jefferson chronicle-spring/summer 2005

THE MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI & FRIENDS OF JEFFERSON COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES

C H R O N I C L E

EHS-PARAMEDICFIRE AND EMS TECHNOLOGY

DECEMBER GRADUATION NEW HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM ALUMNI MEMBERSHIP

&EHS-PARAMEDICFIRE AND EMS TECHNOLOGY

&EMERGENCY SERVICES STAND TOGETHER FOR THEIR COMMUNITIES

JEFFERSONJEFFERSONC H R O N I C L E

Carol M. Seavor, R.N., Ed.D.President

FeaturesTHE REID REPORT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Holidays and Winter Activities Brighten CampusWinter Commencement 2004

FACULTY PROFILE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Community Service Becomes Mission of HopeBrian Boland ’01 ’02 R.N., NREMT-P

SPOTLIGHT ON PROGRAMS . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Fire & EMS TechnologyNational Model Curriculum Elevates Program

EHS-ParamedicTurning 20 and Still Going Strong

JEFFERSON COLLEGE of HEALTH SCIENCES

J E F F E R S O N C H RO N I C L E 1

ALUMNI BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Tina Williamson ’03President

Carolyn Mason-Murray ’98Vice President

Natalie Prickitt ’01Secretary

COLLEGE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Stephen MusselwhiteChairman

William R. ReidImmediate Past Chairman

Robert C. LawsonVice Chairman

Nathaniel L. Bishop

Martha Bruce Boggs

Charles Saldarini

The Honorable Philip Trompeter

F. Lee Tucker

Ellen Wade

Joseph Wright

COLLEGE ADMINISTRATION

Carol M. Seavor, R.N., Ed.D.President

Douglas Southard, Ph.D., P.A.-C.Dean for Academic and Student Services

Julian A. Moore, M.B.A.Dean for Administrative Services

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jennifer BeckerAlice Carr

Tommy Harper

Mark Lambert

Glen Mayhew ’87

John McNamara

Allen “Mac” Snead ’94 ’99

MAGAZINE EDITOR

Katina Cummings

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Diane Hailey

DESIGN

Inprint, Inc.

PRINTING

Seckman Printing

COLLEGE ACCREDITATION

Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of College and Schools (SACS)

Jefferson College of Health Sciences is certified by the State Council of

Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV).When EHS-Paramedic Program Director GLEN MAYHEW ’87, makes a few phone calls

to some of his program’s former students to line up a photo, the alumni show their respect

and admiration by making it happen. Not only did six alumni take time out of their busy

schedules to participate, but they brought along some pretty cool equipment as well. Front to

back: GLEN MAYHEW, MAC SNEAD ’94 ’99, BRIAN BOLAND ’01 ’02, MATT MILLNER ’04,

Linda Davis, Claudia Huddleston, ALLAN BELCHER ’96, DANIEL SPEARIN ’02, Roxanne

Wilson, MARCI INGRAM STONE ’95, JEFF MCKINNEY ’86, Tommy Harper,

and DAVID HOBACK ’85.

DepartmentsAbout the cover...

CLASS NOTES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14JEFFERSON ADVANCEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Cover photo by Rick Cregger

Faculty Member Leads Paramedic Service Group

First-Ever December Commencement

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THE REID REPORT

2 V I S I T U S AT W W W. J C H S. E D U O R C A L L 8 8 8 . 9 8 5 . 8 4 8 3

LaFaune Carter OT ’06 and Erica McCann OT ’05 at the Student Halloween Party.

Brandon Taliaferro Pre-NSG at a Lazer Venture party.

Heather Peters OTA ’05, at the Student Halloween Party.

Katie Kinzer and Drew Dill enjoyed playing Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Holiday Party.Joining them is Morgan Becker, daughter of Educational Resource Associate Jennifer Becker.

The 2004 holiday parade season

marked the fourth year John McNamara,

D.C. associate professor of math and

science, has volunteered his time to bring

together students, faculty and staff for

parade fun. Each year, McNamara brings

his privately owned 1967 antique fire

engine, recruits students, faculty, staff and

alumni, and participates in numerous

holiday parades throughout the Roanoke

Valley. “This has become a tradition for

me and my children,” says McNamara.

“It brings College employees, students

and alumni together in support of these

special community events.”

“The fire engine gets lots of attention

at parades, and Jefferson College of

Health Sciences participates in our

community,” he

continues. Jefferson

paraders gave out more

than 500 pounds of

candy during the

2004 parade season,

in Blacksburg,

Christiansburg,

New Castle, Salem,

Vinton, and downtown

Roanoke. McNamara

also leads the College’s

participation in

downtown Roanoke’s

St. Patrick Day Parade

and Vinton’s Dogwood Festival Parade.

JCHS alumni are welcome to

participate with the College in any of

the 2005 holiday parades. Parade dates

and times will be listed on the College

calendar at www.jchs.edu. •

Jefferson Parade Tradition Marches On

experienceThe Jefferson

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JCHS and John Namara’s fire engine were featured on WDBJ 7’s Mornin’ Showin December 2004 to represent downtown Roanoke’s Dickens of a Christmas Parade.

New Employees

As a healthcare organization,

Carilion Health System is dedicated

to providing world-class care for

our communities in state-of-the-art

facilities. As a not-for-profit organi-

zation, Carilion must provide this

care as efficiently and cost-effectively

as possible.

In fall 2003, Carilion announced

that Carilion Roanoke Community

Hospital (CRCH) and Carilion

Roanoke Memorial Hospital (CRMH)

would be consolidated into one

facility to form one of the largest

hospitals in Virginia. The $105

million CMC Consolidation Project

will help eliminate duplicated

medical services offered by two facilities a mile apart,

including X-ray, pharmacy and anesthesiology. By moving

the two hospitals under one roof, Carilion will save more

than $4 million in operating costs each year.

In 2004, 16 planning groups met to discuss plans for

the consolidation. These planning groups were made up

of Carilion employees working in areas affected by the

consolidation, Carilion’s Health Care Interiors department

and architectural firm HOK. They began their discussions

with general planning and then moved into development

of the layout and design of the units. These meetings

finished in September 2004.

Work then began at CRMH to prepare the facility for

more extensive construction on the south side of the hospital.

Because of the construction activities, the Emergency

Department (ED) entrance on the south side of CRMH

would be obstructed. As a result, an alternate route to the

ED was constructed from the north side of the facility,

just above the crosswalk and traffic light from Belleview.

In winter 2005, construction began to add floors to the

South Tower at CRMH, as well as to restructure the CRMH

campus and roadways.

When construction is complete, medical services

currently provided for women and children at CRCH

will relocate to the new floors in CRMH’s South Tower.

Then, Jefferson College of Health Sciences (JCHS) will

relocate to the current CRCH building on the corner

of Jefferson Street and Elm Avenue. This will provide

JCHS with much needed space to grow and to teach

tomorrow’s healthcare professionals. •



of ROANOKE HOSPITALS ONGOING

A warm welcome to all of our new employees. Claire B. Corbin, R.N., M.S.N., assistant professor of nursing; David C. Eckes,M.Ed. assistant professor of science and mathematics; Kurt A. Neidigh, Ph.D., assistant professor of science and mathematics;

Melody Meier, R.N., M.S.N., assistant professor of nursing; G. Susan Jones, R.N., M.S.N., assistant professor of nursing;

Elizabeth Kennedy, M.P.H., assistant professor of physician assistant. We have also added the following staff members to the

College family: Donna Wilson, administrative secretary for the President’s Office; Ruth Taylor, department secretary for

Admissions; Gary Tinder, lead telephone recruiter for Admissions; April Thompson, telephone recruiter; Sylvia Miller,telephone recruiter; Tamyko Graham, telephone recruiter. As the College family grows, so does our diversity and experience.

Welcome all! •

Carilion Consolidation

THE REID REPORT

BY MARK LAMBERT, Employee Communications Specialist—Carilion Health System

THE REID REPORT


New Program for Healthcare ProfessionalsBACHELOR of SCIENCE in HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT

BY DIANE HAILEY, Coordinator of Communications and College Relations

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Jefferson College of Health Sciences announced its newest

program, the Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management,

in January. The program is designed for students who already

have earned an associate or baccalaureate degree in the health

sciences. “This degree will prepare a student for a career in

healthcare management in a format designed for working

adults,” says Associate Dean for Program Development and

Extended Learning Bridget Moore.

Healthcare management is not a new field, but the bachelor’s

degree in healthcare management is a new opportunity for

people wanting to step into management quickly.

“We are a private college specializing in the education of

healthcare providers,” says Dean for Academic and Student

Services Douglas Southard, Ph.D. “This program provides

leadership training and problem solving skills for people who

want to go into healthcare management.”

The Healthcare Management program has a previously

earned degree requirement. Prospective students should

have proof of licensure in a healthcare profession.

Professions include, but are not limited to: Diagnostic

Sonographic Technology. EHS-Paramedic, Fire and EMS

Technology, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Physical

Therapist Assistant, Radiological Technology, Registered

Nurse, and Respiratory Therapy.

Anyone interested in learning more about this program

can call the JCHS Admissions Office at 888-985-8483.

The Bachelor of Healthcare Management is supported by

the Tuition Waiver program within Carilion Health System.

Interested Carilion employees can contact Emily Ferrell, edu-

cation benefits representative at Carilion Human Resources. •

Miller Analogies Test SiteBY JENNIFER BECKER, Educational Resource Associate

Jefferson College of Health Sciences is pleased to announce

that its Educational Technology Center has been approved as a

Miller Analogies Test (MAT) site. “Our campus location makes it

a prime location to be a test site that can serve the entire Roanoke

Valley. We were also chosen for our advanced technology center

that can support the administration of the test,” says Bridget

Moore, associate dean for program development and extended

learning.

The MAT is an entrance requirement into Jefferson’s

Master’s of Science in Nursing program and over 2,000 graduate

programs nationwide. It requires the solution of problems stated

as analogies. The test consists of 120 partial analogy items that are

to be completed in 60 minutes.

“The MAT is a good fit for our applicants as it really looks at

critical and complex thinking skills. It is also one of the most

affordable graduate admissions exams, which we took into

consideration as well,” continues Moore.

The computer-based test is administered in the College’s

Educational Technology Center (ETC) in Room 520 of the main

campus. Several applicants of the Master’s of Science in Nursing

program have taken the test since the first testing date in February,

and response from the applicants has been positive. ETC survey

results indicate that they are grateful for the opportunity to take

the test in Roanoke and feel that the site is conducive to test taking.

They were complimentary about the staff and agree that the

testing process is easy to follow.

The computer based version of the test offers the opportunity for

examinees to view their score upon test completion. The preliminary

score report is unofficial, however, it lets the examinee know how

they scored on the day of the test rather than waiting weeks for a

score report in the mail. Official score reports are mailed to the

examinee and to three colleges of their choice within 10 to 15

business days.

The MAT is offered at Jefferson several times per year. The

College’s website, www.jchs.edu, has scheduled test dates and

testing procedures. If you are interested in taking the MAT at

Jefferson College of Health Sciences, contact Jennifer Becker at

540-224-6971 for registration information. •

The JCHS Respiratory Therapy program’s senior

class participated in the Fall 2004 Asthma Walkat Explore Park. The Walk raised over $20,000 for

asthma research in the Roanoke Valley.

Left to Right (Back Row) - Sahar Royeen, Alisha Brown, Alma Slipic, Suzanne Clifton, Sarah Watts, Mike Fitzgerald

(front Row) - Cheryl Hunsberger, Janika Word



Rita Bishop, R.N., M.S.N. ’64 and Robert Keeley, M.D.

Nancy Agee, R.N., M.S.N.

Yolanda Outlaw ’04

Graduation

Twenty-eightgraduates from six programs graduated in the first-everDecember graduation atJefferson College of HealthSciences.

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December

Nancy Agee

Rita Bishop

December 18, 2004 was a beautiful combination of thepomp and circumstance of May Commencement and thefamilial feeling of a small holiday gathering. A specialrecognition of a treasured alumna, an inspirational charge tothe graduates, and glowing smiles on new alumni capturedthe true meaning of commencement - a new beginning.

The generous donors to the Rita M. Bishop Scholarship at JCHS were honored, along with Rita Bishop ’64, at theDecember graduation. A plaque with each benefactor’s namewas presented to Bishop and will be placed permanently inthe College lobby.

The group, named by Robert L.A. Keeley, M.D, as “TheFriends of Rita Bishop,” honored Bishop with the scholarshipfor her many years of service and dedication as a perioperativenurse and administrator.

Keeley initiated the nursing endowment and has worked tocultivate support. When he reflected on Bishop’s workethic and sense of humor, he recalled, “When I was chief ofsurgery at Jefferson Hospital, I used to always say, the worlddoesn’t revolve around the operating room. Rita wouldanswer, why not?’”

He also noted Bishop’s depth of medical knowledge withobvious admiration, “If there was a problem that was noteasily solvable, it would be just a short period of timebefore Rita had a resolution.”

Nancy Agee, chief operating officer and executive vice president, Carilion Health System, served as keynote speakerfor the event. Agee began by reflecting on the uniquenessand success of the College. “What once was an idea, anexperiment, a first-ever hospital-based college in Virginia, is now a thriving institution.”

She also brought a message of congratulations fromCarilion Health System, “All of us at Carilion share the joyof seeing Jefferson College of Health Sciences grow andchange. We are proud of the College and, even more so, of you the graduates.”

She continued, “You have invested in your life’s workthrough your education, and you will be investing in thelives of your patients through your life’s work. Each of youis different. Each of you brings a fresh, new and differentperspective to healthcare, giving you the opportunity to put your fingerprint on the world.” •


SPOTLIGHT ON PROGRAMS

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The adoption of this curriculum will allow

students greater flexibility in the transferring

of credit from one college program to another,

and it will allow the program to pursue degree-

track accreditation by the International Fire

Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC).

“IFSAC’s goal is to create continuity

among the U.S. and international fire

programs. To do so, they must create a

common curriculum for the programs,”

says Harper. The new curriculum will

include courses in such areas as fire behavior

and combustion; principles of emergency

management; and fire prevention.

National accreditation and moving to

the national model curriculum have been on

the horizon for the program for some time,

and achieving both are part of the long-term

plan for growth. Once attained, it will serve

to bolster the student experience that has

already garnered national attention for

the program.

“The shining star of the JCHS fire program

is the externship component,” says Harper.

It is the only one in Virginia that provides

students the opportunity to not only observe,

but fully participate with career fire depart-

ments. Senior fire students work at least one

12-hour shift per week in a Roanoke City or

County fire station. This solidifies not only

their commitment to the profession, but also

to the lifestyle. “Firefighters live and work

in close quarters. They cook together, clean

together, and see their department as a

family,” explains Harper. “Our students get

the full experience and leave college with a

deeper understanding of what it’s like to be

a firefighter.” •

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Fire Ems technologyIn Fall 2001, the first Fire and Emergency Medical Services

Technology students began their studies at the College.

Thomas L. Harper, a volunteer firefighter with over 30 years of experience,

serves as assistant director and primary instructor of the program. “I am

really proud of how far this program has come in a short amount of

time,” says Harper. “The number of students enrolled in the program

has nearly tripled from that first class,” he continues.

Changes to the program are anticipated for Fall 2005, and the move will

bring prestigious accreditation support. While the program will continue

to be offered in the four-semester, 64 credit hour format, it will incorporate

the courses identified in the National Fire Science Model Curriculum.

a note of thanksThe alumni of this

program should take

pride in your

accomplishment and

know that it was your

efforts that brought the

program to where it is

today, and where it is

headed in the future.

Your individual

evaluations and

comments played a

major role in the

decisions I have made

concerning course

content, methodology

of instruction, and

textbooks selected for

the students who

follow you. For that,

I give you my thanks.

Tommy. Tommy Harper



y “When the tones go off, the doors come up, and the red lights

come on, I know that I’m ready to meet any challenge,”

says Matt Millner ’04. He credits the College’s low student-

to-faculty ratio and specialized training in firefighting,

hazardous materials, and technical rescue with his readiness

for emergency situations.

Millner believes that the commitment to the field begins the

first day of class at JCHS. “Choosing the career path of a

professional firefighter should

not be taken lightly,” says

Millner. Fire students work and

train with the personnel in the

Roanoke City Fire Department.

“This is an extremely valuable

learning tool that shows students

what life is like in a professional

department,” says Millner.

The job requires many hours

of training in both fire and

emergency medical services.

Millner is thankful that he

found a program that offered

both training and college credit.

“Achieving a college degree allows

firefighters more opportunities

for promotions, and helps them

to achieve their career goals.”

Millner also credits the faculty in the Fire program as his

inspiration to complete the training. “There were instances

when I felt that I physically and mentally couldn’t go on, but

with the leadership of the program, I was able to succeed.” •

“Alumni are very important to current students because they

can see that a successful end justifies the rigorous means,”

says David Hoback ’85, deputy chief of Roanoke Fire-EMS.

“When the alumni of an institution are successful in their

careers, it builds the current students’ confidence that they

can also achieve what they want out of life,” he continues.

As Roanoke Deputy Chief, he knows that a strong educational

background and training are important for career building, options

and advancement. Aside

from his administrative

position in emergency

services, he keeps his own

skills sharp by volunteering

at Read Mountain Fire-

Rescue as a firefighter and

paramedic. “I got into this

line of work because I

wanted to work in my

community, and volunteering

keeps me in direct contact

with people in need,” he says.

Hoback believes that

community involvement

and maturity through

experience are both

hallmarks of the EHS-

Paramedic program at

JCHS. “College put me on

a path in life, and I learned skills which I could build upon to

advance in my career. Education does not stop with college

graduation, every firefighter needs to continue to build upon

what they have learned.” •


Matt Millner ’04lynchburg firefighter

David Hoback, nremt–p ’85deputy chief roanoke fire–ems

“...I wanted to work

in my community,

and volunteering keeps

me in direct contact

with people in need.”

— David Hoback

“When the tones go off,

the door comes up, and

the red lights come on,

I know that I’m ready

to meet any challenge.”

— Matt Millner

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ARTICLES BY DIANE HAILEY, Coordinator of Communications and College Relations

Acontinuing trend in healthcare brought alumnus Brian Boland back to Jefferson College of Health Sciences after his

graduation in 2001. In recent years, many healthcare providers have seen the benefits of getting multiple degrees in

multiple health disciplines. Boland decided after graduating from the paramedic program that earning an associate

degree in nursing would open up many more opportunities for him. “I wanted the multiple credentials so that I could

move anywhere in the U.S. and be able to get a job. I didn’t realize at the time that I was preparing myself for a job right where

I started,” Boland recalls.

FACULTY PROFILE


Brian Bolandr.n., nremt–p ’01 ’02

BY DIANE HAILEY, Coordinator of Communications and College Relations

ehs–paramedic field externship coordinator

community service becomes mission of hope

Not only has the EHS-Paramedic

department benefited from his forward-

thinking, but the College, as a whole, has

benefited as well. Boland made his mark

as a staff and faculty member very quickly.

“When I was hired, I began thinking

about how I could form an organization

for students to work as a team to help in

their community,” says Boland.

“The majority of JCHS students do some

sort of volunteer work in addition to their

classes. I wanted to make community

service a bonding experience that would

bring more student loyalty to the College.”

His quiet diligence has paid off

as one of the strongest student-run

organizations in recent years has taken

shape. Hands of Healing is designed as

a traveling group of trained emergency

medical personnel. “We also reserve

one space for a graduate of the EHS

program who is currently enrolled in

the accelerated nursing program.

This individual utilizes their expertise

and experiences of the past year’s trip to

serve as a mentor to the organization,”

explains Boland.

“I looked for an avenue for students

to help in a big way in a short amount of

time to accommodate our spring break,”

says Boland. “I had not anticipated the

restrictions that volunteering within the

U.S. would present. Once I looked into

worldwide opportunities, it became clear

that what we wanted to do would take us

outside of the U.S. We do not want to be

an organization of observers. The Hands

of Healing members are all EMTs and

have advanced training.”

Hands of Healing students are

qualified to perform advanced

procedures such as administering IVs

and intubating patients. “It would be

difficult to do this type of charitable

work in the United States, outside of

the rescue squads, where our students

already work many hours per week.”

His international research led the

group to Honduras, where five years

ago, a catastrophe almost as severe as the

Pacific tsunami took place. Hurricane

Mitch tore through Latin America in

2000 and devastated the entire region.

Hondurans are still recovering from

the disaster.

Members of JCHS faculty have been

traveling overseas for years doing medical

service work, but this is one of the only

student run organizations with the

international travel component. A focus

on international travel is becoming

standard at many private colleges.

“Our focus on international medical aid

fits with our mission well, and fits our

students’ desire to perform voluntary

service,” says Boland.

“These students could’ve seen

Cancun through the eyes of a typical

spring-breaker just there to have fun

and party. We were in the same part

of the world but with a completely

different goal,” says Boland. The students

treated over 1,200 patients while they

were there, and came away with real

respect for the culture of Honduras.

“Giving this kind of global insight to a

person at a young age is invaluable to

the world,” Boland continues.

In stark contrast to the absence of

basic needs in second and third world

countries, are the technological require-

ments that these paramedics must

prepare for to serve in the United States.

“The paramedic field has advanced

rapidly over the last 30 years,” he explains.

“It wasn’t that long ago that if you

called the hospital for help, they just

sent out a hearse from a local funeral

home to come and get you.”

“Now, if you are in need of pre-

hospital care, you’ll be picked up by

highly skilled and certified paramedics,

and given care all the way to the hospital,”

confirms Boland.

More major changes to emergency

healthcare are coming. Government

agencies are looking at wireless

technology to store complete medical

information onto a scannable, portable

item. “The possibility exists for a medic

coming onto a scene will be able to get

a person’s complete medical history,

current prescriptions, and emergency

contact information, just by swiping their

driver’s license. A person who needs care

while traveling will receive the same care

that he would at home. All the information

will be there,” says Boland. That’s serious

technology at work.” •



“our focus on

international medical aid

fits with our mission well,

and fits our students

desire to perform

voluntary service.”

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“To now celebrate 20

years of existence is a tribute

to the students who wanted

to learn and increase their

skills in a private college

setting. It is also a tribute to

the College and its belief

that paramedic education

should be validated through

high academic standards

and national accreditation,”

says Claudia Huddleston,

R.N., associate professor.

Glen Mayhew ’87,

program director, agrees,

“The quality of our

students and our academic

reputation in the healthcare community has opened doors for

us. We are able to attract and retain experienced faculty and

gain access to incredible clinical opportunities.”

“Our affiliation with Carilion Health System has also been

critical to our success,” continues Mayhew. “We are able to

provide a mix of patient populations for our students to assess

and treat.” For example, the JCHS program is one of a few

programs nationwide that is still able to provide students

endotracheal and laryngeal mask airway intubations in the

operating suite under the supervision of an anesthesiologist.

The program is not resting on its laurels. It is finding new

ways to give its student diverse educational environments.

The Air Care course, for example, provides students

internships with the Carilion Air Transportation Unit and

LifeGuard 10, an elite team, which specializes in caring for

patients in a helicopter or airplane.

Cross training in the emergency care field is commonplace

and the demand for continuing education is increasing.

To meet this need, JCHS is providing accelerated opportunities

for paramedics to earn additional credentials. The College is

now offering paramedics two one-year accelerated programs.

A paramedic can return to the College and in one year complete

either the associate degree in nursing or the associate of applied

science in fire and EMS technology.

“The community has responded very positively to the

continuing education program,” says Allen “Mac” Snead ’94 ’99,

assistant director and instructor in the program. “This is a way

for people to be able to continue working and also obtain an

additional or more advanced degree.”

The EHS-Paramedic program has also cultivated a strong

career exploration component that has connected our

students with internships as far away as Alaska and Australia.

Not only has this broadened the horizons for students, but

has prompted numerous job offers. “The first 20 years

established us as a premier paramedic program. The next

20 years will be about constantly improving on what we’ve

achieved,” says Mayhew. •

“The quality of our students

and our academic reputation

in the healthcare community

has opened doors for us.

We are able to attract and

retain experienced faculty

and gain access to incredible

clinical opportunities.”

— Glen Mayhew

Jefferson College of Health Sciences’ EHS-Paramedic program is

celebrating its 20-year anniversary this year. In 1985, it was one of the only

paramedic programs in Virginia and is one of the first nationally-accredited

programs in the country. With over 300 graduates working in at least

13 states, the program stands strong as a leader in paramedic education.

In January 1984, an advisory group was assembled by the administration

of the College to discuss the need and viability of a formal paramedic

educational program. While the group felt there was a need, there was

concern that such a program would not be viable due to the cost associated

with running a nationally accredited program.

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PaamedicEHS-Paramedic Celebrates 20 YearsBY DIANE HAILEY, Coordinator of Communications and College Relations

Glen Mayhew, director of the EHS– Paramedic and Fire & EMS Technology programs



People reveal themselves through their memories. When asked

why career emergency services personnel extend their days with

volunteer outreach, Allan Belcher ’96, recalled a memory that

had stuck in his mind for several years.

“An EMS agency responded to a call at a local residence,” he said.

A distraught, elderly woman told them her husband was not

feeling well during dinner and had collapsed. She could not get

him to wake up. The paramedics found the patient unresponsive,

pulseless and not breathing. CPR was immediately initiated and

advanced life support treatment was provided. The patient was

transported to the local emer-

gency department where, after

everyone’s best efforts, the man

passed away.

Belcher continued, “The patient’s

wife was overcome with grief.

The EMS crew knew she would

re-live the image of the events

if she were to see her home

with her husband’s dinner still

on the table and empty wrappers

of medical supplies left on the

floor. So they went back to the

residence, cleaned the house,

brought the woman home, and

stayed with her until family could

get there. The crew then assisted

the family with arrangements and

attended the funeral services.”

“That experience always stayed

with me as the reason that EMS

providers are drawn to voluntary

service. We see people when they

are most vulnerable, and we don’t stop caring about people at

the end of our shift,” he explains.

Belcher also shares a story about a JCHS faculty member who

is known for voluntary service in Southwest Virginia. As a flight

medic with LifeGuard 10, Carilion’s helicopter transportation

unit, he was on a call to an auto accident in Bedford County.

“I was surprised to see Glen Mayhew on the scene working as

a volunteer...for the fire department! Not only had he devoted

his time through the years as an EMS volunteer and educator,

but he took time to serve on a local volunteer fire department

as well.” •

Marci Stone ’95, of Bedford, feels indebted to the EMTs who

cared for her after a car accident 15 years ago. “I was very

impressed by their ability to make me feel better, at probably one

of the worst times in my life.” So impressed, in fact, that she

joined her local volunteer rescue squad after her recovery.

“I knew this was what I was meant to do the moment I ran my

first call,” states Stone. Volunteering part-time was not a long-term

solution, however. She needed to make emergency care her career,

and she needed a salaried position to be able to make a living

doing what she loved.

“Education plays an

important role for the

career firefighter-paramedic.

Like just about any other

profession, degrees matter.

That’s why I wanted to get

my degree at [Jefferson]

College of Health

Sciences,” says Stone.

She graduated from the

EHS program, then made

Roanoke history by being

selected as the first female

to be hired by their fire

department in 1997. In

1999, Stone proved herself

again by being promoted to

lieutenant and becoming

Roanoke’s first female

officer. Five years later, she

was promoted to captain

and is currently the highest

ranking female within the

Roanoke City Fire Department.

While Stone misses helping patients via running calls, she is,

indirectly, part of every fire and fire rescue call in Roanoke.

Her primary responsibility is the continuing education and

certification of the 256 uniformed personnel in the department,

putting her on the front line of the industry’s increasingly

complex demands.

Her gratitude to EMS providers has not waned. “So many people

in the world owe their lives to EMTs. I hope that by making this

my life’s work, it will repay my debt to what paramedics and

firefighters do every day.” •


Allan Belcher, nremt–p/cmte ’96manager, ground and ems divisions

carilion patient transportation services

Marci Ingram Stone, nremt–p ’95captain roanoke city fire department

“Education plays an

important role for the career

firefighter-paramedic.”

— Marci Ingram Stone

“...we don’t stop caring

about people at the end

of our shift.”

— Allan Belcher

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1970S

Francine Adams Kirby ’70 has practiced

as coordinator of the practical nursing

program at McDowell County Career and

Technical Education Center in Princeton,

West Virginia for the past 26 years.

She has 3 children and 5 grandchildren.

1980S

Cecilia Tompkins Patton ’80 has

practiced at Twin County Regional Hospital,

in Galax since graduating. She worked 15

years on the pediatric and surgical units as

a staff nurse and an assistant unit manager.

For the past 9 years she worked in the

endoscopy suite. She has been married for

22 years and has two sons. Her oldest son

is a junior at Radford University and her

youngest is a freshman at New River

Community College.

1990S

E.W. Tibbs ’91 serves as vice president

of emergency, operating room and trauma

services at Carilion Roanoke Memorial

Hospital. He is also chief executive officer

of Carilion Bedford Memorial Hospital.

Rebecca Duff ’93 ’01 practiced in the

physical therapy department at Carilion

Roanoke Community Hospital after

graduating, and returned to the College

as an academic coordinator of clinical

education for the Physical Therapy

Assistant program in 1995. She received

her bachelor of science degree in health

organization management from JCHS in

2001 and is currently pursuing a masters

degree in education from Virginia Tech.

She is also active in the Virginia Physical

CLASS NOTESJEFFERSON COLLEGE of HEALTH SCIENCES


An avid walker, Patricia Lewis, R.N. ’93

realized that walking alone makes for

boring exercise. So, to make her daily

ritual more enjoyable, Lewis would often

borrow her friend’s dog. “At that point,

I was only a dog borrower because of my cats.

I was afraid that if I brought a dog into the house,

they would be terrorized,” explains Lewis.

The 2004 St. Patrick’s Day parade in downtown Roanoke inspired Lewis

and her husband to join a group that provides foster homes for dalmatians.

“The Dalmatian Rescue Society of Southwest Virginia were in the parade,

and their dogs were so energetic

and wonderful,”

Lewis recalls. “I asked one of

the members more about being

a foster parent and the rest is

history,” she continues.

With one year of fostering under

their belts, Lewis and her husband

have helped find permanent

homes for several Dalmatians,

and their cats have been, well,

tolerant. “They haven’t been

thrilled with some of the dogs

that we have fostered, but they

seem to be willing to live with

them,” Lewis confirms.

Over 200 dalmatians have been

placed by the Dalmatian Rescue

Society to date. Lewis says she

and her husband love being involved in the group because it is such a

worthy cause. “Caring is most evident through actions,” she says,

“and caring is never-ending.” •

Courtesy of Dalmation Rescue of Southwest Virginia

Alumna Cares for Animals Tooby KATINA CUMMINGS, director of institutional advancement

Therapy Association and held the office

of president of the VPTA Affiliate Special

Interest Group from 2000-2004. During

her home time, she enjoys getting to know

her new nieces and nephew from Mongolia,

as well as spending time with her 10-month-

old niece.

Patricia Lewis ’93 provides foster care

for Dalmatian Rescue of Southwest Virginia.

Patricia and her husband have been

rescuing Dalmatian pups for the past year.

John A. Cork IV ’94 practices in the critical

care pediatrics unit at Children’s Medical

Center in Dallas, Texas. He loves his career

and is working on a nursing degree so that

he can make more of an impact on the lives

of our precious “little” population. He enjoys

spending time with his wife, Robin and his

two boys, Justin, 8 and Austin, 2.

Melanie Morris ’94 is a health services

advisor with Carilion Health System. She is

responsible for the marketing and public

relations for LifeGuard 10.

Al Overstreet ’95 ’01 received his

masters in counseling education from

Virginia Tech on December 17, 2004.

He also serves as faculty in the

Occupational Therapy Assistant program

at Jefferson College of Health Sciences.

Annette F. Dickerson ’98 is the clinical

team leader on the stroke unit at Carilion

Roanoke Memorial Hospital. She is also

enrolled in the pre-physician assistant

program at Jefferson College of

Health Sciences.

Heath Hylton ’98 is currently the clinic

coordinator for rehabilitative services of

Danville (Chatham office). He enjoys weight

lifting and spending time with his wife Susan,

8 year old twin boys and 3 year old daughter.

2000S

John Cook ’00 is a regional supervisor

with Carilion Patient Transportation, LLC.

Angel Spangler ’00 is married to Stacy

Spangler and they have a 2-year-old daughter,

Allison Riley.

Michelle Hightower ’00 married Chris

Hylton on April 24, 2004 at Shenandoah

Baptist Church in Roanoke. Jaki Cannaday

’99 served as a bridesmaid. Michelle and

her husband reside in Martinsville.

Ashley Marner Poe ’01, of Pocatello,

Idaho, married Dirk Poe in October 2004 .

Ashley and Dirk have one child, their 80

pound black lab, Marley.

Natalie Prickitt ’01 recently accepted the

position of secretary for the Jefferson

College of Health Sciences Alumni

Association.

Tejas Vaishnav ’02 ’03 practices in

the surgical intensive care unit at Carilion

Roanoke Memorial Hospital and as adjunct

clinical instructor for the nursing department

at JCHS. He is married to his wonderful wife,

Hiral, and is planning to pursue the master’s

of science in nursing this fall at JCHS.

Paola Nilsson ’02 is employed by Ata

Bates Summit Medical Center in Berkeley,

California as a staff nurse in the critical care

unit. In 2003, she received the Extra Mile

award and the Employee of the Year award

for outstanding service.

Jewell Elizabeth Whitmer ’02, of

Richmond, received her bachelor of science

in nursing from Virginia Commonwealth

University in 2003. She is employed by Bon

Secours Memorial Regional Medical Center in

Mechanicsville, works in labor and delivery

and plans to become a certified nurse midwife.


Michelle Hightower Hylton ’00 and Jaki Cannaday ’99




Tina Williamson ’03 was promoted to

nurse manager on 7 East Vascular Medical

Surgery at Carilion Roanoke Memorial

Hospital .

Margaret A. Baisley ’04, of Lexington,

is employed by Carilion Health System in

physical rehabilitation.

Matt Millner ’04 is employed by the

Lynchburg Fire and EMS Department and

is currently enrolled in an EMT-Enhanced

program. He is also enrolled in the

paramedic program at Central Virginia

Community College.

Michael Henson ’04 ’05 married

Britney Whitlow ’05 on May 5, 2005 in

Roanoke. The two will reside in Charleston,

South Carolina. •

The EHS-Paramedic and Fire

Programs have over 300 graduates

listed in our database, but we are

missing essential pieces of information

such as addresses, email addresses or

phone numbers. If you have not

been in contact with us recently, please

give us a call or drop us an email at

[email protected] with your current

information. We would also like to

establish a quarterly newsletter for our

alumni and students. If you would be

interested in the newsletter or interested

in serving on the editorial board or

becoming a contributing writer, we would

love to hear from you!


Susan Smith, R.N., B.S.N. ’03 knew early on that she wanted an extreme

career. “I moved to Roanoke in 1993 as a registered nurse because of the

Level One Trauma Center at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. Shortly

after starting my job, I went to the 10-year anniversary of the Center, held at

the Life Guard 10 hangar. After seeing the helicopter and speaking with the

flight crew, I knew transport nursing was for me.”

Being a part of the first-responder

team for critical care patients is

what originally attracted her to

the field of Emergency Medical

Services, but she remains in the

profession because it offers a high

level of autonomy along with

constant application of critical

thinking skills. “Emergency medical

service providers must always be on

top of their game,” she confirms.

Her philosophy was tested during

a transport of a critical care patient from Belos Horizonte, Brazil. “Not only

was this a high acuity patient, but my partner and I faced language barriers and

changing patient conditions. However, we were prepared because of our extensive

pre-planning with our operational medical director and administration, our

ability to apply critical thinking skills, and our ability to communicate with

on-line medical control, even at 40,000 feet.”

In caring for her patients Smith takes pride in her constant attention to

detail and her ability to adapt to changing conditions. “We have to be flexible

and confident while working in teams or partnerships, because plans often

change quickly. Some days are invigorating and others are physically and

mentally draining.”

Smith decided to continue her academic work at Jefferson in 2002, as a

bachelor of science in nursing student. “Before attending JCHS, most of

my experience was limited to emergency care. I learned about the synergy

between all fields of healthcare, from community health to doctors and

nurses to hospital administration. I now have a better appreciation for

everyone involved in a community’s health environment.” •

Susan Smith, R.N, B.S.N. ’03 andCraig Robertson, NREMT–P

Alumna Enjoying Extreme Careerby KATINA CUMMINGS, director of institutional advancement



Become a member!Alumni are the pride of Jefferson College of Health Sciences and our most importantasset. Joining your JCHS Alumni Association shows your enthusiasm in watchingJefferson grow and your interest in keeping in touch with your alma mater, formerclassmates and favorite professors.

The Alumni Board of Directors invites you to join them in support of JCHS and its missionas an institution of higher learning in the health sciences. The Board encourages youto reach out to your campus and help today’s students by becoming a dues payingmember of the Alumni Association.

What does the Alumni Association do?

Your dues will help the Alumni Association provide assistance to one deserving studenteach semester in the form of Bookstore Bucks. Bookstore Bucks is a $200 certificatepurchased by the Association to assist a student with books and school supplies!

How can I volunteer in my association?

What type of help is needed?

A variety of help and many levels of time and commitment are welcome. You can helpplan or staff an event, and write articles or provide photos for the Jefferson Chronicle.You can also recruit other alumni for the Association and spread the word about JCHSto a prospective student. Let us know what interests you, and we will find a perfect fitwithin the Alumni Association.

Jefferson College of Health SciencesAlumni Association Annual Membership

___ $25 Individual ___ $15 Senior

___ $45 Married Couple ___ $500 Lifetime Individual

___ $900 Lifetime Married Couple

Name: ___________________________________________________________

Class Year(s) & Degree(s): _________________________________________

Spouse’s Name: ___________________________________________________

Is your spouse an alumnus/a? Yes _____ No _____

If Yes, Class Year(s) & Degree(s): ___________________________________

Home Address: ____________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

Home Telephone:___________________________________________________

Business Telephone: _______________________________________________

Preferred E-Mail: _________________________________________________

Check Enclosed _____ Master Card _____ Visa _____ Discover _____

Card Number: _____________________________________________________

Expiration Date: ___________________________________________________

Signature: ________________________________________________________

Date: ____________________________________________________________

✁

Our fiscal year is July 1- June 30 and dues payment reminderswill be sent to members in May. Alumni can join the Associationanytime during the year, with dues prorated if needed.

Complete and mail this form to Jefferson College of HealthSciences, Office of Institutional Advancement, P.O. Box 13186,Roanoke, VA 24031-3186. Or, fax to 540-985-9752.

Tina Williamson ’03

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Retired Carilion Health System administrator and former chairman of the Jefferson College of Health Sciences

Board of Directors William Reid, recently made a $48,000 contribution to the JCHS Education Foundation.

The gift is in memory of his friend and colleague, James I. Sublett, who passed away in 2004.

“As a Board Member, I feel it is my

obligation to support the College,”

states Reid. He has served on the

College Board since it was assembled

in 1982 under his direction.

Sublett began his career in hospital

administration while attending the

Medical College of Virginia in

Richmond. While in the hospital

administration program he was

assigned as a resident, reporting to

Reid at Jefferson Hospital from

1956-1957. Reid reflects, “I was

proud to be mentor to him as he

was starting out, and I’m honored

to celebrate his life by supporting

healthcare education.”

The donation will be utilized in the

form of nursing scholarships at

Jefferson. “Jim was a good person

and a great administrator. I’ll miss

him, and his generosity will continue by helping students in need,” continues Reid.

JCHS President Carol Seavor appreciates the commitment of Reid and other long-time supporters of the College,

“College scholarship funds often honor the memory of retired or former employees of the College or Carilion Health

System. These gifts are an extension of the contributions they made to students and to healthcare during their careers.”

The James Sublett Scholarship will be added to the list of other JCHS funds made possible by caring JCHS benefactors.

Among these are the Rita M. Bishop Scholarship, Stanley Kamm Memorial Nursing Scholarship, the Robert L.A. Keeley, M.D.

Scholarship in Respiratory Education, the Donna Mathews Scholarship, the Debra Kimmel McNamara Memorial Nursing

Scholarship, the Theresa A. Thomas Memorial Foundation Physician Assistant Scholarship, and the Hugh Trout, Sr.

Endowment Fund.

Nursing students will be able to apply for the James I. Sublett scholarship funds in Fall 2005. For more information please

contact Terri Maxey, scholarship coordinator for the Financial Aid office at 1-800-888-8483 ext. 9781. •

JEFFERSON ADVANCEMENT


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BY KATINA M. CUMMINGS, Director of Institutional Advancement

Board Member Donates Gift in Colleague’s Memory

Left to Right - William Reid and James Sublett

BOARD CHAIRMAN STEVE MUSSELWHITE

Steve Musselwhite, of Roanoke, is president of Musselwhite and Associates, Inc., and Wolf Creek, Inc. He was appointed to the board of visitors of Radford University by Gov. Mark Warner. He is co-executive director and executive producer of the Miss Virginia Pageant, Inc. Musselwhite also serves as a board member for CarilionMedical Center (Community and Roanoke Memorial Hospitals) and is vice chairman of the Roanoke County Industrial Development Authority.

IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRMAN WILLIAM REID

Bill Reid, of Moneta, retired as senior vice president of Carilion Health System. He hadserved as administrator and president of Community Hospital of Roanoke Valley and alsoserved as an administrator of Jefferson Hospital.

VICE CHAIRMAN ROBERT LAWSON

Bob Lawson, of Roanoke, is president and chief executive officer of Sun Trust Bank,Western Virginia. He has served as board chairman of United Way of Roanoke Valley,Inc., Downtown Roanoke, Inc., and Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce.

NATHANIEL L. BISHOP

N.L. Bishop, of Christiansburg, is vice president of administration with Carilion MedicalCenter. He was educated in the New River Valley earning a bachelor’s degree fromRadford University and a master’s degree from Virginia Tech. He is currently a doctoralstudent at Wesley Seminary in Washington, D.C.

MARTHA BRUCE BOGGS

Martha Bruce Boggs, of Roanoke, is senior vice president for human resources management,Carilion Health System, where she oversees the School of Clinical Laboratory Scienceand the School of Practical Nursing. She also serves on the steering committee forRoanoke College Management Institute and is a member of the board of trustees for theRoanoke County Education Foundation.

CHARLES SALDARINI

Charles Saldarini, of Roanoke, began a successful career in banking at the Irving TrustCompany (NYC), and in 1993 came to Roanoke to accept an opportunity with FirstUnion (now Wachovia). He retired from Muzak in 2000. He serves on the boards ofthe Virginia Western Foundation and the Roanoke advisory board of Wachovia Bank.

F. LEE TUCKER, M.D. Lee Tucker, of Roanoke, is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pathology with certificationin Anatomic and Clinical Pathology. He serves as medical director for Carilion ConsolidatedLaboratories and Carilion Breast Care Center. He is a member of the board of trustees forCarilion Health System.

THE HONORABLE JUDGE PHILIP TROMPETER

Philip Trompeter, of Roanoke, is a judge of the Juvenile and Domestic Relations DistrictCourt for the 23rd Judicial District of Virginia. He has served as president of the MentalHealth Association of Roanoke Valley and the Child Abuse Prevention Council.

ELLEN WADE

Ellen Wade, of Roanoke, has been a registered dietitian for 28 years. She worked for CarilionHealth System for 14 years in many aspects of clinical nutrition. She has served as anadjunct faculty member for Jefferson College of Health Sciences and Radford University.

JOSEPH B. WRIGHT

Joseph Wright, of Roanoke, currently serves as director of reimbursement, tax and managed hospital finance for Carilion Health System. Wright serves as a board member of Virginia Western Community College Advisory Board, Roanoke Foundation ForDowntown, Inc. and Goodwill Industries of the Valleys, Inc.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORSJEFFERSON COLLEGE of HEALTH SCIENCES

N. BishopR. Lawson

C. SaldariniM. Boggs

J. WrightE. Wade

P. Trompeter L. Tucker

S. Musselwhite

W. Reid

Change Service Requested

Non-Profit Org

U.S. Postage

PAIDRoanoke, VA

Permit No. 78

• All Alumni are invited to this family event!

• Traditional ballpark buffet begins at 6:05 p.m. Game time: 7:05 p.m.

• Live music by Burning Bridges

• The kids will love the Zooper Stars appearance!

• Purchase your tickets through the Alumni Office by calling Katina Cummings at 888-985-8483, ext. 9766.

JCHS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PICNICAT THE SALEM AVALANCHE GAME ON JULY 16TH

mark your calendar!

P.O. Box 13186

Roanoke, Virginia 24031-3186

/

jefferson chronicle-spring/summer 2005

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