Alumna Ashton Clarkson ‘09 grew up in Cheney, Kansas, to a family where working in health care was the norm.
“I have several family members in health care, so I originally thought that I would pursue a path to medical school,” Clarkson said. “But I decided that I liked the idea of spending more time with patients and helping them.”
She was inspired by her nursing professors — both during her undergraduate days in Newman University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program and as a graduate student at Fort Hays State University, where she earned her master’s in nursing education in 2019.
“Because of the example that was set for me when I was in nursing school, I wanted to inspire students like I was inspired,” Clarkson said.
With one full year and two Newman nurse pinning ceremonies under her belt as director of nursing at Newman University, Clarkson has had the opportunity to do just that.
“I always enjoy the nurse pinning and hearing the students’ stories about their time at Newman and what they hope to achieve in the future,” she said. “Seeing students walk across the stage and receive their pin gives me a sense of comfort that we can produce more nurses for the health care field.”
As director, she serves as a resource for students when they experience challenges and helps them succeed. Seeing students’ hard work as future nurses and getting to know them beyond the classroom setting has been a gift, she said.
“I also like the opportunity that this role has given me in building community relationships with other health care entities,” Clarkson said. “I love meeting new people outside of my discipline and working together to make the university stronger. I also like the new faculty group I am a part of that meets monthly for lunch and meetings to build relationships with other new faculty.”
Fostering continued growth in Newman’s nursing program
Her biggest goal for growing the Newman nursing program is to increase simulation learning and student engagement.
“We have a fantastic lab that lends itself to thoughtful simulation. I want to increase the number of hours that students are in simulation so they can gain knowledge and strengthen skills in a safe environment,” Clarkson explained.
The Nursing Student Council was established this semester to create more opportunities for student engagement in different stages of the program and tap into one of the university’s most valuable resources: alumni.
“I have started reaching out to alumni in leadership positions at different facilities to provide students with a wide range of nursing experiences,” Clarkson said. “This question has raised ideas and opportunities about how alumni can support current students and would keep alumni engaged in the university.”
Clarkson is currently pursuing her Ph.D. at the University of Northern Colorado and is beginning her dissertation this semester. In her free time, she enjoys yard work and likes to grill, cook, fish and work on home projects.
“I like spending time with my family — my wife and two step-kids — and friends,” Clarkson added. “I have a golden doodle named Aggie and a cat named Ollie as well.”
Apply to the Newman University nursing program
Newman University’s nursing program prepares graduates to help others in a variety of nursing settings.
