At OU Health- the University of Oklahoma’s academic health system – our mission is clear: care for the sickest of the sick as a top-tier academic referral center through integrated patient care, research and education. For nurses like Kathy Belcher, that mission isn’t just a promise; it’s a pathway to growth.
“I’ve always wanted to earn my BSN but hadn’t found the right time,” Kathy shared.
“Since joining OU Health, I naturally stepped into leadership roles and discovered how much I enjoy mentoring and coaching others. That made me realize I wanted to keep growing as a leader.”
When Kathy’s manager, Clifford Daigler, recognized her potential, he encouraged her to explore OU Health’s Degree Accelerator Program (DAP); a unique opportunity to earn a BSN in just 12 months with no tuition cost. The program is highly competitive, accepting a limited number of candidates to ensure participants receive robust support and resources.
“Once I learned the details, it was an easy decision,” Kathy said. “I’ve seen incredible progress at OU Health, and I want to continue being part of this transformation.”
Research shows that advanced nursing education improves patient care and leads to better health outcomes. It also drives clinical excellence and enhances career satisfaction. That’s why OU Health and the University of Oklahoma Fran and Earl Ziegler College of Nursing have partnered to create seamless academic progression pathways for OU Health nurses. Through the DAP, working R.N.s can advance their education and career with financial support from OU Health, because breakthroughs in care start with investing in our people.
For Kathy, OU Health’s DAP didn’t just provide a degree, it shaped her leadership style.
“I really enjoyed exploring different leadership approaches and learning about innovative nursing practices,” she explained. “Nurses are naturally innovative, and hearing classmates share their experiences was inspiring.”
Kathy’s advice for anyone considering OU Health’s DAP is to think about where you were a year ago and imagine how quickly that time passed.
“In that same amount of time, you could already have earned your degree,” she said.
“There’s no better time than now, and no reason to turn down free education!”
At OU Health, we’re never done, never outdone, and initiatives like DAP ensure breakthroughs reach every corner of Oklahoma. We are changing lives through discovery and healing, and we’re building the next generation of nursing leaders to ensure that OU Health continues to be the beacon of hope and healing for Oklahoma and beyond.
