Oklahoma Baptist University is pleased to welcome Dr. Stephanie Parker, MSN, RN, as the new chair of the School of Nursing. She began her duties Oct. 1 as the Lawrence C. and Marion Harris Chair of Nursing and Associate Professor of Nursing. Parker takes the place of Dr. Robbie Henson, OBU’s former Chair of Nursing, who retired in May after 31 years of service.
Parker received her Doctor of Education in Leadership from Hardin-Simmons University and both her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and her Master of Science in Nursing Administration from the University of Texas, Arlington.
Most recently, Parker worked as a clinical educator for the Avem Health Partners in the Oklahoma City metro area and was responsible for planning, coordinating and overseeing the educational needs of the employees while meeting all required regulatory mandates. Prior to that position, Parker served as director of nursing at Paris Junior College in Paris, Texas. She has more than 15 years of experience in the higher education realm as a member of the nursing faculty, coordinator of associate degree nursing, interim director of health occupations and interim dean of health occupations and divisional chair at Paris Junior College. Parker began her journey as a registered nurse in 1994. (story continues below)
Dr. Larinee Dennis, OBU dean of business, health science and education said, “I am delighted to bring Dr. Stephanie Parker to Bison Hill as the next chief nursing officer for the School of Nursing. She is a creative thinker and I look forward to working with her to consider the future of nursing education at OBU.”
“I am very excited and honored to join the OBU family,” Parker said. “OBU has a beautiful history of faith and tradition as well as a demonstrated commitment to the education of students while growing the body of Christ. The opportunity to join OBU and impact the education of future nurses is a privilege, and I look forward to becoming an integral part of this outstanding institution.”
The OBU School of Nursing began in 1952. Its faculty has continued to provide students with a high-quality curriculum that is contemporary, relevant and meets the ever-changing needs of healthcare. It has maintained continuous accreditation, currently through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, throughout its history. In 2021, OBU nursing graduates averaged a 93% licensure first-time pass rate.
Learn more about the OBU School of Nursing click the button below. https://www.okbu.edu/nursing/index.htm
