NEWARK – Sandra Walker, EJD, MSN, RN, dean for technical studies at Central Ohio Technical College (COTC), was recently presented the 2020 Bobbie Anderson Leadership Award by the Foundation of the Organization for Associate Degree Nursing (OADN).
Unaware she was nominated, Walker was caught by surprise during the virtual award ceremony, which was held on Nov. 12.
“It was overwhelming — to be recognized at the national level is something I was not expecting,” she said.
Named for OADN’s first president, the Bobbie Anderson Leadership Award is given annually to an educator or nursing program administrator who has demonstrated exceptional leadership within his or her institution and community at the state and national levels. It is awarded by the OADN Foundation, which promotes the mission and vision of OADN through the development of resources, the recognition of scholarship and excellence in associate degree nursing education, and the support of advocacy for associate degree nursing.
Walker was nominated by fellow OADN board member Michael R. Bleich Ph.D., senior professor and director in the Langston Center for Innovation in Quality and Safety at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Nursing.
“From a distance, I understand that [Walker] plays a strong role in mentoring next-generation leaders and was heralded for being able to tend to the ‘big picture’ while using her considerable operational expertise to guide others,” Bleich said. “She sees the national and state perspective and brings it home to her college and vice-versa, speaks to the real-world issues and brings those to the forefront. Never boisterous, always calm; people listen to her advice and recommendations because they come from a place of advancing the profession and serving the greater good.”
Walker has been a constant figure in COTC’s nursing program since 2004. Starting as a part-time instructor; she became full-time faculty in 2005, nursing programs administrator in 2007 and then dean of health sciences in 2013. In 2019, she assumed the role of dean for technical studies.
“Associate degree nursing education is critical,” Walker said. “It provides a portal of entry for students who would otherwise not have access to nursing education and graduates nurses who can make a positive impact on the health of our communities. COTC is committed to providing access to quality education and gainful employment. I am most rewarded when I see students move from challenging circumstances to a fulfilling career and steady employment.”
COTC has several options to help aspiring nurses start their career. It offers associate degree nursing (ADN), a traditional five-semester plan of study; practical nursing (PN), a one-year certificate program; LPN to ADN transition, a three-semester transition option for licensed practical nurses (LPN); and State Tested Nurse Aide (STNA), a one-course certificate for those beginning their career or education.
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