Graduates of the Coahoma Community College Practical Nursing program have put in reach a rewarding occupation. The grads will be drafted into the medical field with a pinning ceremony slated to be held in the Pinnacle on Thursday, July 8, at 6 p.m.
Given the event’s significance, Priscilla Burks, Ph.D., the director of Practical Nursing Education for the Mississippi Board of Nursing, has agreed to present the keynote address.
Burks intertwines with her role in which she provides oversight of the PN curriculum in Mississippi’s community and proprietary colleges more than 20 years of experience in nursing education and administration. She governs the state’s PN programs by developing accreditation procedures and conducting site visits. Prior to joining the board, her roles on the community college level included Dean of Nursing and Practical Nursing Director.
Destined for a health-related profession, Burks first received a Bachelor of Science in biology from Alcorn State University. She studied at the University of Mississippi Medical Center for a Bachelor of Science in clinical laboratory science and later entered its nursing program, receiving another bachelor’s degree. Interest in a different tier of nursing led to her obtaining a Master of Science in nursing education from the University of Phoenix and eventually a Doctor of Philosophy in nursing education and administration from William Carey University.
Burks is a proud member of the Mississippi Nurses Association, Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society, the Academy of Process Educators, the National Association of Licensed Practical Nurses, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.
She is the wife of retired First Sergeant Reginald Burks and mother of two, Nicholas and Sydney Burks.
Find more information on the CCC Practical Nursing program at www.coahomacc.edu/programs/health-sciences/lpn/index.html.