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Dr. Karen Shepherd, associate professor of nursing and simulation education coordinator, received The Mildred Letton Wittick Professional Award on May 9, 2026, at the 119th Commencement Ceremony at College of the Ozarks.
POINT LOOKOUT, MO — Dr. Karen Shepherd, associate professor of nursing and simulation education coordinator, received The Mildred Letton Wittick Professional Award on May 9, 2026, at the 119th Commencement Ceremony at College of the Ozarks.
The Mildren Letton Wittick Professional Achievement Award honors faculty members for their professional accomplishments, which may include research, publications, performance, creative productions, and service to professional organizations.
Dr. Shepherd is passionate about simulation education within nursing. Simulations provide students with the skills needed to notice, interpret, and respond to patient changes — preparation that is of immense value for the experiences students will face in hospitals. Dr. Shepherd has spoken on the topic at a variety of conferences including the Annual Nurse Educator Institute, the National Nurse Education Institute, and the Nuts and Bolts conference for Nurse Educators in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Conferences are an opportunity for Dr. Shepherd to inform educators on simulation education. Dr. Shepherd states, “Conferences are an excellent way to disseminate evidence-based practice and for educators to improve their teaching, especially in simulation.”
In addition to speaking at conferences, Dr. Shepherd co-authored a published article about deliberate practice and failure to rescue. The article defends against the documented lack of preparedness for nurses to recognize a change in a patient’s condition and respond before deterioration.
Dr. Shepherd keeps the simulation at College of the Ozarks up to date by attending conferences, reading articles, and subscribing to simulation memberships. Her dedication to educating future nurses equips C of O students with premium training that will allow them to react appropriately in their medical fields.
"Dr. Shepherd is a consummate professional who loves Jesus and loves her students,” said Dr. Eric Bolger, vice president for academic affairs and provost. “She is an anchor in the nursing program, helping new faculty and groups of students understand the uniqueness of training at College of the Ozarks to be a nurse."