UT Tyler Office of Marketing and Communications

The University of Texas at Tyler Longview University Center Nursing Students Continue Tradition of Excellence

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April 13, 2017

Media Contact:  Hannah Buchanan
Editor/Writer–Strategic Communications & Media Relations
Marketing and Communications
The University of Texas at Tyler
903.539.7196 (cell)

The University of Texas at Tyler Longview University Center Student Nursing Association was once again recognized by the Texas Nursing Students' Association, Dr. Van Patterson, Longview University Center director, announced.

During the 69th annual TNSA convention, the group received the "2016 Chapter of the Year" and "Breakthrough to Nursing" awards, which are based on outstanding leadership and chapter involvement throughout the year.

The LUC Student Nursing Association chapter is led by two exceptionally talented faculty members, Rebecca Carrasco and Anita Lowe. Nursing students representing The University of Texas at Tyler Longview University Center SNA chapter include Kelsey Spelce, Taylor Dotson, Ashley Carter and Nick Novak, all of Longview; and Joshua Gibbs, Susan McKeever and Jessica Thompson, all of Hallsville.

Dotson currently serves as president of the Texas Nursing Students' Association, Spelce as president of the LUC-SNA, and Novak was recently elected to serve as 2017-18 TNSA northern regional director.

Following the TNSA convention in Houston, students traveled to Dallas for the 65th annual National Student Nursing Association convention. There they successfully defended and passed two resolutions. The first supported implementation of music and memory programs to improve outcomes for dementia patients in long-term care, and another supported expanding nursing students' knowledge of de-escalating agitated patients and assault prevention training.

"These students learn about advocacy and professionalism in their curriculum and SNA provides the platform for them to put their education into practice," said Lowe. "I am so proud of each and every one of them and expect to see them achieve great things during their careers."

One of the 14 campuses of the UT System, The University of Texas at Tyler features excellence in teaching, research, artistic performance and community service. More than 80 undergraduate and graduate degrees are available at The University of Texas at Tyler, which has an enrollment of almost 10,000 high-ability students. The University of Texas at Tyler offers courses at its campuses in Tyler, Longview and Palestine as well as a location in Houston.