation.

The app will allow people with physical limitations to explore

Jefferson College’s online information about academic

programs, news, events and more.

“At Jefferson College of Health Sciences, we are dedicated

to educating our students using innovative and inclusive

technologies,” says Jefferson College President Dr. Nathaniel

L. Bishop. “By adding eSSENTIAL Accessibility to our

website, we are opening the exciting world of healthcare

higher education to the next generation of healthcare

professionals who will care for our families, friends and

neighbors for years to come.”

“We are excited to welcome Jefferson College of Health

Sciences on board and applaud them for being true leaders

in higher education by providing an equal education

experience for everyone through their programs and

services and by offering an inclusive digital space,”

says Simon Dermer, Managing Director at eSSENTIAL

Accessibility. “We are proud to have them join the coalition

and we look forward to working together to help take their

mission to the next level.”

Jefferson College Offers Free App to Better Serve Website

Users with Disabilities

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Jefferson College of Health Sciences hosted the 4th Annual “Jefferson College 5K Riverside Run & Wellness Walk” on

November 14, 2015, presented by Medical Facilities of America, an exclusive provider of LifeWorks Rehab.

Over $7,500 was raised to support the Jefferson College Foundation as it provides money for scholarships to support

current students.

Jefferson would like to thank everyone who came out for the event, including their pups, and hope to see you at this year’s

event. Visit www.jchs5k.com for updates!

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The Fourth AnnualJefferson College 5K Riverside

Run and Wellness Walk

Scan this code with your smartphone to see an event gallery.


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We would like to thank all of our generous sponsors for their contributions to the 2015 5K Riverside

Run & Wellness Walk: Medical Facilities of America, an Exclusive Provider of LifeWorks Rehab;

Adventures in Advertising; Carilion Clinic; Carilion Clinic Velocity Care; Catawba Capital

Management; Dixon, Hubard, Feinour & Brown, Inc. Investment Counsel; Domino’s Pizza; Kroger;

Road ID; RunAbout Sports; and the Western Virginia Water Authority.


Carilion Clinic Life-GuardPresents Proceeds from Rotor Run

to Jefferson College


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On December 17, 2015, Carilion Clinic Life-Guard presented $3,740.35 to the Jefferson College of Health Sciences Education Foundation at Cambria

Suites on Reserve Avenue in Roanoke. The funds are proceeds from the first annual Life-Guard 5K Rotor Run, which took place in July 2015.

Jefferson College of Health Sciences President Dr. Nathaniel L. Bishop, along with members of the Jefferson College and Carilion Clinic communities,

accepted the check from Life-Guard at the ceremony that included a Life-Guard helicopter and a dozen uniformed crewmen.

Jefferson College will use this donation to fund a scholarship benefiting a nursing and/or paramedic student pursuing a future career in Flight Medicine.

The 5K Rotor Run was designed to promote health and wellness, as well as raise awareness about the importance of services provided by both air and

ground Emergency Medical Services. The second annual Life-Guard 5K Rotor Run will take place on July 9, 2016. Watch www.rotorrun.org for details.


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BE PINK for Breast Cancer Awareness On October 26, 2015, Jefferson College of Health Sciences hosted our BE PINK celebration in the spirit of community, support and remembrance. We welcomed our students, faculty and staff to wear pink in support of breast cancer awareness. As part of the event, we recognized the King and Queen of Pinkdom! That is, the participants with the most pink spirit! This year’s honorees were Tommy Harper, Assistant Professor in the Emergency Services Program, and Hareem Khalid, student in the Surgical Technology Program.

Partner Award from the American Red CrossAt the annual Volunteer Recognition Banquet in June 2015, the Roanoke chapter of the American Red Cross presented Jefferson College of Health Sciences with the Partner Award in recognition of the service provided by the students and college during the 2014-15 academic year.Jefferson students in the Service Learning in Community Health I & II courses (HSC 490 & HSC 491) contributed over 600 hours of service to the Red Cross, and by August 2015, the 21 students contributed a total of over 1,300 hours of community service to the Roanoke region.

VOTA Partnership AwardAve Mitta, Program Director of and Assistant Professor in Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA); Karen Layman, Academic Fieldwork Coordinator and Instructor in OTA; and Leah Sowers, Instructor in OTA, were awarded the OT/OTA Partnership Award during the Virginia Occupational Therapy Association (VOTA) annual meeting the weekend of October 17-18, 2015.

The OTA/OT Partnership Award is designed to recognize an OTA and an OT who have worked closely together to make a significant contribution to the profession of occupational therapy in areas such as research, education, and/or professional practice.

(Left to right) President Dr. Nathaniel L. Bishop; Health Sciences Program Director Dr. Diana Willeman-Buckelew; American Red Cross Roanoke

Chapter Disaster Services Manager Paula Poston; Chair of Community Health Sciences Dr. Sharon Hatfield; and Red Cross Roanoke Chapter

COO/Executive Director Lee Clark.

(Left to right) Leah Sowers, Instructor; Karen Layman, Academic Fieldwork Coordinator and Instructor; and Ave Mitta, Program Director and Assistant Professor.

Jefferson College of Health Sciences was recently awarded a three-year, $1 million grant from the Health Resources and Services

Administration (HRSA) Bureau of Health Professions as part of its Nurse Education, Practice, Quality and Retention (NEPQR)

Program. The NEPQR program prepares veterans for the transition from the military to a civilian professional nursing practice role.

Jefferson College is using the grant to develop a Veteran’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program (VBSN), which will assist

veterans with enrollment, progression and graduation as they earn their baccalaureate nursing degrees. The VBSN program

modifies existing nursing curricula at Jefferson, as well as support services, to address the unique needs of veterans.

The VBSN program is actively recruiting students now, who will begin classes in fall 2016. On the next few pages, you’ll get to

meet the team leading that effort to recruit our inaugural class of VBSN students.

Lauren Miley, B.S. | VBSN Admissions CounselorLauren Miley serves as the admissions counselor for the Veteran’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (VBSN) program. She joined

the Jefferson College Office of Admissions in 2011 and has over six years of experience in college admissions. She leapt at the

opportunity to handle admissions for the VBSN program. Miley states:

“It’s a real honor to be able to serve veterans in this capacity. We have such a great program to provide veterans with the

educational opportunities they need for a successful career in healthcare. I love speaking with prospective students and helping

them navigate the transition into higher education. When transitioning out of the military, many veterans are juggling jobs,

families and a major lifestyle change. At Jefferson College, we make that transition as easy as possible with resources and

support at every step.

We have a great group of faculty and staff on our VBSN team who are all advocates for these veterans. It’s so wonderful, because I have

100% faith in our team and their commitment to the students’ success. That makes my job easier and I get to offer a great product.

The VBSN program is wonderful for many reasons, and it’s such a great opportunity for these students. Since many of our

veteran students have healthcare experience in the military, they can actually receive course credit for their military training

and experiential learning. It recognizes their hard work and expertise, and it can save them a lot of time and money.

The veterans make up a very special part of our student body. They bring a depth of experience and discipline that translates

well into nursing and other healthcare fields. As part of their military compensation, they also have great financial resources

available to make the educational experience as comfortable as possible.”

The Veteran’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Misty Hairston is a member of the Jefferson College Class of 2018. Originally from Hawaii, Ms. Hairston later moved to Virginia and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force Reserves. She selected Jefferson College’s Traditional BSN program to prepare for a nursing career in the Air Force.

Hairston said, “When I was looking for a BSN program, I wanted a small class size where I could gain lots of hands-on experience. Jefferson College of Health Sciences is teaching me not only how to succeed in the classroom, but also in my career.”

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: Misty Hairston

Scan this code to hear Misty’s story

You can hear more about Hairston’s experience by visiting https://youtu.be/tw6RD9Rk17U14

James Miller has served in the National Guard, the Army Reserves and active-duty Army. He is trained by the Military Occupation Service as a medical specialist and combat medic. Mr. Miller served active duty in Iraq, Afghanistan and several U.S. facilities. Mr. Miller worked as a medical training instructor (cadre) for the Army and contracted out medical instruction to the Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard members. Teaching field and clinical first-aid, trauma care, emergency medical care and clinical care all came naturally, and he grew more passionate about practicing and educating in the medical field.

Through his VBSN position, Mr. Miller will be able to put his prior experiences to use. “As the Veteran Retention Advisor, I will support, guide, retain, and lead a smooth transitional pathway for our veteran students, from start to finish, enhancing their career as a graduate of the VBSN program.”

Robert Natt, B.A. joined Jefferson College as a Marketing Specialist in September 2015. He will lead the marketing efforts for the VBSN program. Mr. Natt previously served as President of Robert Natt Productions, offering services in marketing, brand strategy and commercial photography. In his 12 years with Robert Natt Productions, Mr. Natt served clients like Advance Auto Parts, Mizuno USA, Nestle-Purina, Virginia Tech and countless others.

After achieving all of his goals for small business, Natt wanted to narrow his focus by marketing a singular product to a larger demographic.

“This has been a providential opportunity for me,” says Natt. “When considering a next career step, I had explored both the healthcare and higher education industries. Jefferson College exists at that precise intersection, and it is poised for remarkable growth. I am honored to serve with so many brilliant minds that are equipping the next generation of healthcare professionals.”

According to Senior Communications Consultant for Communications and College Relations Mark Lambert, “Mr. Natt brings a unique skillset and expertise in marketing and creative direction. His background in commercial photography and content development will unlock new opportunities for us at Jefferson College. Mr. Natt’s relentless pursuit of excellence quickly gained recognition among our personnel, and he has already proven to be a great asset to our organization.”

James Miller, M.S.N., RN, CCRN, CNEVeteran Retention Advisor

Robert Natt, B.A.VBSN Marketing Specialist

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2016 Alumni Awards Program Nominations Nominations are now being accepted for the 2016 Alumni Awards Program. This program, established in 2015, serves to recognize, honor and

celebrate the contributions made by Jefferson College alumni in their efforts to improve the health of communities they serve. Awards recipients will

be recognized at the 2016 Education Foundation Luncheon in June 2016. Nominations for the Distinguished Alumni Award and the Recent Alumni

Achievement Award will be accepted through April 1, 2016, and self-nominations are welcome.

For more information and to complete the online nomination form, visit www.jchs.edu/alumni-awards-program or contact Erik Williams, Director of

Development, at (540) 224-4644 or [email protected].

Jefferson College President Dr. Nathaniel L. Bishop with (left to right) Distinguished Alumni Award recipient E.W. Tibbs; event guest speaker Nikki Giovanni; Distinguished Alumni Award recipient David Hoback; Recent Alumni I Achievement Award recipients Cornelius Powell and Dr. Albert G. Pavalonis; and Carilion Clinic President and CEO Dr. Nancy Howell Agee.

It’s all Connected.

THEIREDUCATION.

OUR HEALTH.YOUR GIFT.

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Jefferson College Named a 2016 Military Friendly® School

Jefferson College of Health Sciences has been named a 2016 Military Friendly® School by Victory Media, the leader in successfully connecting the

military and civilian worlds, and publisher of G.I. Jobs®, STEM JobsSM and Military Spouse. This is the fourth consecutive year Jefferson College has

received this recognition.

Now in its seventh year, the original, premier Military Friendly® Schools designation provides service members and their families with transparent,

data-driven ratings about post-military education and career opportunities.

Institutions competed for the elite Military Friendly® School title by completing a survey of over 100 questions covering ten categories, including

military support on campus, graduation and employment outcomes, and military spouse policies. Survey responses were scored against benchmarks

across these key indicators of success. In addition, data was independently tested by EY (Ernst & Young) based upon the weightings and methodology

established by Victory Media with guidance from an independent Advisory Board of higher education and recruiting professionals.

“We are honored and excited to once again receive this recognition,” said Jefferson College President Dr. Nathaniel L. Bishop. “Jefferson College of

Health Sciences is making a concerted effort to welcome veteran and active military students and their families with specific resources designed to

meet their needs. A perfect example is the $1 million grant the College received this year that has allowed us to create a Veteran’s Bachelor of Science

in Nursing Program. The students in that program will get individualized admissions, academic support and post-graduate career assistance. We are

dedicated to helping our veteran and active military students succeed during their time as a student at Jefferson College and beyond.”

The Military Friendly® Schools designation is awarded to the top colleges, universities, community colleges and trade schools in the country that

are doing the most to embrace military students and to dedicate resources to ensure their success both in the classroom and after graduation. The

methodology used for making the Military Friendly® Schools list has changed the student veteran landscape to one much more transparent, and has

played a significant role over the past seven years in capturing and advancing best practices to support military students across the country.

“Post-secondary institutions earning the 2016 Military Friendly® School award have exceptionally strong programs for transitioning service members and

spouses,” said Daniel Nichols, Chief Product Officer of Victory Media and Navy Reserve veteran. “Our Military Friendly® Schools are truly aligning their

military programs and services with employers to help students translate military experience, skills and training into successful careers after graduation.”

Jefferson College will be showcased along with other 2016 Military Friendly® Schools in the annual Guide to Military Friendly® Schools, special education

issues of G.I. Jobs® and Military Spouse Magazine, and on MilitaryFriendly.com.

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30-year-old father reunites with the people

who saved his life

Markee Scott loves to play basketball. He and

a group of buddies play two or three times a

week at Green Ridge Recreational Center in

Roanoke County.

But one day last month just as the guys

finished a game, something went terribly

wrong. Scott fell to his knees and then

collapsed on the gym floor.

His heart had stopped beating. At first his

friends thought he was joking.

It was no joke. Markee Scott, who is known

by his friends as Marty, was in cardiac arrest.

Green Ridge employee Jamie Green was

working as a gym monitor that day.

“And I see everybody walking off and going

to get water,” Green said. “And I see Marty

walking and he just falls over. I really didn’t

think much of it. I thought maybe he was

joking.”

“All of a sudden the guys were yelling for me

to come over there,” Green said.

Green checked for a pulse. Nothing.

She called for help and then did what she

had trained to do- began administering

CPR. “I did it all the way until rescue got

there,” Green said.

This week Markee Scott reunited with Green

and two other staff members who used an AED

automatic defibrillator and oxygen to help.

Scott also met the emergency responders

from Roanoke County Hollins Station 5. They

say the quick work of Green Ridge Staff kept

him alive until they could get there.

“He probably wouldn’t be here today if they

would not have started CPR, started the chain

right away,” said Ross French, Paramedic and

Firefighter with Roanoke County Fire EMS

Hollins Station Five. The Roanoke County

EMS crew got Scott’s heart beating on its own

again and rushed him to the hospital.

Markee says he doesn’t remember anything

until several days later when he woke up in

the hospital.

“I don’t like to think about it I’m happy and

blessed to be here I’m happy people helped

me and saved me,” Scott said.

Green has been called a hero, but she humbly

says she’s not.

“I think of it more of a like a blessing,” Green

said. “He really did get a second chance at life

and a lot of people don’t get that.”

Scott who is a father of three says he’s

learned how precious life is. “[You] can’t

take life for granted. Here one day, gone the

next,” Scott said.

Markee Scott’s story brings home how crucial

CPR is. Dr. Jack Perkins is the Carilion Clinic

physician who treated Markee. He’s also an

advocate of CPR.

Research shows when there is a sophisticated

EMS system combined with a robust

community education program in CPR,

survival rates are higher. Roughly 500,000

people suffer from sudden cardiac death

every year; in 75 percent of cases other

people are there.

When bystanders step in and perform

high-quality CPR, lives are saved. “Going

through life it’s very likely that every citizen

at some point, either at the supermarket,

the mall, the airport, a hotel, you’re going to

encounter somebody else,” Dr. Perkins said.

“It is those defining moments that are going

to determine whether that

person lives or dies.”

The American Heart

Association currently supports

CPR that is done with chest

compressions only- no mouth

to mouth resuscitation.

Jefferson Students Help Save a Life

Note: This story originally appeared on WDBJ-7, the CBS affiliate in Roanoke, Virginia. It is used with permission

from WDBJ. Jamie Green and Nicholas Bilbro were students at Jefferson College of Health Sciences at

the time they helped saved Mr. Scott’s life. Nicholas graduated in December 2015 from the Health & Exercise Science Program and Jamie is currently a student in the

Respiratory Therapy program.

Scan this code with your smartphone to see this story on the WDBJ website.

Led by Dr. Wilton Kennedy, Director of Clinical Education and Associate Professor in the Jefferson College Physician Assistant Program, the

college has been engaged in several efforts to help improve healthcare in Uganda, Africa.

In October 2015, Dr. Kennedy traveled with a group of Jefferson College students and local healthcare professionals to Uganda. Among the

many projects they participated in while there was the “Albinism in Africa Project.”

Albinos in Africa face discrimination, stigma, abandonment and human rights violations for their condition. The albino children at St. Angela’s

Orphanage, where the group stayed, suffer from serious vision impairment and skin disorders, including cancer, as a result of lack of supplies

like hats, sunglasses and sunscreen.

Before they left, the group collected sunglasses and wide-brim, shade-producing hats to take with them as a donation to these children. This

project was co-sponsored by the Jefferson College of Health Sciences CASE (Cultural Awareness and Service Excellence) Committee.

When the group returned, they hosted “Health in Uganda,” an on-campus session that included a discussion about healthcare conditions in

the country led by a four-person panel composed of four Jefferson College students, Dr. Kennedy and

Judy Gustafson, Director of the nonprofit Global Health Educators.

In December 2015, the CASE Committee led an effort to support the children at St. Angela’s by

decorating a “STAR Tree” in the lobby at Carilion Roanoke Community Hospital on the Jefferson

College campus. Each star provided information on St. Angela’s website, where participants could

learn how to donate, read about the orphanage, read the biographies of the orphans and see efforts to

improve the lives of these children.

One hundred percent of the donations given went to the St. Angela’s orphans.

You can learn more about St. Angela’s and how you can help on the Global Alliance website at

www.globalhealtheducators.com/.

Jefferson College Community Works to Help Improve Healthcare in Uganda

Jefferson College Physician Assistant students in Uganda in 2014.


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During their first semester at Jefferson College

of Health Sciences, physician assistant

students quickly discover that adopting good

habits is easier said than done.

“Students come into grad school thinking it’s

so easy to change behavior. You tell residents

to lose weight, and they should lose weight. So

I have them plan a behavior-change project

for themselves,” explains associate professor

Judy Cusumano.

Students set modest and specific goals, such as

catching an extra hour of sleep, exercising for a

half-hour three times a week, even flossing their

teeth. Then in the middle of all their classwork

and multiple tests, they put it to practice.

“It gets real challenging,” Cusumano said. “I

always ask them for a progress report, what

have they learned that they can apply, and it’s

always, ‘Oh, my God. I didn’t know it was so

hard to change a behavior.’ ”

Yes, even to set aside a few seconds a day to

floss teeth.

As she talks about the project in the meeting

room at the Bradley Free Clinic, students

Brittany Krantz and Kelsey Shirk nod and

break into smiles. They didn’t have much

success when they tried to quit nail biting or

add in exercise minutes.

But they and fellow PA student Brian Bixler

gained insights into behavioral changes that

they put into practice at the clinic.

The PA class before them had started a

wellness program to help overweight residents

with chronic disease eat better and exercise

more. They joined in, first learning the

program, and this year, leading it.

When they graduate during Jefferson’s Dec.

11 commencement ceremony, the next class

of PA students will step up and take over the

program.

There is no shortage of participants. The clinic

hangs posters year-round to let residents

know about the wellness program, which runs

in 12-week cycles during the academic year.

Clinic director Carla Santos said volunteer

nurses ask their residents if they are interested

and put them on the wait list.

Brian Bixler (left) and Brittany Krantz (right), chatting with resident Lyn Day, graduated in December 2015 from Jefferson College of Health Sciences’ Physician Assistant Program.

Physician Assistant Students Learn Residents Need Nudges to Change Behavior

This article by Healthcare Reporter Luanne Rife appeared in the Nov. 29, 2015 edition of The Roanoke Times. Copyright, The Roanoke Times,

reprinted by permission. Main photo by Stephanie Klein-Davis, The Roanoke Times, used with permission.


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Brian Bixler (left) and Brittany Krantz (right), chatting with resident Lyn Day, graduated in December 2015 from Jefferson College of Health Sciences’ Physician Assistant Program.


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Physicians review the residents, weeding out

those whose illnesses are not under control.

“They are excluded because they are

working with students and not licensed

providers, yet. It could be too much for the

students,” Santos said. “This is for people

who are motivated and people who want to

make lifestyle changes and haven’t found a

way to do that.”

Nearly all have tried some diet or exercise

regimen without success, she said.

Between five and seven residents usually

participate, and sometimes students

outnumber residents. To start, residents

meet with their student advocates to

go over the program and set specific,

achievable goals.

“We are listening to the residents, assessing

their readiness to change and identifying

any particular boundaries,” Shirk said,

explaining that they use a process called

motivational interviewing. “You’re not

trying to push residents into behaviors,

but come up with what they want and help

them do that.”

It’s not unusual for residents to want to drop

50 pounds.

“What I like is the students don’t say, ‘No.’

They say, ‘Why don’t we think about the time

we have, and let’s set some short goals.’ They

have as few failures as possible to maintain

the motivation,” Santos said.

Short-term goals might be walking 30

minutes three times a week. The residents

are given a workbook and counseled to

plan by jotting down when they’ll walk,

where and with whom.

Fleet Feet fits them with shoes, and the

women get sports bras. They’re also handed

copies of “Good and Cheap: Eat Well on $4

a Day” by Leanne Brown, and encouraged

to attend some of the clinic’s twice-monthly

classes on nutrition and cooking.

Student advocates then meet with their

residents weekly to review progress. They

take the residents to grocery stores to learn

about shopping the perimeter, buying

produce in season and looking for ways to

get more nutrition and fewer calories for

their money.

Participants have lost between 5 and 21

pounds.

“We ran the numbers for the first five cycles

and found significant difference for before

and after weights and BMIs,” Cusumano

said. “I just started writing a paper up for

publication because it is significant, and

other PA programs need to be partnering

with their free clinics.”

With chronic conditions now the leading

cause of death, she said, managing

the diseases through lifestyle changes

becomes critical.

And yet, change remains difficult.

“We tracked the residents pre- and post-

[program] at three months, six months

and 12 months out. We don’t see that they

sustain their changes,” Cusumano said.

“We started a graduate program so they

have something they can continue to

participate in.”

Graduates of the wellness program meet

in group sessions with a couple of students

and are paired with peers to keep them

motivated.

“A group of women started a walking

club, just among the residents, on their

own,” Santos said. “They reported to me,

unsolicited on my part, that they set it up to

go one Saturday morning and Jane didn’t

show up, and they weren’t going to walk

until she showed up. They’ve developed a

support network among themselves.”

The students say they have learned as much

as the residents.

Bixler said he came to understand the

strengths and limitations of motivational

interviewing.

“I like, rather than telling, the teach-tell

method. People tend to respond. But at the

same time if a person isn’t motivated, you

can guide them along the path, but some

people you can’t necessarily change,” he

said. “Most of the people we see here are

motivated, but they have legitimate barriers

and it takes a lot to get by those.”

But, the students said, if residents

fall short of their weekly goals,

they can be refocused and come

to understand that behavior

change is an ongoing learning

process.

Scan this code with your smartphone to read this story on roanoke.com.


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This article and accompanying photos were originally published in the December 2015/

January 2016 edition of Our Health magazine. Copyright, Our Health, reprinted by

permission. All photos by KG Thienemann, used with permission.

What a wonderful thing our community has when Roanoke Valley educators come

together to enrich the lives of local students. That’s just what happened in November

2015 on the campus of the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine. In a collaborative

effort, Jefferson College of Health Sciences, Virginia Western Community College and the

Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine hosted an evening for high School and college

students, early and mid-level professionals, and anyone wondering what it takes to bring a

healthcare career within reach. Healthcare Careers are Within Reach was a huge success!

Look for more informational meetings like this one on the horizon.

Healthcare Careers are Within Reach

Jefferson Physician Assistant Students Survey Homeless for Health ConcernsFor the fifth consecutive year, students from the Jefferson College of Health Sciences first-year Physician Assistant (PA) class volunteered to collect information for the January HUD Point In Time survey.

Collected at the same time all over the country, the data is invaluable for providers of services to the homeless. Jefferson PA students, in groups with a team leader and a City of Roanoke police officer, were charged with finding and surveying homeless people in Roanoke who had slept outside the night prior. They canvassed Roanoke city streets and outlying areas from 4:30 to 7 a.m. on January 28, 2016, focusing particularly on health information so medical attention could be provided to those most at risk. PA students also conducted a cold weather gear drive, collecting hats, scarves, socks and other cold weather clothing items for the Homeless Assistance Team to distribute.

Jefferson College President Bishop Visits South KoreaJefferson College of Health Sciences President Dr. Nathaniel L. Bishop visited Roanoke’s sister city, Wonju, South Korea, in September 2015 as part of a delegation of Roanoke leaders. Pictured here is Dr. Bishop with Wonju’s Mayor, Kim Gi-Yeol, and Roanoke City Mayor David Bowers.

Jefferson College Physician Assistant students preparing for the Point in Time Survey.


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Jefferson Emergency Services Students Support Fincastle Rescue Squad The Jefferson College of Health Sciences Emergency Services Program, the Fincastle Rescue Squad and the Botetourt County Department of Fire & EMS have joined together in an effort to provide more opportunities for paramedic students to get a unique rural EMS experience, as well as working toward recruiting students as volunteers and assisting with covering calls for service. Beginning in August 2015, the EMS unit known as “Medic 459” began work, staffed by a Jefferson College paramedic student, a Jefferson College Preceptor and a driver from either the Fincastle Rescue Squad or the Department of Fire & EMS.

“We are excited to have the opportunity to work with Fincastle and Botetourt to give our students more opportunities for providing care and enhancing learning experiences,” said Jefferson College Emergency Services Program Director JC Cook. Medic 459 was staffed on Fridays from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. while college was in session.

Jefferson College President Bishop Meets with Virginia Governor and CICV PresidentsOn November 10, 2015, Jefferson College President Dr. Nathaniel L. Bishop and other Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia (CICV) College Presidents met in Richmond with Governor Terry McAuliffe to discuss accessibility and the Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant Program (VTAG).

Jefferson College Hosts Healthcare Forum on FraudOn November 10, 2015, Jefferson College hosted a forum on healthcare fraud featuring U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Inspector General, Special Agent Jeffrey Overbeck. Special Agent Overbeck was a forward agent on a 2001 case in which a U.S. District Court jury found a physician guilty of writing 427 prescriptions for no legitimate medical purpose. As a result, Agent Overbeck was credited with Virginia’s largest prosecution of medical abuse of prescription OxyContin.

Respiratory Therapy Program Receives National RecognitionThe Jefferson College of Health Sciences Respiratory Therapy Program has been featured in the December 2015 edition of The Coalition Chronicle, the newsletter of the Coalition for Baccalaureate & Graduate Respiratory Therapy Education.

The multi-page feature authored by Chase Poulsen, Ph.D., RRT-ACCS, NPS, Jefferson College BSRT Program Director and Associate Professor, provides an overview of the college, the RT program and how it has evolved to meet the needs of the healthcare community in the Roanoke Valley.


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(From left to right) Jason Ferguson, Deputy Chief; Jeffrey Beckner, Chief; Matt Rickman, Preceptor; Terry Schodowski, Fincastle Rescue Captain; David Breslin, Paramedic student; and John Cook, Jefferson College of Health Sciences Emergency Service Program Director.

Dr. Bishop with Governor Terry McAuliffe and Presidents of fellow private colleges in Virginia in Richmond.

Scan this code with your smartphone to read this story.

(From left to right) Jason Ferguson, Deputy Chief; Jeffrey Beckner, Chief; Matt Rickman, Preceptor; Terry Schodowski, Fincastle Rescue Captain; David Breslin, Paramedic student; and John Cook, Jefferson College of Health Sciences Emergency Service Program Director.

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Jefferson Chronicle-Spring/Summer 2016

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Transcript of Jefferson Chronicle-Spring/Summer 2016