Texas Woman’s University honored Dale Petroskey, president and CEO, Dallas Regional Chamber, with the Virginia Chandler Dykes Leadership Award at the 17^th annual luncheon on February 27 at the Belo Mansion and Pavilion. Petroskey has more than 30 years of leadership experience in the public, private, and non- profit sectors. In April 2014, he became president and CEO of the Dallas Regional Chamber, one of the largest and most established business organizations in the state of Texas, representing 1,100-member companies. Petroskey’s career also includes service as Assistant White House Press Secretary to President Ronald Reagan; senior vice president for Mission Programs at National Geographic; and president of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, New York.

“Throughout his career, Dale has served as an advocate for economic development through pro-growth public policy,” said Carine M. Feyten, Ph.D., Texas Woman’s University chancellor and president.  He sees the need for a strong talent pipeline to meet the future requirements of local businesses, and he supports educational initiatives and improvements to make this a reality. He is a visionary leader in the community, whom we are pleased to recognize for his incredible business acumen, dedication, discipline and persistence.”

Following introductory remarks by Virginia Chandler Dykes, Bob White, executive vice president, Bank of Texas, Private Bank, and longtime event sponsor, gave a tribute to Dykes, resulting in a standing ovation.

“Virginia Chandler Dykes observed a need to help and turned it into this program today,” said White. “I wouldn’t even want to try to add up the stories of the young men and women who have benefited from her efforts. People are impacted by this program year after year – a program that Virginia has done so well, so gracefully, and so lovingly.” 

Petroskey began his remarks to the room of nearly 300 friends, business colleagues and community leaders also praising Virginia Chandler Dykes and her lifelong work. “Virginia Chandler Dykes is the epitome of a TWU graduate.  She received her degree, did very well, and then decided to give back to the community.” He saluted TWU and Chancellor and President Dr. Carine Feyten. “She has the ability to connect to people, which is so very important for a leader and a university president. She clearly articulates the vision of TWU,” adding that he didn’t know anyone who could do it any better. 

Petroskey stated that he felt very blessed in his job to be “working hard for work worth doing with amazing business and civic leaders –such as Ralph Hawkins, Hilda Gavan, Norm Bagwell, Mary Brinegar, Steve Mansfield, Roslyn Dawson Thompson” and more – many of whom are longtime supporters of this annual luncheon.

The TWU award is named for alumna Virginia Chandler Dykes, who was director of occupational and recreational therapy at Baylor University Medical Center for 25 years. Dykes also established the Virginia Chandler Dykes Endowment to provide scholarships for TWU occupational therapy students. Luncheon proceeds will augment that fund.

The following graduate students representing each of TWU’s five colleges will be honored at the luncheon as recipients of scholarship funds:Janice Kishi Chow, College of Health Sciences (Occupational Therapy); Amie Bedgood, College of Nursing; Patricia Flint, College of Professional Education (COPE); Paramita Basu, College of Arts and Sciences; and Meghan Labiak, College of Business.

In the past 16 years, more than $700,000 has been raised for scholarships from the proceeds of this luncheon. 

TWU holds the distinction of being the nation’s largest public university primarily for women with 15,500 students at its three locations in Denton, Dallas and Houston. Texas Woman’s is known for its contributions and leadership in the fields of education, nutrition, business, the arts and sciences, and especially in the nursing and health care professions. The university offers the student support, class sizes and campus esthetics more typically found at a private university.  

Attendees included former Virginia Chandler Dykes Leadership Award Recipients: Stephen Mansfield, 2017; Ralph Hawkins, 2015; Mary Brinegar, 2014; Lindalyn Bennett Adams, 2007; and Geraldine “Tincy” Miller; as well as David Berry, Rick Duschl, Manny Fernandez, Hilda Galvan, Don Glendenning, Steve Good, Tim Keith, Wendy Lopez, Brian McFarlane, Tim Moore, Scott Neuendorf, Kathy and Nat Parker, Roslyn Dawson Thompson, Sharon Venable, Mike Wilson, and Kirk Wiginton.

Guests enjoyed a luncheon of spinach and butter lettuce with brie and julienne of apple and sweet sherry vinaigrette; herb-dusted filet of beef with maître d ‘butter accompanied by Boursin cheese mashed potatoes, asparagus and a roasted tomato with milk chocolate mousse for dessert.

Presenting sponsor: Bank of Texas; Scholarship Sponsor: Luther King Capital Management; Platinum and Gold Sponsors: Baylor Scott & White, Texas Women’s Foundation, Locke Lord, Children’s Health System, Virginia Chandler Dykes; Silver Sponsors: Amegy Bank, AT&T, HKS Architects, Jones Day, JP Morgan Chase, KDC, KPMG, Lyco Holdings, Methodist Health System, Patricia Crocker, Sharon Venable, SW Medical Foundation, SMU Lyle School of Engineering, TDIndustries, TWU Foundation, TWU Regent Kathleen Wu, and TWU School of Occupational Therapy.

For more information, visit twu.edu/vcd 

Five Scholarship Awards to be presented at 17^th Annual TWU Virginia Chandler Dykes Leadership Award Luncheon

 Honoring Dale Petroskey for his leadership in the community

Texas Woman’s University is helping graduate students achieve their dreams even if they do not live near one of TWU’s campuses. Two outstanding TWU graduate students, Amie Bedgood, MSN, RN, (College of Nursing), who resides in New Braunfels, Texas, and Janice Kishi Chow (College of Health Sciences-Occupational Therapy), who lives in Northern California, will be recognized as two of the five TWU graduate students who will receive Virginia Chandler Dykes Scholarships at the 17^th Annual Virginia Chandler Dykes Leadership Award Luncheon.  The luncheon, presented by Bank of Texas, Texas Woman’s University, and the Texas Woman’s University Foundation, will take place on February 27, at the Belo Mansion and Pavilion and will honor Dale Petroskey, president and CEO, Dallas Regional Chamber, with the annual leadership award.

Since she was old enough to know what a nurse was, Amie Bedgood wanted to be one. With a passion for working with women, children and youth, Bedgood has focused her experiences in maternal child health working in labor and delivery, postpartum, and newborn nursery for more than 20 years. Bedgood knew while pursuing her bachelor’s at Stephen F. Austin University that she wanted to pursue a career in nursing academia. She is currently in the final phases of earning a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing from Texas Woman’s University, with a 3.8 GPA and plans to graduate in December. Bedgood’s research focus is patient safety with an emphasis on teamwork and communication.

“My parents were always intrigued by my interest in nursing because I did not have any one person in my background that influenced this decision,” said Amie Bedgood. “However, I always had a heart for people and helping them.  My mother was an elementary educator for 43 years, and I never imagined that I would want to teach. But as I learned more about what nurses did and their role in impacting future generations, I grew to understand their importance and how they make a difference and empower the lives of patients and students.”

A resident of New Braunfels, Texas, Bedgood has worked as an instructor of nursing at Texas Lutheran University since 2014. She is also a mentor and advisor for undergraduate students.

Bedgood received her master’s from the University of Texas at Tyler in 2001.  Prior to teaching at Texas Lutheran, she worked as the camp nurse at T Bar M Camps and as associate professor at Austin Community College.  She has worked as a registered nurse at Central Texas Medical Center in San Marcos, Texas; Therapeutic Communities in Staples, Texas; and Seton Family of Hospitals in Kyle, Texas.

Bedgood would like to earn tenure at her current institution of employment by September 2020.  Her goal is to contribute to the body of nursing knowledge through research, publications and speaking engagements.

She is a member of Sigma Theta Tau International, Texas Nurses Association, American Nurses Association, Association of Teachers of Maternal Child Health, and the National League of Nursing.  She has been the recipient of numerous awards and honors including multiple scholarships and received the graduate nurse excellence award while at UT Tyler. Additionally, she has been an active campus and community service volunteer throughout her career and held numerous leadership positions. During her undergraduate studies she maintained the Dean’s List all semesters and graduated from her master’s program with a 3.7 GPA.  In 2017 her abstract on a pre-nursing boot camp that she developed and implemented at Texas Lutheran University was accepted for a podium presentation at the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Baccalaureate conference in Atlanta, Georgia.

“Amie’s performance in the classroom and in clinical settings is exemplary,” said Sandra Cesario, PhD/DNP Program Coordinator and Professor, College of Nursing, TWU-Houston. “She has the academic ability, clinical skills, research experience, and the self-motivation to become a noted scholar and researcher in the nursing community.  She is truly an asset to the profession.”

Bedgood and her husband have been married for 21 years and have three children, 18, 15, and 10.

“It is truly an honor to receive this scholarship,” added Bedgood. “It has helped me significantly in my academic endeavors and this final phase of my dissertation work. I often think back to the advice of my advisor Ann Young. In August 2014 she said that this program was a marathon and not a sprint, and this excellent advice has helped me to learn to be patient and pace myself. It’s important for any student undertaking a PhD in nursing to not look too far into the future, but take it one day at a time, be organized, and think about the big picture of what you are trying to accomplish.  You can do anything you are committed to!”

Janice Kishi Chow has been an occupational therapist for 23 years with 15 years as part of a multidisciplinary team at the Palo Alto Veterans Affairs (VA) Hospice and Palliative Care Center in Palo Alto, California.  During that time, she has seen the importance of occupational therapy services at the end of life.  She is pursuing a PhD in Occupational Therapy through Texas Woman’s University’s hybrid online program, with a 4.0 GPA and a completion date of December 2019. 

“Often people who are dying are not seen as living and not provided supportive services, such as occupational therapy, to help them still participate in valued activities,” said Janice Kishi Chow. “Helping people compensate, adapt, or rethink an enjoyable and self-defining activity through occupational therapy may mean all the difference in the last weeks and days of their lives.”

Chow’s family life had a significant influence on her career direction.  Her mother, a retired nurse, has always had a heart for helping older adults, especially at the end of life. When Chow was a child, her mother would take her along to visit and help elderly friends and family in the community. Additionally, her mother went back to school while Chow was in high school.

“Observing my mother as parent, nurse, and student exemplified to me how I could make a difference in multiple life spheres and gave me the desire to work in end-of-life care,” added Chow.

It is Chow’s goal to contribute research on the effectiveness of occupational therapy in end-of-life care to support greater utilization and funding of hospice occupational therapy services. Chow shared a story about a patient at the VA named John whom she fit with a power wheelchair.

“John had metastatic prostate cancer and consequent paraplegia and was resigned that nothing could be done for him. He had declined our repeated efforts to get him out of bed,” added Chow.  “He finally relented and figured out how to maneuver the wheelchair down the hallway. As staff greeted him, surprised to see him out of bed, he shyly looked down, smirking with pride. At the end of our session he proclaimed his goal – to independently drive the power wheelchair to the hospital retail store downstairs. We made plans for additional training to help him meet his goal. Through occupational therapy, he was able to connect with others, expand his world outside of his hospital room, and set a plan for the immediate future.”

Chow feels that occupational engagement throughout the lifespan is essential and warrants advocacy. Further work is needed to increase access to occupation-based interventions among people living with life-limiting illness. To increase professional awareness, Chow has given oral and poster presentations at state and national level conferences on the role of occupational therapy in hospice and palliative care, occupation-base interventions for chronic and terminal illness, and capturing interventional outcomes in end-of-life care.  She has also written a textbook chapter on hospice and palliative occupational therapy and contributed to the 2016 American Occupational Therapy Association position statement on hospice care.

Chow received her clinical doctorate in occupational therapy in 2014 from Temple University, her master’s in occupational therapy from Tufts University in 1995 and her bachelor’s from the University of California-Davis, graduating Cum Laude, in 1991. She is a member of the American Occupational Therapy Association and the Occupational Therapy Association of California.

“Since starting her PhD program, Janice has demonstrated a thoughtful approach, depth of commitment to her studies, and a passion for occupational therapy in end-of-life care,” said Noralyn Pickens, OT, PhD, Professor, Associate Director, Dallas Center, School of Occupational Therapy, T. Boone Pickens Institute of Health Sciences. “Her work has the potential to solidify our profession as critical to quality care in hospice through physical, psycho-social, and spiritual-emotional interventions.”

“I am deeply honored and grateful for the generosity of Virginia Chandler Dykes, her family, and the scholarship committee,” added Chow. “Many overlook the needs of the terminally ill, seeing the lack of life span synonymous with lack of long-term investment.  The investment of the Virginia Chandler Dykes family and scholarship committee in hospice occupational therapy research reflects a passion to make a difference in people’s lives, no matter what the life expectancy, and a visionary investment for our future.”

Chow lives in Northern California with her husband and two daughters. 

In addition to Bedgood and Chow, one graduate student from each of the remaining three TWU colleges will be honored at the luncheon as recipients of Virginia Chandler Dykes scholarship funds: Patricia Flint, College of Professional Education (COPE); Paramita Basu, College of Arts and Sciences; and Meghan Labiak, College of Business.

In the past 16 years, more than $700,000 has been raised for scholarships from the proceeds of the Virginia Chandler Dykes Leadership Award Luncheon. Tickets for the February 27 luncheon are $175 for silver patron; $250 for gold patron.  For more information, call 940-898-3865, visit www.twu.edu/vcd, or email kquinones@twu.edu.

Texas Woman’s University is the nation’s largest public university primarily for women with 15,500 students at its three locations in Denton, Dallas and Houston. Texas Woman’s is known for its contributions and leadership in the fields of education, nutrition, business, the arts and sciences, and especially in the nursing and health care professions. The university offers the student support, class sizes and campus esthetics more typically found at a private university. For more information, visit www.twu.edu or call 940-TWU-2000.

Five Scholarship Awards to be presented at 17^th Annual TWU Virginia Chandler Dykes Leadership Award Luncheon Honoring

Dale Petroskey for his leadership in the community

After working 15 years as a certified teacher, instructional specialist, response to intervention (RTI) coordinator, and administrator, McKinney resident Patricia Flint found that most teachers are not prepared for the diverse group of learners they have in their classroom each school year.  In 2017, Flint decided to quit her job as an assistant principal and become a full-time doctoral student pursuing a PhD in special education with a minor in biliteracy education at Texas Woman’s University, where she maintains a 4.0 GPA. She will complete her coursework in the fall of 2019 with an anticipated graduation date of 2020.

“All teachers and educators need to be prepared to meet the needs of all students who walk through the school doors,” said Patricia Flint. “I want to use my degree to enhance teacher preparation programs as well as help school systems design protocols to help special education students and educators in need. Ultimately, I would like to be a professor in a teacher education program at a university like TWU that puts positive relationships and students first.”

Flint has been named the Virginia Chandler Dykes scholarship recipient from the College of Professional Education and will be honored on February 27 at the 17^th Annual Virginia Chandler Dykes Leadership Award Luncheon, presented by Bank of Texas, Texas Woman’s University, and the Texas Woman’s University Foundation, at The Belo Mansion and Pavilion. 

Flint currently works as part of the ELLevate! grant team, where she supports research and training efforts for teachers who work with English Language Learners.  This $2.5 million scholarship and research project is the product of the collaboration between Texas Woman’s University and the Denton Independent School District (DISD). It supports more than 300 faculty members, administrators and professional support staff in their goal of improving the instruction of high school English language learners (ELLs) and is sponsored by the Office of English Language Acquisition of the U.S. Department of Education (OELA).

“Working with adolescent emergent bilinguals and their teachers has completely changed my perspectives on education and learning while offering me many opportunities to grow,” said Patricia Flint. I have also had the opportunity to co-author two articles and a book chapter that are currently in the publishing process, write a discussion guide, and be a co-presenter for numerous conferences at the local, regional, state, and national level due to my work on this grant and coursework.” 

Flint has found that she has had to realign her ways of teaching through her work with emergent bilinguals.  She had to transition from being the teacher who was the sole provider of knowledge to a co-learner alongside her emergent bilingual students.

Flint fondly recalls her first teaching experience in 1987 when she was studying to be a social worker. She was assigned an internship at Wildwood School, a private special education school in upstate New York.  It was not the internship she had requested.  The unit consisted of nine adolescent students who could not be in a main-stream setting in public schools because of severe disabilities and aggressive behaviors and one special education teacher, four aides, a social worker and a speech therapist.

“I quickly learned this was an extraordinary group of adolescents and educators,” added Flint. “I enjoyed this internship so much, I applied for a job the following semester and changed my major to special education.  I worked there for the next six years as an aide, recreation counselor, and a mentor for the young adult program. I feel fortunate to have had this experience where we truly worked together as a team and always had to think outside of the box to help these students who were facing difficult and emotional situations. I continue to share these valuable lessons with my teammates today.”

Flint received her master’s degree from TWU in 2012 and knew there was no other school where she would want to pursue her goals. Her honors include K. Patricia Cross Future Leaders Award, 2019 (Nominee) and Outstanding Graduate Research Associate Award, 2018.

“Tricia has shown great initiative as a doctoral student, looking for opportunities to serve the university and quickly earning a reputation as a hard worker,” said Diane Myers, Chair, Department of Teacher Education. “She exemplifies the spirit and vision of Virginia Chandler Dykes as well as that of TWU and is not afraid to ‘boldly go.’  I look forward to having her as a colleague in the field of special education.”

Flint and her husband have been married for 30 years and have three children. Flint is the first in her family to earn a PhD.

“I feel very grateful and humbled to have been chosen for this scholarship and to be in the company of the other current and past recipients,” added Flint.

In addition to Flint, graduate students from the remaining four TWU colleges will be honored at the luncheon as recipients of Virginia Chandler Dykes scholarship funds: Janice Kishi Chow, College of Health Sciences (Occupational Therapy); Amie Bedgood, College of Nursing; Paramita Basu, College of Arts and Sciences; and Meghan Labiak, College of Business.

In the past 16 years, more than $700,000 has been raised for scholarships from the proceeds of this luncheon.  TWU’s 17^th Annual Virginia Chandler Dykes Leadership Award Luncheon, on February 27 at the Belo Mansion and Pavilion, will honor Dale Petroskey, president and CEO, Dallas Regional Chamber as the 2019 recipient of the Virginia Chandler Dykes Leadership Award.  Tickets for the February 27 luncheon are $175 for silver patron; $250 for gold patron.  For more information, call 940-898-3865, visit www.twu.edu/vcd, or email kquinones@twu.edu.

Texas Woman’s University is the nation’s largest public university primarily for women with 15,500 students at its three locations in Denton, Dallas and Houston. Texas Woman’s is known for its contributions and leadership in the fields of education, nutrition, business, the arts and sciences, and especially in the nursing and health care professions. The university offers the student support, class sizes and campus esthetics more typically found at a private university. For more information, visit www.twu.edu or call 940-TWU-2000.

Texas Woman’s University honored Norman P. Bagwell, CEO of Bank of Texas and Executive Vice President of BOK Financial, with the Virginia Chandler Dykes Leadership Award at the 16^th annual luncheon on February 21 at the Belo Mansion and Pavilion.

“An inspirational leader known for his business acumen, positive attitude, and devotion to the community, Norm Bagwell is a beloved and highly respected member of this community,” said Dr. Carine M. Feyten, Texas Woman's chancellor and president. “TWU is honored to present him with the 16^th Annual Leadership Award.”

Bagwell began his remarks to the room of nearly 300 family members, friends, business colleagues and community leaders by praising Virginia Chandler Dykes and her lifelong work. “Virginia Chandler Dykes is a true pioneer who has made such an impact in education, and to have an award with her name on it is a real honor.” He also saluted the work of TWU, stating he has been a believer in TWU for some time.  “The university and its programs have been a real difference maker in our community. I have a long admired the work of TWU and Virginia Chandler Dykes.  Both have been at the forefront of building tomorrow’s workforce.”

Bagwell, the CEO of Bank of Texas and the executive vice president of BOK Financial, is responsible for all regional banks, commercial banking, business banking and treasury services across the eight-state footprint. Recently, he was named chairman of the Baylor Healthcare System Foundation and appointed trustee of the Salesmanship Club Foundation. Bagwell serves on several boards including the Board of Directors for Bank of Texas, Junior League of Dallas, and Panola Company LTD, and he is chairman of the CEO Council of the Dallas Arboretum and past chairman of the Dallas Regional Chamber. He is a member of the Salesmanship Club, Maverick Chapter WPO, Dallas Assembly and Dallas Citizens Council. 

Bagwell continued, “When it comes to banking, I am old school. I was taught that the end game was to build a high performing business that will stand the test of time.  I believe in doing business the right way with honor and integrity as well as building a team that is high performing, highly engaged, and collegial.  It’s important to create an environment where people can fulfill their personal and professional aspirations; to take care of the client in a way that is differentiated; and to deliver for the shareholder. Corporately, I believe it’s important to be an active citizen and contribute to the greater good.

“Through his leadership at Bank of Texas, Norm Bagwell demonstrates a commitment to serve others, which is evident in Bank of Texas’ partnership with this annual event since 2007,” added Dr. Feyten.

Bagwell concluded his remarks sharing what he has learned on his journey.

“When we experience tough times, life shares the gift of perspective. In my case, I strive to do the following:  try not to sweat the little things; make the most of every day; be impactful…make a difference where you can; try to be the part of the solution and not the problem; play the hand we are dealt the best we can; seek balance…body, mind and soul; and keep a positive attitude. But the most important thing I have learned is that LIFE IS A TEAM game.”

Bagwell is the recipient of numerous additional honors, including the Chairman’s Leadership Award from the Dallas Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Distinguished Alumni award from Southern Methodist University and Cox School of Business, and the Torch of Conscience award from the American Jewish Congress. In 2013, Bagwell and his wife, Robin, received the Margaret Sharpe Award for Community Service. He received his B.A. and B.B.A. degrees from Southern Methodist University, where he is a distinguished alumnus from the Cox School of Business.

The TWU award is named for alumna Virginia Chandler Dykes, who was director of occupational and recreational therapy at Baylor University Medical Center for 25 years. Dykes also established the Virginia Chandler Dykes Endowment to provide scholarships for TWU occupational therapy students. Luncheon proceeds will augment that fund.

The following graduate students, representing each of TWU’s four colleges, received scholarships, and each spoke at the luncheon: Kaye C. Rubio, College of Health Sciences (Occupational Therapy), Dawn Murphy, College of Nursing; Lorraine Cadwallader, College of Professional Education (COPE); and Geethanjali Ravindranathan, College of Arts and Sciences.

TWU holds the distinction of being the nation’s largest university primarily for women and is known for  its strengths in the fields of education, nutrition, business, the arts and sciences, and especially in the nursing and health care professions. The public institution has an enrollment of more than 15,000 students and campuses in Dallas, Denton and Houston.

Attendees included: former Virginia Chandler Dykes Leadership Award Recipients: Stephen Mansfield, 2017; Ralph Hawkins, 2015; Mary Brinegar, 2014; Myrna Schlegel, 2012; Kathleen Mason, 2010; Caroline Rose Hunt, 2009; as well as Charlotte and Fred Ball, Ann and Charles Eisemann, Angela Nash, Mike McCullough, Michael Meadows, Kathy and Nat Parker, Rowland Robinson, Ronald G. Steinhart, Roslyn Dawson Thompson, Vera and Robert Thornton, Velma and Jack Tolbert, and Joan and Alan Walne.

Guests enjoyed a luncheon of spinach and butter lettuce with brie and julienne of apple and sweet sherry vinaigrette; herb-dusted filet of beef with maître d ‘butter accompanied by Boursin cheese mashed potatoes, asparagus and a roasted tomato with milk chocolate mousse for dessert.

Sponsors include: $20,000: Bank of Texas, presenting sponsor; $5,000:  Sue and Christopher Bancroft; Baylor Scott & White Health; Luther King Capital Management; The Rosewood Corporation; Panola Company,  LTD; $2,500: The Men and Women of Hunt Consolidated, Inc.; Ty and Jan Miller; Locke Lord LLP.

For more information, visit twu.edu/vcd 

Four Scholarship Awards to be presented at 16^th Annual TWU Virginia Chandler Dykes Leadership Award Luncheon Honoring

Norman Bagwell for his leadership in the community and his commitment to education

A pediatric nurse for almost 25 years, Dawn Murphy is pursuing her doctorate in nursing science/education from Texas Woman’s University, with a 4.0 GPA and plans to graduate in 2019. A resident of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Murphy is entering her fourth year as a part-time doctoral student in TWU’s online nursing education program. On February 21, she will receive one of four prestigious scholarships given by Texas Woman’s University at the 16^th Annual Virginia Chandler Dykes Leadership Award Luncheon, presented by Bank of Texas, Texas Woman’s University, and the Texas Woman’s University Foundation, at The Belo Mansion and Pavilion. 

Inspired by her nieces and nephews from their use of social media, her dissertation will focus on the effect of social media behavior on adolescent mental health. After completing her PhD, she would like to teach fellow pediatric nurse practitioners at the graduate level, while continuing her work as a pediatric nurse practitioner on a part-time basis.  Presently she is a faculty member at Pikes Peak Community College (PPCC) in Colorado Springs, where she teaches courses in pediatrics and leadership, while assisting with nursing lab courses. She has also served as the coordinator of the nursing simulation lab and serves as a clinical instructor for pediatrics at the University of Colorado Health at Memorial Central Hospital. Additionally, she tries to work part-time in pediatric homecare when she can.

“I am very passionate about the health and development of children and their families and strive to inspire this same passion in nursing students I have the privilege to teach,” said Dawn Murphy.

Murphy received her bachelors in nursing from Mankato State University in Minnesota in 1991 and began her career in medical-surgical nursing at St. Mary’s/Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. She moved to Texas in 1993 and started working in pediatric nursing. She completed her master’s in nursing from TWU in 2000, obtaining her certification to work as a pediatric nurse practitioner. She worked at a number of hospital and school-based settings including Parkland Health and Hospital System’s school-based clinics in Dallas.  In 2008, she began teaching pediatrics and other areas of nursing in Colorado. Murphy began her PhD journey in 2014.

“I grew up on a dairy farm in Afton, Minnesota, where I was responsible for raising and nurturing baby calves as part of my chores,” added Murphy. “My dad was a Catholic deacon, my mom worked as a secretary for more than 30 years, and I have a brother and sister who were adopted from South Korea who are now in their 40s. The whole family worked together on the farm, and I believe this contributed to my journey into pediatric nursing. I have found that my strength lies in encouraging nurses to be the best nurses they can be. Many students I have encountered have a number of obstacles in their lives, and I think my years of working with children, adolescents, and their families have prepared me to work well with a variety of nursing students on their nursing career journeys. Someone once told me that leadership is not just a noun, but a verb, and I attempt to demonstrate this as I strive to model leadership for students and colleague in even the smallest of my actions every day.”

Murphy is a member of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners and helped to plan a local conference in Denver two years ago. She has served as a faculty advisor for the Pikes Peak Community College Association of Nursing Students, is active on the college’s Diversity team, and enjoys participating in numerous community activities.  She is the recipient of multiple honors including nominee for Faculty of the Year award at Pikes Peak Community College in 2017; Master Teacher nomination from Front Range Community College in 2007-08; nominee for Outstanding Graduate Student at TWU in 2000; and nominee for the Dallas-Fort Worth Great 100 Nurses Award of Excellence in 1996 among others.

“Probably the greatest honor I have ever received was being asked by nursing students to be an honorary faculty guest speaker for nursing pinning ceremonies in 2012 and 2013,” added Murphy.

Murphy is very appreciative to TWU and all faculty, staff, and student colleagues who have made her journey possible.

“It is hard to describe my feelings about receiving this scholarship award,” added Murphy.  “I am blessed and so very thankful to Virginia Chandler Dykes, whose lifework has made it possible for me to continue my pediatric nursing journey. She has changed the lives of so many students working to pursue their dreams.”

In addition to Murphy, graduate students from the remaining three TWU colleges will be honored at the luncheon as recipients of Virginia Chandler Dykes scholarship funds: Kaye C. Rubio, College of Health Sciences (Occupational Therapy); Lorraine Cadwallader, College of Professional Education (COPE); and Geethanjali Ravindranathan, College of Arts and Sciences.

In the past 15 years, more than $700,000 has been raised for scholarships from the proceeds of this luncheon.  TWU’s 16^th Annual Virginia Chandler Dykes Leadership Award Luncheon, on February 21 at the Belo Mansion and Pavilion, will honor Norman P. Bagwell, CEO of Bank of Texas and Executive Vice President of BOK Financial, as the 2018 recipient of the Virginia Chandler Dykes Leadership Award.  Tickets are $175 for silver patron; $250 for gold patron.  For more information, call 940-898-3872, visit www.twu.edu/vcd, or email TRupani@twu.edu.