The Laura and Joe Street School of Nursing at West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas, has announced the appointment of five women to endowed professorships.
“The Street School of Nursing has strategically developed a team of faculty who are not only experts in the field of nursing, but also are exceptional individuals who have a deep desire to serve this region,” said Holly Jeffreys, dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences and the Ware University Distinguished Professor. “They are dedicated to training the next generation of nurses in a way that embraces our values and improves the quality of care provided throughout the Texas Panhandle and beyond. Our faculty members are exceptional, and professorships are one of the ways we demonstrate to faculty that we truly value them both as expert team members and as amazing individuals.”
Azra Barakovic was appointed the Mary Wendler Professor of Nursing. She joined the faculty at the nursing school in 2020. Her background is in medical-surgical nursing. Barakovic earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing from West Texas A&M University and is currently pursuing a doctor of nursing practice degree at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.
Sherri Drinnon is the High Plains Christian Ministry Rural Professor of Nursing. A member of the faculty since 2018, Drinnon has worked in pediatrics, newborn nursery, labor and delivery, family practice, and public health. She earned her advanced nurse practitioner degree and a master’s degree in nursing from West Texas A&M University.
Alee Friemel was named the High Plains Christian Ministry Professor of Nursing Leadership. She joined the faculty in 2020 and serves as the RN-to-BSN program director. Dr. Friemel earned a bachelor’s degree in health science, a bachelor’s degree in nursing, and a master’s degree in nursing, all from West Texas A&M University. She holds a doctor of nursing practice degree from Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi
Laura Reyher was appointed the Laura and Joe Street Professor of Nursing. She joined the faculty in 2016 and is the director of the Street School of Nursing. She teaches the course “Introduction to Nursing Skills.” Reyher earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing at West Texas A&M University.
Austin Wiseman was named the Eunice King Professor of Nursing. She has been on the faculty of the nursing school since 2018. She earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing from West Texas A&M University. She is currently pursuing a doctor of nursing practice degree at Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi