Key role changes have occurred in the School of Nursing. Namely, Dr. Kathryn Patterson is now the school’s director and Alison Alaimo has taken on the role of undergraduate program coordinator.
School of Nursing director
Patterson is passionate about the nursing profession, as she’s been a nurse for 40 years and “has never regretted a day.”
This motivation is what led her to apply for the position of director.
“As director, I can share my passion and commitment to nursing with our faculty and students,” Patterson said. “I want students to know that we can help them succeed if they are interested in becoming a nurse or advancing their nursing education.”
Nursing is much more than passing tests; it’s a profession defined as both an art and a science. Patterson firmly believes that as healthcare continues to advance and evolve, so must the education of nurses.
“Science is our evidence, and art is the heart and soul of the nursing profession,” Patterson said.
It’s her hope that all students in the nursing program understand the impact and responsibility that comes with being a nurse. Therefore, the focus of all programs is to continuously evaluate, improve and advance the education they provide.
Her goal is to ensure graduates are equipped with the clinical and academic expertise needed to thrive in today’s complex healthcare environment.
Undergraduate program coordinator
Alaimo is an alumna of both Missouri State’s undergraduate and graduate nursing programs. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2014 and her Master of Science in Nursing, with an emphasis as a Nurse Educator in 2020.
She applied for the position because she enjoys working with students.
“I hope to be an integral part of the work we’re doing to make the MSU nursing program a model educational program,” Alaimo said.