News

Debbie Morgan, Chair of the Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College (NEO) Associate Degree Nursing Program earned the 2016 Miami Regional Chamber of Commerce (MRCC) Excellence in Education Award. This distinguished honor is awarded to area educators who demonstrate exceptional and innovative capabilities in their educational fields. Morgan represented NEO alongside a Miami Public School and a Northeast Technology Center educator. Morgan has served as the department chair since 2004 when she arrived on campus. In her 13 years with NEO, she has worked diligently to increase the exposure and effectiveness of the nursing program. In 2005, she worked with her colleagues to implement an LPN-RN Fast Track Program to enhance career opportunities for practicing LPNs and in 2008, paramedics were added to the Fast Track Program. In 2009, she worked with The University of Oklahoma to develop a partnership with their Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program. Most recently, Morgan oversaw a complete curriculum revision, which will improve the classroom methodology to reflect industry best practices, along with completion of national accreditation. “Debbie Morgan represents all that is good and noble with the profession,” said Dr. Jeff Hale, NEO president. “She works hard. Students and faculty are her unquestioned priority and she has a deep belief that everyone can learn and achieve. The NEO community is blessed to have her talent and leadership.”

Along with her institutional accomplishments, Morgan is a devoted educator and mentor. She is highly involved in the scheduling, advising, and course selection for her nursing students, a one-on-one approach that boosts student success. Along with their RN associate degree, over half of Morgan’s nursing graduates complete a Pre-BSN degree, which prepares them to complete an RN-BSN degree upon graduation. This is higher than any other associate degree nursing program in the state. “In this role, we exist only to serve our students,” said Morgan. “I always want to provide the individual guidance that brings the student to the point of ‘yes, I can do this.’ To see their growth and success and know I had a small part in it, that is truly satisfying.”

Morgan brings to NEO over 40 years of career field experience as a staff/charge nurse, as well as healthcare administration. She has worked in home healthcare, elementary education programming, women’s health, and hospice specialties and has earned several honors and awards. In 2010, Morgan was the Oklahoma Global Education Consortium Award Winner and received the Freeman Excellence in Nursing Award. In 2009, she won the Health Care Heroes Top Award for Outstanding Achievement in Healthcare Education. Through her dedication, integrity, and drive to serve others, Debbie Morgan is an outstanding representative for NEO and nursing educators nationwide. “You must be respectful of others, be willing to listen and act upon the ideas of others. Be creative and continually expand personal growth in ways that can positively impact your work and the personal interactions with others.”