One Team: Helping Students Find Their Strength

• By Melissa Whitfield
• February 25, 2020

When students think of their first time in college, they may think about the anticipation of stepping into their first lecture hall or attending orientation. But through all of that, and before, the One Team tenet of the TTUHSC Values ensures the process runs smoothly and the beginning or continuation of a School of Nursing student’s postsecondary education is a positive one.

Lauren Sullivan, Ed.D., has worked i the School of Nursing for over a decade in an array of positions. Her goal is to add value to the nursing student experience by performing her job with a student-centered philosophy and creating chances for students to engage, learn and develop. Sullivan collaborates with the School of Nursing Enrollment Management Coordinators to plan new student orientations for undergraduate and graduate students to ensure the success of their students.

“Once they get admitted, they get an email, but they also get a really fun pop-up celebrating their success. Our team wanted something that was personalized and fun; something they can take a picture with; something that they can frame because they’re so proud of it. It's our own version of a greeting card telling you that you're about to become a Red Raider nurse.”

In 2012, the School of Nursing made a decision to transition five decentralized nursing programs into a centralized Office of Student Affairs.  Sullivan was an integral part of that re-organization. Through her commitment toserving students, the department began reflecting the competencies required of Student Affairs professionals.

“Identifying solutions to meet the educational, professional and team development needs among the coordinators created an opportunity for a major shift in staff development, faculty perception and, most importantly, student success,” Sullivan said. “I have one of the most rewarding roles on the TTUHSC campus.”

The most current project managed in collaboration with the Offices of Admissions and Educational Technology is Slate, a comprehensive customer relationship management (CRM) system designed to support student records from initial query to complex reports throughout admissions and enrollment.

After completing her undergraduate degree at Texas Tech University (TTU), Sullivan began working at Area Health Education Center of the Plains and several years later accepted a position at the TTUHSC School of Nursing as a recruiter, then as a project coordinator and eventually managing director—all while pursuing her master’s at TTU and Doctor of Education from the University of Southern California.

Sullivan, who wanted her work to take shape and reflect the work of education and student engagement, went on to become a Gallup-certified StrengthsFinder Coach. StrengthsFinder 2.0 helps students identify their top five talents in order to maximize their potential as future leaders in health care.

“It helps them identify their top five natural talents. We have seminars so they can learn about their strengths as an individual, and how they use them effectively on a team,” she said.

Additionally, Emotional Intelligence 2.0 seminars are provided to nursing students to help better understand their own personal and social competencies, and how to identify strategies to improve communication, problem solving, management and relationships.
 
“When I was 10 years old, I began spending a majority of my summers at Camp Ozark, working as a counselor-in-training. I rely heavily on my background as a camp counselor to bring the energy and excitement for orientation days because every new nursing student needs to feel welcomed and confident that they chose the right university. It’s our job to get them fired up about becoming a Red Raider Nurse! Just like a camp counselor, our team needs to be there for the students on the days that are tough, and celebrate with them on the days that are their best!” Sullivan said.