Message from the DeanAs we close out the Fall Semester, I am proud to reflect on the many accomplishments across our College. In this issue, you will find highlights of our faculty’s innovative research and achievements, as well as introductions to new colleagues who bring fresh expertise and energy to our community.
You’ll also see updates on the extensive renovations underway in our building, which will provide an even better learning and working environment. Thank you for your continued support, and best wishes for a joyful holiday season.
Sincerely,
Dr. Julie McCullough, Dean, Kinney College of Nursing and Health Professions
Students began using the new Clinical Simulation Center at the start of the 2025 Fall Semester. Below are photos of this area in the lower level of the Health Professions Center, plus a large portion of the first floor that was previously renovated.
Workers are currently completing the fourth and final stage of renovations to the building. Learn more about the current phase of construction.
Clinical Simulation Hallway
Clinical Simulation Center
Intensive Care Room
Pediatric/Materinity Room
Post-Acute Care Room
Post-Acute Care Room
Nurses' Station
Clinical Simulation Classroom
Student Lounge/Study Area
Teaching Kitchen
Food and Nutrition Classroom
Radiologic and Imaging Sciences Classroom
CT Scanner
Digital Imaging Room
Radiology Suite
MRI Simulator
MRI Room
Dental Radiograph Rojom
Dental Patient Stations
USI Dental Clinic
Dental Patient Area
Dental Assisting Simulation Lab
Dental Materials Lab
Dental Materials Lab
Helping Babies Breathe:
Respiratory Therapy Faculty Shares Insights from Ghana Trip
What healthcare basics do we take for granted? Clean water, electricity, indoor plumbing, pain medication, equipment sterilization, oxygen tanks, ventilators and ambulances. The list could go on and on when discussing areas of the world where healthcare providers face significant challenges due to critical shortfalls in funding, infrastructure, training and access to necessary supplies, according to Erin Parchman, Assistant Professor and Director of Clinical Education for Respiratory Therapy.
As part of a humanitarian and research trip to Ghana, West Africa, May 21 through June 13, Parchman experienced those constraints first-hand and came home inspired by the expertise of the practitioners she met there. “Their rapid assessment skills, their resourcefulness, their hunger for learning and their dedication to their work, their people, and their country at whatever the personal cost is awe-inspiring,” she says. “We have a lot in the U.S., but we also have a lot to learn.”
Kinney College Graduate Spotlight: Molly Evans '25It’s never too late to make a career change. Just ask Molly Evans. Originally from Griffin, Georgia, she earned two art degrees (a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2006 and Master of Fine Arts with a specialization in fiber arts in 2017) and taught at the university level for several years before she decided to change course and pursue a degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) at USI.
“I want to use my creativity in a way that allows me to make a direct impact on people's lives, similar to teaching, while also flexing a different set of creative and therapeutic muscles,” she says.
Join Us for Health Heroes Hoops Day!
The Kinney College of Nursing and Health Professions invites you to celebrate heart health with us during USI basketball games on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at Liberty Arena!
USI vs. Tennessee Tech:
Women’s Game: 1 p.m.
Men’s Game: 3:30 p.m.
Two Easy Steps to Join the Fun:
Want to sit with fellow alumni, friends and faculty? Choose Section 101 when purchasing your tickets online.
Friends, alumni, students, faculty, staff and families are all welcome. Let’s cheer on the Screaming Eagles together!
Dr. Suzanne Leahy, Assistant Professor of Gerontology, was named Project Director of the USI Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program (GWEP), a federal grant awarded in 2024 from the Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA). She has been serving as the Data and Evaluation Manager for this and a prior GWEP grant. In her new role, she succeeds Dr. Katie Ehlman, Professor of Gerontology and Director of the USI Bronstein Center for Healthy Aging and Wellness, who left USI in June 2025 after 23 years of dedicated service to the University.
Melody Lemberg, Senior Administrative Assistant, has been promoted to Senior Administrative Associate. She has been a member of the Kinney College family since June 2014.
Tamara Hall, Senior Administrative Assistant for Graduate Nursing, is retiring after 12 years of service to Kinney College.
Dr. Joy Cook
Lifetime Member of the Indiana Society of Radiologic Technologists
Dr. Joy Cook, Associate Professor and Chair of Radiologic and Imaging Sciences, has been named a lifetime member of the Indiana Society of Radiologic Technologists (ISRT) in recognition of her outstanding service to the organization and the radiologic technology profession. She was awarded the ISRT's highest honor during its annual meeting on September 26. Each year, the ISRT Board of Directors elevates just one member to the status of lifetime member. Established in 1939, the society has granted this distinction to only 11 others before her.
Mary Phillips
Co-Lead of Indiana Joint Asthma Coalition
Mary Phillips, Assistant Professor and Chair of Respiratory Therapy, was chosen to co-lead the Indiana Joint Asthma Coalition (InJAC), a subset of the larger Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute. The mission is “to improve the health of all Indiana residents with asthma … through community collaboration to optimize wellness and decrease the burden of asthma.”
Dr. Jennifer Skelton
Indiana HIMSS Chapter Board of Directors
Dr. Jennifer Skelton, Assistant Professor of Health Informatics and Graduate Health Administration, has been elected to the Indiana HIMSS Chapter Board of Directors. HIMSS (Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society) has a mission to reform the global health ecosystem through the power of information and technology.
Jordan Thomason
USI Foundation Outstanding Teaching by New Faculty Award
Jordan Thomason, Instructor and Clinical Coordinator of Diagnostic Medical Sonography, is the recipient of the USI Foundation Outstanding Teaching by New Faculty Award. At USI, she is known for her student-first approach, regularly developing innovative projects and delivering up-to-date material that empowers students to lead in their field.
Amy Wilson
Fellow of the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Amy Wilson, Clinical Professor and Chair of Diagnostic Medical Sonography, was named a Fellow of the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS). The new SDMS Fellow induction was held during the SDMS Annual Conference, September 18-20 in Denver, Colorado. She has been a member of the SDMS since 2005 and has over 30 years of sonography experience.
 Dr. Musab AlmanaseerAssistant Professor Nursing |
 Dr. Islam BanisalmanAssistant Professor Nursing |
 Amy BreezeClinical Assistant Professor Nursing |
 Hope DoningerSenior Administrative Assistant USI Dental Clinic |
 Kerri GeiserDental Clinic Associate USI Dental Clinic |
 Kathryn GoecknerAcademic Advisor Advising Center |
 Dr. Michelle GogelAssistant Professor Nursing |
 Isobel HammondsSenior Administrative Assistant Food and Nutrition |
 Megan IvyNursing Simulation Educator Clinical Simulation Center |
 Tami L. Jaramillo ZunigaAcademic Advisor Advising Center |
 Marcie MickelAssistant Professor Dental Assisting and Hygiene |
Betsy Jo Mullins GWEP Data Evaluation Manager |
 Erica RaslerIndiana SANE Training Coordinator Southwest Indiana AHEC |
 Allison SchroeringClinical Instructor Nursing |
 Kellie SchroeringInstructor Nursing |
 Dr. Lucas StipplerInstructor Nursing |
 Dr. Jennifer VinesAssistant Professor Nursing |
Mark Your Calendars:
Our Next Health Professions Day
is Friday, February 27!
Do you know a high school junior or senior? Tell them about the next USI Health Professions Day!
