Harding nursing faculty member appointed to task group on diversity

Harding University

January 4, 2008

Harding nursing faculty member appointed to task group on diversity

SEARCY, Ark. – Johnnetta Kelly has been appointed by the National League for Nursing to its Task Group on Diversity in the Nurse Educator Workforce for 2008-2010. Kelly has been a faculty member in Harding University's College of Nursing for 12 years.

As a member of the diversity task group, Kelly will be expected to work to support the mission and goals of the NLN, volunteer for or accept assignments given by the task group chair, provide thoughtful comments during discussions, and maintain a proactive and positive perspective. Task groups meet primarily through telephone conferences and have one annual face-to-face meeting. Discussions also take place through an electronic community.

Kelly holds the master of nursing science degree from University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

Said Dr. Larry Long, vice president for academic affairs, "This is a very nice compliment to Johnnetta and our College of Nursing. Her recognition as a leader in nursing education and especially in providing leadership and guidance for this significant national initiative pleases me greatly. I know she is a quality professional; I'm gratified to know that others see those qualities as well."

Established in 1893, the NLN is the leading professional association for nursing education. Its purpose is to advance quality nursing education that prepares the nursing workforce to meet the needs of diverse populations in an ever-changing health care environment. Members of the board assume significant responsibility for all aspects of the organization, including shaping the vision, developing policies, advancing the mission and goals, and ensuring growth. Headquartered in New York City, the organization has more than 1,200 member schools and 17,000 members.

Dr. Cathleen Shultz, dean of the College of Nursing, serves as president-elect of the NLN.

The College of Nursing was the first in Arkansas to use computers as part of learning, provide health services for Head Start and HIPPY programs, and initiate screening clinics in public schools without nursing personnel on site. Currently, more than 400 nursing majors are enrolled at Harding, and the program is one of the most successful in the state. According to the Arkansas State Board of Nursing, Harding had the highest percentage of students pass the national licensure examination (NCLEX-RN) in 2007 of any baccalaureate degree registered nursing program in the state.

Harding had a record enrollment this year of more than 6,300 students from 49 states and 52 foreign countries. It is the largest private university in Arkansas and attracts more National Merit Scholars than any other private university in the state. Harding also maintains campuses in Australia, Chile, England, France/Switzerland, Greece, Italy and Zambia.