Describe Image HereAugust 28, 2015 (Jackson, Miss.) - Belhaven University is pleased to announce the addition of new faculty and staff members into its growing School of Nursing, which has more than doubled in size in only its first year.

Dana Armstrong, Assistant Professor of Nursing, comes to Belhaven with a variety of valuable experience. She earned her B.S.N. and M.S.N. from University of Mississippi Medical Center. “Dana has more than nine years of academic experience and 21 years of clinical experience,” said Dr. Dennis Watts, Vice Provost. “Because she understands both the needs of students and clinical facilities, she will be of great benefit to our nursing program. We couldn't be more pleased to have hired someone of her caliber.”

She previously taught nursing at Hinds Community College and served as clinical coordinator for nursing at the college. Armstrong has served as a contributing author for Hurst Review Services. She has also served as a senior client systems analyst for MS Baptist Health Systems and a nursing application analyst for St. Dominic - Jackson Memorial Hospital. She has additional clinical experience neonatal, pediatrics and medical-surgical nursing. In 2006, the Mississippi Hospital Association selected Armstrong for the Nurse Executive Award. She is a member of the American Nurses Association and the Mississippi Nurses Association.

Debi Fatheree, Assistant Professor of Nursing, has a wealth of clinical experience in maternal-child nursing. She has a B.S.N. and M.S. from University for Women and a M.S.N from University of Mississippi Medical Center. Fatherree is also a Board Certified Lactation Consultant. In addition to her 21 years of service as a clinical and perinatal educator, Fatheree spent nine years working with mothers and their newborn infants. “Not only has she been an advocate for her patients, but also an advocate for health care professional education,” said Dr. Watts. “Debi has brought this enthusiasm to Belhaven for which our students will benefit greatly.”

Mary Catherine Ford has joined the School of Nursing as Administrative Assistant to the Dean of Nursing. She has a B.A. in Psychology from University of Mississippi and is currently enrolled in Belhaven's Master of Health Administration Program. She has prior experience as an administrative assistant at the University of Mississippi. Ford has also served as a missionary and teacher at Faith International Academy in Davao, Philippines.

“Mary brings a variety of experience that will enhance student learning and the nursing program”, said Dr. Barbara Johnson, Dean of Nursing. “Her prior experience with students and her focus on Christian service are assets to the School of Nursing. She is very personable and brings a vibrant energy that will serve as an example for other students.”