Congratulations to Joan Weddington, College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Faculty of Distinction for November 2019. For the past year, Weddington has worked to build the College’s Practical Nursing program. She credits the success of the program to Allison Baker, the Nursing Department Chair, who Weddington describes as, "truly supportive of my ideas and open to consider any suggestion that I have." Dr. Weddington also believes that her "wonderfully bright and energetic colleague," Melanie Gier, has been a "gift" to work with.
A true lifelong learner, Weddington is passionate about promoting education's ability to transform. As a sophomore in high school, she began taking summer classes at a community college in her hometown of Gadsden, Alabama. She has continued to explore the world through education by achieving an impressively diverse collection of academic experiences: In addition to two undergraduate degrees in Nursing and Communication with an emphasis in Broadcast Production, Weddington has completed four master’s degrees in Psychology, Nursing, Military Strategy, and Criminal Justice as well as a PhD in Education. She will graduate with a fifth master's degree in Health Education in December 2019.
Weddington is a Certified Nurse Educator (CNE), Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), Certified Nurse, Operating Room-Emeritus (CNOR-E), and recently passed the exam for Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES). After serving a total of 30 years in the active and reserve Army Nurse Corps in 2013, Weddington retired at the rank of Colonel. Her military achievements include two Meritorious Service Medals and the Legion of Merit. She is a member of several honor societies, including Sigma Theta Tau.
Weddington believes her role is to inspire an insatiable thirst for knowledge and a spirit of inquiry in the students she teaches.
"I have never regarded myself as an exceptional educator; however, I think I live the values I want to see in any healthcare team member: Always question, always be open to dissenting views and opinions, and never, ever stop learning."
