Jefferson Chronicle-Spring/Summer 2010

J E F F E R S O NC H R O N I C L E

Spring 2010

JCHS ViSion

of tHe futureJCHS AmeriCAn mediCAl

Student ASSoCiAtion (AmSA)JCHS Alumni

trAVel progrAm

JCHS WelComeS InterIm PreSIdent

dr. natHanIel l. BISHoP

VISIT US ONLINE AT WWW.JCHS.EDU

College BoArd of direCtorS

Stephen MusselwhiteChair

Ellen WadeViCe Chair

Joseph WrightSeCretary/treaSurer

Nathaniel L. BishopMaryellen Goodlatte

David GringStuart Mease

William R. ReidCharles Saldarini

The Honorable Philip TrompeterF. Lee Tucker, M.D.

Gary D. WaltonSusan Willis

College AdminiStrAtion

Nathaniel L. Bishop, D.Min.interim PreSident

Douglas Southard, Ph.D., P.A.-C.ProVoSt and dean for aCademiC affairS

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

Glen Mayhew, D.H.Sc.aSSiStant dean for aCademiC affairS

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

Howard Ballentine, Ph.D.dean for enrollment management and Planning

Jennifer Carlo, M.A.dean for Student affairS

mAgAzine editorS

Mark A. LambertChristina Hatch

pHotogrApHy

Mark A. LambertKevin Hurley Photography

deSign & printing

Source4

College ACCreditAtion

Jefferson College of Health Sciences is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of

the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate, baccalaureate and masters degrees. Contact the Commission on

Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia, 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4501 for questions about the accreditation of

Jefferson College of Health Sciences.

C o n t e n t sJEFFERSON COLLEGE of HEALTH SCIENCES

JEFFERSON CHRONICLE 1

SectionsA Letter from the President ........................................................................................2

Jefferson Matters ..........................................................................................................3

The JCHS Vision of the Future ............................................................................3

Winter Commencement 2009 ..................................................................................4

JCHS VOICE Program Update................................................................................4

JCHS Alumni Association News ...................................................................................6

Distinguished Speaker Series Events with Dr. Earl Suttle and

Janet Crawford ...................................................................................................6

Alumni Chapter Reports .........................................................................................7

JCHS Alumni In Action .................................................................................................8

JCHS Alumna a Finalist for National Book Award ............................................8

JCHS Students in Action ..............................................................................................9

The JCHS American Medical Student Association .........................................9

Faculty/Staff Briefs .....................................................................................................18

Class Notes ...................................................................................................................19

FeaturesA Message From Sue Campbell, Alumni Association Board President .....................5

JCHS Welcomes Interim President Dr. Nathaniel L. Bishop ..................................10

You’re Invited to an Alumni Reception for Dr. Bishop ...........................................13

New Provost and Dean for Academic Affairs Named ..............................................13

JCHS Alumni Travel Program ....................................................................................14

Alumni Profile: Caroline W. MacKellar ..................................................................16

Save the Date: Homecoming 2010 ...............................................................................21

Did You Notice…The JCHS Alumni Facebook Page? ................................. back cover

About the CoverInterim President Dr. Nathaniel L. Bishop at Carilion Roanoke Community Hospital, future home of Jefferson College of Health Sciences. You can learn more about Dr. Bishop, including his leadership plans for JCHS, beginning on page 10 of this issue of the JefferSon ChroniCle.

2 VISIT US ONLINE AT WWW.JCHS.EDU

Dear Alumni and Friends of Jefferson,

Last fall, I was honored to be asked to serve as the Interim President of Jefferson College of Health Sciences. As a member of the College’s Board of Directors since 2003, I have a deep appreciation for the important role JCHS has played in educating healthcare professionals for over 90 years. I’m proud that I have been given the opportunity to be a part of that rich history.

Anyone who knows me can attest that I am a people person at heart. If I could, I would greet every alumnus, current student, faculty member, staff member and friend of the College personally. But with over 100 faculty and staff members, approximately 1,000 students, 5,000 alumni and countless friends of JCHS, that just isn’t possible. So I hope that this issue of the Jefferson Chronicle will serve as an introduction for those of you I haven’t had the pleasure to meet—yet.

I would like to begin my first Letter from the President by acknowledging the outstanding job my predecessor did during her tenure with Jefferson. Dr. Carol Seavor oversaw the largest growth of students and academic programs in the College’s history and put JCHS on the map among higher education institutions in Virginia. My goal as Interim President is to build on the strong, steady course that Dr. Seavor set for us over the last few years.

At the same time, I also want to look to the future and help the College chart a course into new waters. Carilion Clinic has established an innovative concept in Interprofessional Education, which gives our students the opportunity to interact with students at Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and Research Institute and other medical education entities across the Carilion organization. The result will be graduates with a wide variety of skills and experiences.

This new approach to educating the healthcare professionals of tomorrow is just one of the ways we’re evolving at Jefferson. As you may know, we’re also in the process of moving the College to a new home at Carilion Roanoke Community Hospital (CRCH). Many faculty and staff offices, as well as some labs and classrooms, have already migrated to CRCH. Renovations are currently taking place on the fifth, sixth, ninth and tenth floors to house all other classrooms, labs and offices currently at the Reid Center. We plan to have everything moved to CRCH by the beginning of the fall 2010 semester. More updates on our move to CRCH are included in this issue of the Jefferson Chronicle on page 3.

As I assume my new role with JCHS, I am excited about all of the opportunities that await us in the near future. I believe we can continue the transformation of the College into one of the leading nursing and allied health education institutions in the country; we can provide our students with education that goes beyond the classroom and helps them become compassionate,

dedicated individuals who save lives every day; we can rise to the challenge of educating tomorrow’s healthcare providers to protect and improve the health of our families, friends and neighbors. I believe in Jefferson College of Health Sciences. And I hope you do, too! Sincerely,

Dr. Nathaniel L. Bishop, Interim President Jefferson College of Health Sciences

A Letter from the President

“I believe we can continue the

transformation of the College into

one of the leading nursing and allied health education

institutions in the country...”

J e f f e r s o n M a t t e r sJEFFERSON COLLEGE of HEALTH SCIENCES


The JCHS campus is currently undergoing a transformation as classrooms, labs, offices and other spaces move from the Reid Center on Jefferson Street in downtown Roanoke to Carilion Roanoke Community Hospital (CRCH), located on Elm Street. The move will provide JCHS students, faculty and staff with many new resources and innovative renovated spaces in which to learn, teach and work.

The transition from the Reid Center to CRCH began in 2007 when Carilion Clinic consolidated many patient services at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. At that time, JCHS was given space at CRCH.

Since then, the College has been planning the move with the help of Carilion’s interior design and facilities department and began expansion into its new home at CRCH—creating, among other resources, a fitness center, student union, integrated lab and classroom areas, and much more.

Construction to create classrooms, labs, conference rooms and office space is currently taking place at CRCH on multiple floors. The plan is for all renovations and moves to be completed by the beginning of the fall 2010 semester. As with all construction and move projects, however, this timeline is subject to change.

On this page, you will see photos of the renovations currently taking place at CRCH for Jefferson. More photos, as well as updates on the move, are available on the new “JCHS Vision of the Future” hub on the JCHS website at www.jchs.edu/page.php/prmID/787.

The J C HSVision of the Future

With a New Home in the Works,the Future of JCHS

is Looking Very Bright

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On the morning of December 18, 2009, JCHS was abuzz with two impending events: our annual winter commencement ceremony and a winter storm predicted to hit the area. The storm would indeed blanket Roanoke with over 18 inches of snow that night, but the 2009 Winter Commencement Ceremony at Fitzpatrick Hall in Roanoke’s Jefferson Center went off without a hitch in the morning.

Twenty-seven students in the Nursing and Science Programs accepted their diplomas and became alumni of the College. Of the total number of graduates, two were awarded Associate of Science Degrees and 25 earned Baccalaureate Degrees.

After the academic processional, invocation and welcome, JCHS Bachelor of Science in Nursing student Paula J. Tate presented the student address.

The Commencement address was given by Jeanne S. Armentrout, M.S.N., Vice President of Human Resources with Carilion Clinic. Ms. Armentrout spoke directly to our graduates and advised them how to be the best caring professionals they could be as they went out into the world.

Everyone at JCHS wishes our 2009 winter graduates a happy, healthy and prosperous life as Jefferson Alumni!

J e f f e r s o n M a t t e r s


Winter Commencement 2009Twenty-seven JCHS Students Become Alumni

Last year, we introduced you to the JCHS VOICE (Violence Can End) Program, a three-year initiative of training, programming and physical improvements on the JCHS campus funded by a grant from the Office on Violence Against Women, a part of the federal Department of Justice.

Thanks to the commitment of JCHS faculty, staff and students—as well as leaders in many related local community agencies—the VOICE Program has pushed forward with raising awareness around the issues of domestic/dating violence, sexual assault and stalking. A VOICE Task Force meets monthly to discuss the progress of the program and future endeavors.

This year, the VOICE Program has hosted and participated in numerous events around Violence Against Women (VAW) issues. These programs included The Red Flag Campaign, the Clothesline Project, the Silent Witness Exhibit, a walk in honor of domestic violence victims and a display of purple houses in Elmwood Park painted by JCHS students and decorated by children victimized by the effects of domestic violence.

In addition, VOICE Program representatives have worked with JCHS academic coordinators to incorporate VAW issues into the College’s curricular and co-curricular programs. The goal is to train future healthcare providers on how to appropriately recognize and respond to interpersonal abuse. VOICE representatives have also worked with selected JCHS security officers and Carilion police officers to train them on VAW issues to ensure compassionate responses to victims. Finally, VOICE has instituted education on VAW issues for all incoming JCHS students at Student Orientation.

JCHS VOICE PrOgram UPdatEVOICE Program Continues to Educate College Community

About Interpersonal Violence

JEFFERSON COLLEGE of HEALTH SCIENCES


Greetings to the Alumni of Jefferson College of Health Sciences! I hope the new year finds you and yours well and prosperous.

While the unprecedented snowfall was lovely in the Roanoke Valley this past winter, I’m sure many are looking forward to the warmer months of 2010. Your Alumni Association is also eagerly anticipating the upcoming year and the many planned events and programs for our JCHS community.

The Alumni Association would like to extend a warm welcome to Dr. Nathaniel L. Bishop, who is now serving as Interim JCHS President. While Dr. Seavor will be greatly missed, we are very much looking forward to Dr. Bishop’s guidance and leadership. Dr. Bishop has been a longtime advocate and champion of the College and its role in the community. Currently, Dr. Bishop serves as a Carilion Clinic Vice President and is an Assistant Professor with the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine. His wealth of experience in healthcare administration will certainly serve the College well.

The Alumni Association is also excited to introduce the JCHS Travel Program! This program offers the opportunity for alumni to travel with fellow alumni, family and friends to a variety of locations. The first trip is an eight-day excursion to London and Paris in October. Details about this trip are available in this issue of the Jefferson Chronicle, beginning on page 14.

Program-based alumni chapters continue to be developed under the guidance of Christina Hatch, Coordinator of Development and Alumni Relations, and Kevin Kissner,’98,’01,’03, Vice President of the Alumni Association. Leading the Occupational Therapy Assistant chapter is Leah Sowers, ‘02 and Karen Layman, ’95, and an alumni chapter for Emergency Health Sciences is being developed by Shawn Dunston, ‘02. We continue to encourage our alumni to reconnect with colleagues, graduates and the JCHS community through the participation and initiation of program chapters.

Finally, our Distinguished Speaker Series continues to sponsor excellent quarterly lectures. These events are free and open to alumni as well as the public and always promise to be enlightening and entertaining. Details about recent events are included on page 6 of this issue of the Jefferson Chronicle. Watch for announcements about upcoming events on the JCHS website and JCHS Alumni Association Facebook page.

Jefferson College of Health Sciences wishes each of you a happy, healthy and productive 2010. We hope to hear from you, and encourage your participation in the Alumni Association.

Stay in touch!

Sue CampbellSue Campbell, PA-CJCHS Alumni Association PresidentClass of 2000

Alumni Association PresidentSue Campbell, P.A.-C, ’00

Sue Campbell, JCHS Alumni Association Board President

A M e s s a g e f r o m y o u r

JCHS Alumni ASSoCiAtion

BoArd of direCtorS

exeCutiVe offiCerS

Sue Campbell, ‘00, P.A., PreSident

Kevin Kissner, ‘98, E.H.S./Paramedic, ‘01, H.O.M., ‘03, B.S.N., ViCe-PreSident

Lori Beth Davis, ‘99, H.S.M., CorreSPonding SeCretary

Elisabeth Schutt, ‘09, P.A.,reCording SeCretary

Kerry Armentrout, ‘99, E.H.S., ’05, A.D.N., treaSurer

BoArd memBerS

Phyllis McCallie, ‘58, R.N.Patricia Crockett, ‘74, R.N.

Mia Anglin, ‘05, P.A.David Hoback, ‘85, A.A.S. Paramedic

Al Overstreet, ‘95, O.T.A., ‘01, H.O.M.Karen Layman, ‘95, O.T.A.

Cynthia P. Smith, ‘07, M.S.N.Lisa T. Sprinkel, ‘07, M.S.N.

Kim Hall, ’08, M.S.N.Kim Roe, ’84, R.T.

J C HS Alumni Association Hosts Distinguished Speaker Series EventsFall and Spring Events Featured Dr. Earl Suttle and Janet Crawford

The JCHS Alumni Association continued its Distinguished Speaker Series in late 2009 and early 2010 by featuring two renowned motivational life coaches.

In November 2009, Dr. Earl Suttle visited Roanoke from his native Atlanta to present “Enhancing Excellence,” a highly charged interactive presentation that helped those in attendance to shape their attitudes toward their professional and personal successes. Dr. Suttle’s lecture was tailored for the healthcare community in our region, providing seven keys to better living, ideas on reaching potential and tips on growing as leaders in a fast-paced, changing environment.

The next event in the series took place in March 2010 and featured Janet Crawford, M.H.A., M.B.A., P.C.C., owner of “Extra Ordinary Living,” a consulting and coaching organization that helps individuals and businesses perform to their highest potential. Ms. Crawford presented “What is Your Courage Quotient?,” during which she encouraged participants to expand beyond their comfort zones, allowing them to work through their fears to realize their dreams. The goal, she said, is to lead more fulfilling and rich lives by taking risks and seizing opportunities.

The Alumni Association will host the next Distinguished Speaker Series event in August 2010. Watch for an announcement of speaker and location soon!


J C H S A l u m n i A s s o c i a t i o n N e w s

Dr. Earl Suttle Janet Crawford, M.H.A., M.B.A., P.C.C. Audience members share a laugh during Janet Crawford’s presentation in spring 2010

In December, the O.T./O.T.A. Alumni Chapter had their first meeting to brainstorm ideas for how the Chapter should be set up and in what direction they would like to move. The group agreed that the Chapter would collect dues (after a complimentary introduction period) to assist in obtaining speakers, network resources and produce mailings. Also, they agreed that they needed to recruit a Vice Chair and Secretary.

The goals of the O.T./O.T.A. Alumni Chapter are to:

n Support the college’s mission.

n Provide networking opportunities.

n Allow for educational opportunities for our alumni, students entering the workforce, prospective students and families touched by the field of O.T.

The O.T./O.T.A.’s goal is to raise money for JCHS student scholarships and, hopefully, create an O.T./O.T.A. scholarship. They also want to connect with fellow grads and future O.T./O.T.A.s as an outlet for social opportunities.

The group’s second meeting, which had been planned for January, was cancelled due to snow. They then planned to piggyback off the Western District VOTA meeting in February, hoping to educate the VOTA community in attendance about the Chapter and invite them to a planned meeting in March. However, inclement winter weather cancelled the February VOTA meeting.

They were able to make an appearance at the March 23 Western District VOTA meeting. They informed the attendants of our Chapter plans and invited them to attend a meeting on April 22 for a social and informational session.

Become a FAN of the Jefferson College of Health Sciences O.T./O.T.A. Alumni Chapter Facebook page to learn about upcoming chapter events!

EHS and Fire Alumni Chapter NewsChapter Chair Shawn Dunstan, ‘02, has taken the lead in building the EHS and Fire Chapter. He recently published the Chapter’s first newsletter, which can be found on the JCHS website at: www.jchs.edu/media/1786_JCHSEHSNEWSLETTER.pdf. In addition, Shawn created a JCHS E.H.S. and Fire Alumni Facebook page. To receive the chapter newsletters as they are published, send Shawn an e-mail at [email protected].



J C H S A l u m n i A s s o c i a t i o n N e w s

O.T./O.T.A. Alumni Chapter Chair Leah Sowers, ’02, at the fall 2009 VOTA Conference.

JCHS O.T. and O.T.A. faculty enjoy the VOTA Conference with alumni in fall 2009.

Alumni Chapter NewsO.T./O.T.A. Alumni News


J C H S A l u m n i i n A c t i o n

J C HS Alumna a Finalist for National Book Award

Restona “Rusty” McQuade, ’99Helps Make Exercise Fun for the

“Sandwich Generation”

Restona “Rusty” McQuade, P.T.A., ’99 was a finalist for the National Book Award for her book Stickyman Movements in 2008. She authored the book to help people exercise quickly and easily. The book is described as exercise, fun and humor, all in one—gain strength while having fun. No more thinking that exercise is a chore once Rusty’s Stickyman Movement is incorporated into your exercise routine. These exercises help the “sandwich generation”: from children, to parents raising children, to grandparents. Stickyman is known across the country and just went international. Rusty attends book signings and is a featured speaker at workshops and conferences around the country.

Rusty is a native of West Virginia and enjoys the natural beauty of where she resides. She works with home health patients to help them maintain and gain muscle strength. Her life experiences as a former firefighter and preschool director, and her current experiences as a ski instructor, soccer coach and referee for children of all ages, have helped her to develop the simple, fun

and easy exercises featured in her book. Her goal is to help people maintain good muscle tone and improve general health.

Hats off to another JCHS alumna who is making a difference in healthcare.

Stickyman Movements Author Restona “Rusty” McQuade



The JCHSAmerican Medical Student Association (AMSA)A Profile of a Student Organization Helping Prepare

Tomorrow’s Healthcare Professionals The JCHS American Medical Student Association (AMSA) is a platform for any student who plans to apply to medical school, pharmacy

school, physician assistant programs or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine School. The association aids in the molding process of future healthcare clinicians through social interaction and working with patients through community service.

Interprofessionalism is an important part of what AMSA tries to accomplish. This year, the nursing and EMS/EMT students have “come on board” as part of the JCHS move toward medical inclusiveness. AMSA strives for everyone to have a role in this established “family.”

Students involved with AMSA pick a specialty, and Carilion Clinic’s Human Resources Department pairs them with a nurse, physician or physician assistant. The student has either a fluid or structured relationship with their preceptor/mentor and is able to acquire patient contact hours.

This year, the JCHS AMSA group has been involved with many community efforts that help improve the health of our surrounding communities, including Red Cross blood drives, Habitat for Humanity builds, a project to assemble and donate medical kits for the victims of the Haiti earthquake, and activities involving the Roanoke Ronald McDonald House, Project Access and the Roanoke Rescue Mission.

Keep up the good work, AMSA!

JCHS AMSA President Earl Spain being interviewed by WSLS Newschannel 10

JCHS AMSA members present nearly 100 medical kits for Haiti Earthquake victims with JCHS Nursing Professor Linda Rickabaugh


Jefferson College of Health Sciences Welcomes Interim President Dr. Nathaniel L. Bishop

“Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.” — John Fitzgerald Kennedy

As the quote above suggests, change is a constant player in our lives—especially for those who live, work and learn in the healthcare community.

In the last decade, Jefferson College of Health Sciences (JCHS) has undergone an impressive amount of positive change: the student population has grown to approximately 1,000; new academic programs have been introduced, including master’s degrees in Nursing, Occupational Therapy and Physician Assistant, as well as undergraduate degrees in Emergency Services, Healthcare Management, Health & Exercise Science and Health Psychology; and the College is moving into newly renovated spaces at Carilion Roanoke Community Hospital (CRCH) that will include academically integrated classrooms and labs.


Jefferson College of Health Sciences Welcomes Interim President Dr. Nathaniel L. Bishop

That change will continue as Dr. Carol Seavor retires as the President of JCHS this spring. Taking her place will be Dr. Nathaniel L. Bishop, whom the JCHS Board of Directors named as the incoming Interim President last fall.

“I am both humbled and excited by this honor,” Dr. Bishop says. “I have a deep appreciation for the College, its history and heritage. I want Jefferson College to continue to play a vital role in our region’s healthcare in the coming years, and I look forward to working alongside this outstanding staff, faculty and student body.”

Dr. Bishop has already played a significant role in the development of JCHS. He’s been a member of the Board of Directors since 2003 and has helped guide many of Dr. Seavor’s initiatives to fruition. He plans to continue on that path.

“In the role of Interim President, my job will be to ensure the College is stable, strong and remains on a course of providing quality nursing and allied health education” says Dr. Bishop. “The College has been exceptionally well run during Dr. Seavor’s tenure, and I look forward to building on the great work and the structures that are already in place.”

Dr. Bishop brings a wealth of varied experience with him to the role of Interim President. He began his career in law enforcement as a Criminal Investigator in his hometown of Christiansburg, Virginia. Then, he moved into healthcare by way of long-term healthcare administration, managing continuing care retirement communities. He has been licensed by the Commonwealth to practice Long-Term Care Administration and to serve as a preceptor for administrators-in-training since 1989. In 1997, he moved into a leadership position with Carilion Clinic as the Executive Director of Burrell Nursing Center. In 2002, Dr. Bishop was named Vice President and Hospital Director of Carilion Roanoke Community Hospital. Most recently, he has been located at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, where he served as Vice President of Facility and Guest Services.

“When I began working professionally, I did not see a leadership position in healthcare or healthcare education on the horizon,” Dr. Bishop says, “but both seem to have found me. I’m an eternal optimist, one who seizes opportunities, and one who views all glasses as being half-full. I believe that this is where I am meant to be and I deeply appreciate all of the opportunities that have come my way.”

Dr. Bishop’s role with Carilion Clinic will change as he transitions into his Interim President position with JCHS. He will relocate his office to the College and retain the Facility and Guest Services responsibilities that have direct impact on the college. Plans are currently underway to move all services and spaces out of the Reid Center and into CRCH by fall 2010. JCHS has space allocated on floors two, three, four, five, six, eight, nine and ten.

“Initially, my objective will be to ensure a smooth transition for everyone as they move from the Reid Center to the Community Hospital building. I will oversee the construction at this hospital to make sure we’re providing the most appropriate classrooms, conference spaces and study areas possible for our students that are most conducive to learning,” Dr. Bishop says.

Dr. Bishop goes on to say that he wants to maintain the qualities that make Jefferson unique after the move. “We want to provide an educational atmosphere at Jefferson that students can’t find anywhere else. That means small class sizes with individual instructor attention in new, innovative classrooms and labs. It also means collaborations with students and faculty of the Virginia Tech Carilion (VTC) School of Medicine and Research Institute and other Carilion Medical Education students through Interprofessional Education.”

Interim President Dr. Nathaniel L. Bishop with JCHS studentsJalpa Patel, ’10, Occupational Therapy; Cherrelle Crews, ’12 B.S.N. Nursing;

Sasha Waites, ’12, B.S.N. Nursing; and Logan Emerson, ‘10 Respiratory Therapy

The Interprofessional Education initiative is a plan to have healthcare students and faculty across the Carilion Clinic organization work and learn together, resulting in graduates with a wider variety of skills and experiences, making them more valuable healthcare professionals. JCHS is part of that plan.

“We’re looking at ways we can work with VTC to share our resources most effectively,” Dr. Bishop says. “I anticipate our faculty will be working very closely with faculty and administration at VTC, our Carilion Medical Education department, and other area medical education programs.”

Dr. Bishop has an insight into the development of VTC, since he is also an Assistant Professor at the burgeoning medical school. It is just one of the many hats he wears on a regular basis. Bishop has served on the Board of Trustees for Ferrum College and is a member Emeritus of the Board of Visitors of the Divinity School of Duke University. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Taubman Museum of Western Virginia and in 2008 was appointed by former Governor Tim Kaine to the Southwest Virginia Cultural Heritage Commission. Bishop and his wife, Sylvia, are members of the Asbury United Methodist Church in Christiansburg, and he is involved in a variety of other church and community organizations.

“I like being busy,” Dr. Bishop says. “Most mornings, I begin my day at 5 a.m. with a three-mile jog, which helps me work through the hottest issues on my mind. Then I spend some time with devotions, some e-mails and a few minutes with family after they get up before I head to work.”

He then begins his 40-minute commute from Christiansburg, where he and Sylvia live with their extended family, including four grandchildren. “One of the most scenic drives in all of creation is between the Roanoke and New River Valleys,” he says.

One of the things Dr. Bishop has no doubt been contemplating during his exercise and drive time is his move into his new office in the JCHS Administration suite on the third floor of CRCH. It’s familiar turf for him, since the office once belonged to him.

“Before Carilion Clinic consolidated inpatient services between Community and Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital in 2007, my office was where Dr. Seavor’s office is. Since I’ll be moving back into that space upon her retirement, it will be kind of like coming home. Before I had that office it belonged to Mr. Tom Robertson, former CEO of Carilion, and before that, Mr. Bill Reid, who led the planning, building and operations of this hospital for many years. So it has a long and significant history.”

Dr. Bishop’s term as Interim President begins in mid-April, and an active search for a permanent President for JCHS will begin soon. The first priority, though, will be the move from Reid to CRCH and establishing Interprofessional Education at JCHS.

In the meantime, Dr. Bishop plans to get out and meet as many people as possible in his first days in office. “Early in my long-term healthcare career, I found it enormously helpful to get to know the people you’re leading. I always made it a point to develop strong relationships not only with the staff, but the Residents and their families. I was able to learn firsthand when there was an issue or concern, and it helped all of them in knowing that the person in charge really cared about the problems they faced. I also got to hear many really positive stories and about the things we were doing well, which was always gratifying. I find this principle to be a useful tool even now.

This is driven by my philosophical view of our work as a ministry. In the hospital, it’s about caring for the people who entrust their healthcare needs to us, and caring for the people who provide the care and services. It extends to our work here in this academic context where we prepare men and women to be the best providers of clinical care and services in the array of healthcare settings that await them.”

Dr. Bishop is a people person at heart and is really interested in continuing to build an environment that lends itself to academic creativity and personal contentment, ensuring everyone at JCHS is as happy and productive as possible.

“I laughingly say that ‘win-win’ is my middle name,” he says, with a smile. “I always try to find mutually benefiting wins whenever I can…except on the basketball court. I can be pretty competitive out there.”


Dr. Bishop with retiring JCHS President Dr. Carol Seavor

Dr. Bishop at the 2009 JCHS Convocation Ceremony with (left to right)Dr. Carol Seavor, JCHS President; Stephen Musselwhite, Chair of the JCHS Board of Directors; Dana Moore, 2005 JCHS Occupational Therapy Program Alumna;

and Douglas Southard, JCHS Provost and Dean for Academic Affairs



Lisa Allison-Jones, Ph.D., will move into the role of JCHS Dean for Academic Affairs beginning June 1, 2010. She will be replacing Douglas Southard, Ph.D., who will be leaving JCHS to become the new Dean of the School of Health Sciences and Executive Director of the DeSepio Institute for Rural Health and Wellness at St. Francis University in Loretto, PA.

“I am grateful to have the opportunity to work with Dr. Bishop to help lead the College into the next decade,” Dr. Allison-Jones says. “I have always found the faculty and staff at JCHS to be supportive, innovative and eager to ensure that our students have the best possible education and look forward to working with them to help meet this goal.”

Dr. Allison-Jones came to JCHS in 2003 as the Chair of the Nursing Department. In August 2007, she became the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.

“Lisa has proven herself to be an incredibly effective and hardworking leader in our academic community,” says Dr. Nathaniel Bishop. “I am overjoyed to welcome her to her new role and I’m excited to partner with her as we chart the course for the future of JCHS.”

Lisa Allison-Jones, Ph.D.

Lisa Allison-Jones, Ph.D., NamedNew JCHS Dean for Academic Affairs

JCHS AlumniYou are cordially invited to join

the Office of Alumni Relations for a Reception to meet and welcome

Dr. Nathaniel L. Bishop,JCHS’s Interim President

Tuesday, May 18, 20104-6 p.m.

Riverside 3 in the Riverside Center(see map on this page)

Business or Casual Attire

RSVP to (540) 224-4586by Friday, May 14, 2010

October 14 - October 21, 2010 Highlights: Buckingham Palace • Big Ben • London Theatre Performance* • Eurostar Train

Seine River Cruise • Notre Dame • Eiffel Tower Dinner • Paradis Latin Includes Round-trip Airfare from Washington Dulles International

8 Days • 10 Meals:

6 Breakfasts • 4 Dinners

Per-Person Rates*:

Double $2,999 • Single $3,649 • Triple $2,699

For information and booking, go to http://www.jchs.edu/page.php/prmID/830 or contactChristina Hatch, Coordinator of Development and Alumni Relations, at (540) 224-4644 or via e-mail at [email protected].


Alumni Travel ProgramJefferson College of Health Sciences Alumni Association Travel Program

Presents its First Trip—Fall 2010London and Paris

Join us for Eight Days of Unforgettable SightseeingDEADLINE FOR TRIP DEPOSIT IS MAY 15, 2010. After May 15, reservations

are available on a first-come-first-served basis, if space is available.



A l u m n i B e n e f i t s

Trip Itinerary:Day 5: Monday, October 18, 2010 London - Eurostar Train - Paris, France Sit back and relax as you depart London and travel on the innovative Eurostar High Speed Train to France. Arrive in the “City of Lights,” Paris. Tonight, sample delicious French cuisine and breathtaking views during dinner at the Eiffel Tower. Following dinner, enjoy a romantic Seine River cruise against a backdrop of Paris’s glittering skyline.

Today Breakfast and Dinner are included.

Day 6: Tuesday, October 19, 2010 Paris The world-famous Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral, Champs-Elysees, Place de la Concorde and the magnificent Place Vendôme are some of the amazing landmarks you will see while on a locally guided tour of Paris. This afternoon you may choose to take an optional excursion to Louis XIV’s magnificent Palace and Gardens of Versailles and relive history as you walk through the various rooms of the State Apartments, including the Queen’s bedchamber and the famous Hall of Mirrors.

Today Breakfast is included.

Day 7: Wednesday, October 20, 2010 Paris Today you are free to enjoy the city however you would like. Enjoy an optional tour at the Louvre; indulge in some of the world’s best shopping on the Champs-Elysees; or simply do as the Parisians do and sit at a sidewalk café and watch the beauty that is Paris go by. Celebrate the end of a fabulous trip with a special dinner at the Paradis Latin, Paris’s oldest cabaret theatre. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner complete with wine, champagne, and a delightful cabaret show.


Day 8: Thursday, October 21, 2010 Paris - Tour Ends Your tour ends, leaving you with many pleasant memories of a wonderful vacation.

Day 1: Thursday, October 14, 2010 Overnight FlightExperience two of the world’s most popular cities on one fabulous tour. Enjoy unpacking just once in each city for a relaxing journey as you discover the beauty and allure of both London and Paris. Begin your vacation with an overnight flight to London.

Day 2: Friday, October 15, 2010 Arrive London, England - Tour BeginsYour tour begins in London, a sophisticated metropolis featuring style, culture and history. Its bustling city streets are filled with colorful history, regal pageantry, beautiful gardens, fascinating museums, celebrated monuments and grand theatres. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a special welcome dinner.

Today Dinner is included.

Day 3: Saturday, October 16, 2010 London A local expert leads you on a panoramic tour of London. See Trafalgar Square, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and Buckingham Palace, the London home to Britain’s royalty since 1837. At Westminster, see the houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and Big Ben. Cap off your afternoon with one of London’s finest theatre performances, Blood Brothers.

Today Breakfast is included.

Day 4: Sunday, October 17, 2010 London After breakfast, enjoy a day to explore London at your leisure. You may choose to take an optional excursion to Windsor Castle. Originally built to guard the city of London, Windsor Castle has been the home of Kings and Queens for nine centuries and is the oldest royal residence still in use today.


Alumni ProfileCaroline W. MacKellar, P.A.-C, ‘08

Caroline MacKellar—better known as Bonnie—was a caring, active Student President while attending JCHS as a Physician Assistant (PA) student, and she hasn’t slowed down since graduating in 2008. Bonnie currently works full-time as a P.A. at the Atlantic Community Health Center (ACHC) in Oak Hall, Virginia—one of five health centers that compose the Eastern Shore Rural Health System (ESRHS). In this position, she evaluates, diagnoses and treats 15 to 20 patients a day for acute and chronic medical conditions.

Patients who seek care at ACHC have to travel 45 miles in either direction to get to the nearest hospital. This makes Bonnie’s and ACHC’s mission unique in that they provide acute emergency care in addition to routine family practice/internal medicine. As a result, Bonnie also performs office procedures that include toenail removal, minor surgical excision, punch biopsy, I&D of abscess and suture repair of superficial lacerations.

Many of Bonnie’s patients are part of the agricultural and farming industries in the region, which raise tomatoes, potatoes and poultry. Because the migrant workers in that industry are mostly from Mexico, Guatemala and Haiti, Bonnie has been studying medical Spanish so she can converse more freely with those she cares for. By being able to speak directly with the workers and not through a translator, Bonnie can help them receive more consistent and comprehensive healthcare, which they can’t always get due to constant relocation.

B e c o m i n g a PA i n S o u t h w e s t V i r g i n i a

“It took me 25 years to achieve my goal of becoming a Physician Assistant, by serving in rural family practice and providing healthcare to people in financial and situational need,” Bonnie says. “I’m grateful for the journey, because each experience helped me develop skills, knowledge and personal qualities that I use to improve the lives of my patients every day.”

Rural healthcare requires a practitioner to be resilient and resourceful—qualities Bonnie developed through military service. After high school, she joined the U.S. Army to gain work experience and to earn money for college. She was trained as a Combat Medic and as a Behavioral Science Specialist. She also served as a substance abuse counselor for a year and a half, and during that time, acquired the skills of attentive listening, observation, respect for another’s point of view, compassion and helping people make positive behavioral changes.

“As a soldier,” Bonnie says, “I learned the lessons of giving my personal best through teamwork, integrity, perseverance and dedication to ‘the greater good.’”

Following her military service, Bonnie married and raised four children. With her children grown, she returned to college to prepare for a career in medicine. She had always been independent and a hard worker, but suddenly found herself in the untenable position of supporting herself in jobs that paid less than eight dollars an hour. For three years of college, she couldn’t afford health insurance or the cost of an office visit, and experienced, on a very


A patient and her child visit the ACHC



personal level, the chasm that separates those with access to healthcare from those without.

During her education at JCHS, she volunteered four hours a week at the Bradley Free Clinic in Roanoke, conducting financial intake interviews in which she determined patients’ eligibility status, and then exit interviews in which she helped patients review their medications and treatment plans.

“So often,” Bonnie says, “I was humbled to realize that financially, I was as disadvantaged as the patients were, but blessed with enough resiliency and good mental and physical health to pursue an education that would ultimately pull me out of my circumstances.”

A clinical rotation in the P.A. program provided Bonnie with a full-time, month-long rural health experience in Giles County, Virginia. During that time, she presented several medical educational classes in the Giles community, including sessions on the cardiovascular system, body image and self-esteem. Bonnie was able to interact with a wide variety of participants, like grade-school children, seniors with diabetic foot care issues and multi-generational daycare center staff concerned with infectious skin conditions.

Additionally, she worked in the Carilion Giles Memorial Hospital Emergency Department, a local nursing home and at the Giles County Free Clinic during her rotation. Trained in the Stanford’s Chronic Disease Management Program, she also helped organize a six-week session hosted by a local church.

Bonnie said these experiences showed her the value of patient education, and one of her goals in her current job is to provide health education in the local elementary schools, as she did during clinical rotations.

P u t t i n g H e r E x p e r i e n c e s a n d E d u c a t i o n t o G o o d U s e

Always one to be involved, Bonnie has now teamed up with the ACHC’s health educator to begin offering a monthly diabetic support group. Additionally, she published an article in her local newspaper, the Eastern Shore News, highlighting the recognition and treatment of diabetes and hypertension.

“Rural healthcare requires a deeper level of ‘investment’ on the part of the healthcare provider,” Bonnie says.

For example, Bonnie says that providing rural healthcare can be challenging for P.A.s. They may experience professional isolation, lack of supervising physicians, financial concerns and cultural isolation. In addition, there are specific healthcare issues unique to rural populations, such as higher rates, per capita, of alcoholism, tobacco use, obesity, heart disease, suicide by gunshot and injury/death due to farming and motor vehicle accidents. Geographical isolation plays a significant role in these problems, and medical isolation contributes to compromised health for a large percentage of the residents of Virginia’s Eastern Shore, where she works.

“Gaining the trust of this particular clientele involves the very qualities and skills I hope to offer as a Physician Assistant,” Bonnie says. “Respect, solid listening and interviewing skills. Discernment

without judgment, warmth and medical knowledge. And clinical skills versatile enough to cover emergency situations as well as long-term healthcare guidance.”

Bonnie is grateful that many people helped and encouraged her on the way to becoming a rural health practitioner. She was awarded the JCHS Theresa A. Thomas Memorial Physician Assistant

Scholarship (rural health-specific), the American Academy of Physician Assistants Ron Nelson Rural Health Scholarship and the JCHS Ann Dale Award (leadership and rural health-specific).

On behalf of the JCHS Alumni Association: thank you, Bonnie, for a job well done.

An ACHC patient plays near the clinic

Caroline W. MacKellar works with a patient


F a c u l t y / S t a f f B r i e f sMichelle Y. Brewer, B.S., Financial Aid Representative in the Financial Aid Department, earned her graduate certificate in Accounting from DeVry University.

Linda Cochran, M.S., Assistant Professor in Respiratory Therapy, has completed 18 graduate credits in a Master of Respiratory Therapy program at Northeastern University.

Christina Hatch, CFRE, Coordinator of Development and Alumni Relations, presented Major Gifts: The Art of One-on-One Solicitation at the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) District III conference in Tampa, FL, February 2010.

Judith McKeon, M.A., Director of Admissions, and Connie Cook, B.A., Admissions Counselor, attended the annual Virginia Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (VACRAO) meeting in Norfolk, VA from Dec. 6-8, 2009. At the meeting, Judith and Connie jointly presented a session called “Converting to an Electronic Advising System,” which detailed a planned advising system soon to be implemented at the College. The information was presented on behalf of Al Overstreet, M.Ed., Director of Academic Support Services, and Mark Meisel, a Database Analyst with Carilion’s Academic Technology Services.

In addition, Connie Cook individually presented a session entitled “Overview of the New VACRAO Database,” which represented a joint project with Mark Meisel for the VACRAO membership.

Judith McKeon individually presented

two sessions: “Road Runners’ Roundtable,” which provided a review and discussion of the VACRAO Fall Tour recruiting season, and “Small Institution Admissions,” which covered issues and best practices for small colleges.

Connie Cook is currently the Vice President for Membership & Communication with VACRO, and Judith McKeon just rotated off the VACRO board as the Vice President for Admissions & Enrollment Management.

Ava Porter, D.N.P., Program Director and Associate Professor in the BSN Program and Interim Program Director of the MSN Program, has been named the Chair of the JCHS Nursing Department. Dr. Porter has served as the Interim Director of the Nursing Department, in addition to her other duties, during the spring 2010 semester. In addition to her new leadership role, Dr. Porter had her manuscript, entitled “Evaluating the Effect of Interactive Audience Response System on the Perceived Learning Experience of Nursing Students,” accepted for publication in the Journal of Nursing Education as a “Research Brief ” article. Stuart Tousman, Associate Professor in Health Psychology, is co-author of the article.

Darrell Shomaker, M.A., Program Director and Assistant Professor in Humanities and Social Sciences, had an article published by the Virginia Cooperative Extension, which is a partnership organization between Virginia Tech and Virginia State University that brings research-based solutions to the problems facing Virginians today. The article was entitled

“Resources for Rural Families Coping with Economic Stress and Anxiety.”

Janice Taylor, C.P.S./C.A.P, Administrative Assistant in the Nursing Department, passed the CAP Examination and has achieved the Certified Administrative Professional credential. She has earned the right to use the professional designation “C.P.S./C.A.P.” after her name. The C.A.P. certification is granted by the International Association of Administrative Professionals.

Stuart Tousman, Ph.D., Associate Professor in Health Psychology, was one of the co-authors of an article chosen for publication in the February 2010 issue of The Journal of Clinical Nursing Research. The article was entitled “A Pilot Study Assessing the Impact of a Learner-Centered Adult Asthma Self-Management Program on Psychological Outcomes.”

Patty Vari, Ph.D., R.N., I.B.C.L.C., Associate Professor in Nursing, passed the CNE examination on Jan. 19, 2010 to become a Certified Nurse Educator. For academic nurse educators, the certification establishes nursing education as a specialty area of practice. It communicates to students, peers and the academic and healthcare communities that the highest standards of excellence are being met. The mission of the Academic Nurse Educator Certification Program is to recognize excellence in the advanced specialty role of the academic nurse educator.

Sonia Vishneski, D.N.P., Assistant Professor in Nursing, successfully defended her Doctoral Thesis, entitled “Content Validation of an Instrument Used to Measure Contraceptive Knowledge, Attitudes, and Usage in Adolescents with a Rapid Repeat Pregnancy” on Dec. 8, 2009.

C l a s s N o t e s



C l a s s N o t e s

EngagementsJessica Patterson, Nursing, ‘09, and her fiancé, Jack Patterson, announced their plans for an October 2010 wedding.

MarriagesErin Elizabeth Jones, P.A., ‘09, married Howard Jason Myers on May 9, 2009.

Mallory Leigh Gilley, O.T., ‘09, married Matthew Joseph Schock on June 20, 2009.

Leslie Jade Toller, P.A., ‘08, married Justin Thomas Wright on Sept. 5, 2009.

Mitizi Gale Akers, P.T.A., ’01, married James Gilbert Ratcliff on Sept. 26, 2009.

Bridget Kitchen, P.T.A., ’08, married Michael Whitlock on Oct. 10, 2009.

Cristy Clifton, O.T., ’05, married Travis Cassady on Oct. 24, 2009.

Send us your new baby photos and we’ll send you

a JCHS baby bib!

E-mail digital images (at least 300 dpi)to [email protected]

or mail to Christina Hatch, P.O. Box 13186,Roanoke, VA 24031.

Chloe Elizabeth Overstreet, born Sept. 17, 2009 to Marli (Sparbel) Overstreet,

P.T.A., ’99, and her husband, Rick

BirthsSean McGenity, A.S.N., ‘08, and Danielle (Hall) McGenity, A.S.N., ’08, announce the birth of Jackson Eli, born March 23, 2010. He was 7 pounds, 2 ounces and 21 inches long.

Marli (Sparbel) Overstreet, P.T.A., ’99, and her husband, Rick, proudly announce the birth of their first child, Chloe Elizabeth Overstreet. She was born Sept. 17, 2009 at 8:49 p.m. Chloe was 20 inches long and weighed 7 pounds, 15 ounces.

Jackson Eli McGenity, born March 23, 2010 to Sean McGenity, ASN ‘08 and Danielle (Hall) McGenity, A.S.N., ’08

Class Notes1960s

Jerrald O. Worley, Nursing (CHRV) ’69, lives in Haymarket, VA and would like to hear from old classmates. Jerrald is on Facebook and can also be reached at [email protected] Williams Tanner, P.A., ’09, has joined the Children’s Clinic in Rocky Mount, VA as a Physician’s Assistant.

In MemoriamPatricia Lassen Smetanka, JCHS Nursing Instructor, died on Feb. 24, 2009.

James Holliday Neuhoff, Carilion Clinic Guest Services, died on Oct. 29, 2009. The James H. Neuhoff Memorial Scholarship was endowed by family and friends to be awarded to a deserving Physician Assistant student at JCHS.

Darrell Travis Nichols, O.T.A., ’09, died on Nov. 14, 2009.

James “Jamie” Hudson, R.T., ’04, died on Dec. 7, 2009.


James Holliday Neuhoff

Snapshot!Lois McConnell, ’47, Jefferson Hospital School of Nursing,

poses at Mt. Rushmore in South Dakota.She visited the monument in 2009 with her family.



Save the date!Fourth Annual JCHS Homecoming Reunion

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Watch the JCHS website at www.JChS.edu and

the JCHS Alumni Association Facebook page for

more details soon!

When JCHS graduates enter the fast-paced world of healthcare, it can sometimes be difficult to stay in touch with fellow alumni and keep tabs on all the latest information at their alma mater. But, did you know there’s an easy and free way to do just that? The JCHS Alumni Association has a Facebook page where you can find everything from information about our new Alumni Travel Program to Alumni Chapter updates to links to slideshows and events on the JCHS website. And you can reconnect with other JCHS alumni as well!

t h e J C H S A l u m n i A s s o c i a t i o nF a c e b o o k We b p a g e !

P.O. Box 13186Roanoke, VA 24031-3186

Did You Notice...

To visit the JCHS Alumni Association Facebook page, just go to:

www.faCebook.Com/home.PhP?ref=home#!/PageS/JChS-alumni-aSSoCiation/68641245790?ref=tS

Or, go to your Facebook homepage and search for “JCHS Alumni Association.”

Documents

Jefferson Chronicle-Spring/Summer 2010