Alumna Spotlight: Dr. Amy Owen

Dr. Amy Owen earned her Ph.D. in Nursing recently in Spring 2015.

“I have already completed a poster presentation and am working toward my second publication,” she said. “I have also secured a teaching position that will allow me continue teaching undergraduate students as well as graduate students, move into my own areas of research, and work with others who support my research endeavors.”

That teaching position is an Assistant Professor tenure-track position at Tarleton State University in Stephenville, TX. She will be teaching both undergraduate and graduate courses.

Dr. Owen has always wanted to be a nurse, and started toward this goal at a young age. She was a nurse’s aide, a Licensed Vocational Nurse, and earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Texas Tech. She became a Registered Nurse in Texas and earned a Master of Science in Nursing from Texas Women’s University, with an emphasis in Nursing Education.

“I have always been interested in research and I already taught at a university when the time was right for me to return to school.  I knew I needed a quality education in order for me to share what I love and know about nursing with future nurses and nursing students,” she said. “I live in a rural area of Texas and desired an education that would broaden my thinking and place me in a position to learn from nursing faculty with a broad base of research experience.  UMKC is a highly respected educational institution and I knew I would be a part of large educational environment that would challenge me.”

During her time at UMKC, Dr. Owen has enjoyed interacting with fellow students and faculty in nursing.

“The entire school of nursing was dedicated to my success. They pushed me to grow and think beyond what I knew was possible.  While the course of study was difficult, my perseverance was what made it happen while the faculty members were truly supportive and encouraging along the way,” she said. “The entire staff at the school of nursing is supportive to students.  The online library and librarians are first class.  As a distance learner, the emails I received kept me up to date and informed.  Distance learning requires a partnership between the university and the student.  UMKC really does that well!”

Dr. Owen says her degree has pushed her to think more broadly and more globally.

“I have also had to seek and choose my own beliefs about health care, patient care and responsibility/accountability, and it has helped me achieve a teaching position that will enable me to teach undergraduate and graduate nursing students,” she said. “I hope to continue to be a mentor to students and a leader for nursing education.”

For future Ph.D. students, Dr. Owen says to avoid settling for “easy.”

“When seeking a PhD program, look for what will meet your needs and push you to really learn,” she said. “Look for a challenging environment and be sure the professors support your research ideas.  There are many programs and I knew I could choose one that might be shorter or easier—that is not what will move me toward seeking better ideas to improve health for our country or better education for our nursing students.  Choose a university that will provide the path for you to be a leader and innovator—then you must be responsible for making the degree happen.”

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