Nursing Faculty Member Named President of Texas Clinical Nurse Specialists

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) School of Nursing Professor and Associate Dean for Research Alyce Ashcraft, R.N., Ph.D., CNE, ANEF, was elected state president for the Texas Clinical Nurse Specialists (TXCNS). Ashcraft’s term began Jan. 26 and runs through May 2015. TXCNS provides a voice for clinical nurse specialists in Texas to promote the unique contributions of clinical nurse specialists practice to the health of individuals, families and communities and to the performance of health care organizations.

Ashcraft was also named co-editor for the National Gerontological Nursing Association’s section of Geriatric Nursing, a comprehensive source for clinical information and management advice relating to the care of older adults. The journal's peer-reviewed articles report the latest developments in the management of acute and chronic disorders and provide practical advice on long-term care of older adults.

“Dr. Ashcraft’s election as TXCNS president and selection as co-editor of Geriatric Nursing are evidence of her commitment to and powerful leadership in the profession,” said Michael L. Evans, Ph.D., R.N., FAAN, dean of the TTUHSC School of Nursing.  “Her leadership is demonstrative of the School of Nursing’s commitment to outstanding nursing practice and enhances the school’s visibility in the professional nursing community. We are pleased Dr. Ashcraft will have such an active role in transforming nursing’s future.”

In her role as state president of TXCNS, Ashcraft will serve as the spokesperson for TXCNS, promoting TXCNS visibility and impact on health care cost, quality and access.

“This will be a tremendous opportunity to represent TXCNS professionals across the state of Texas, especially when the legislature convenes again,” Ashcraft said.

Ashcraft joined TTUHSC in 2001. Her teaching has received high marks from undergraduate and graduate students, earning her an Outstanding Faculty Award from the TTUHSC Student Senate and the President’s Excellence in Teaching and the Chancellor’s Council Distinguished Teaching award in 2009. She served as a member of the Faculty Senate from 2006 to 2012, her last year as Faculty Senate president. She holds the Glenna Roberts Endowed Practiceship and has an active research program at Carillon LifeCare Community. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Texas Woman’s University, a master’s degree from the University of Texas at Arlington and a doctorate from the University of Texas at Austin.

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