Brenda Johnston, director of campus health and disability services coordinator, spent her last day at OCU.
Johnston is joining an infection control center in a community hospital. She is a registered nurse, with a master’s degree in nursing.
“I need to change,” Johnston said. “I’ve been itching to get back to nursing in a hospital.”
Johnston spent 11 years at OCU. During her tenure, she oversaw the expansion of campus health services.
“When I got here, we had very limited resources,” Johnston said. “We’re now more of a primary care clinic for students.”
The addition of a nurse practitioner allowed campus health services to offer women’s health care and X-rays, Johnston said.
Johnston also helped to start a program for students with disabilities on campus.
“I am very proud of disabilities services,” Johnston said. “It was basically nonexistent when I started here at OCU.”
Disability services now assists more than 80 students on campus.
Devin Murphy, film production and business administration junior, said Johnston was always a great resource for students.
“She was always really helpful,” Murphy said. “There are some big shoes to fill.”
Nancy Thomas, staff nurse, will serve as interim director of campus health services. Lee Hall, director of first year experience, will serve as director of student disability services.
Johnston said she enjoyed her time at OCU and is sad to leave her team and students.
“I’ve loved working with the students and the bonds I’ve made with them,” Johnston said. “It has been very rewarding.”
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