After practicing nursing for 27 years, Lois Konzelman turned to nursing education as a way to fulfill her desire to teach the next generation of nurses. In 2017, Lois graduated from The University of Alabama with an EdD in Instructional Leadership, concentration in Nurse Education – a collaborative, interdisciplinary doctoral program offered through the University’s Capstone College of Nursing and Education.
Lois attended the Hospital School of Nursing at St. Francis Medical Center before earning her BSN at Temple University. Post-graduation, she realized that she wanted to continue her education and earned her master’s in Nursing Education in 2011, also from Temple. Lois then started the EdD, which is delivered through UA Online in a blended format of online courses and limited weekend meetings on campus.
“I heard that Alabama’s program was partly online and partly on-site, which I really wanted because I enjoy having that face-to-face component,” said Lois. “I was able to connect with my professors and my cohort during the clinical portions.”
While earning her EdD, Lois continued to work full time as a professor of nursing education at both Temple and Thomas Jefferson University. The blended nature of the program allowed her to teach full-time while still fulfilling her dream of earning a doctorate.
“This program was so flexible with my schedule, and it meant that I didn’t have to give up teaching in order to earn this degree,” said Lois.
After graduation, alongside her two professorships at Temple and Thomas Jefferson, Lois was able to secure a position teaching fully online at Capella University, a role that required her new doctorate. She credits her EdD from The University of Alabama with teaching her curriculum development techniques that have allowed her to contribute greatly during faculty meetings and in sessions with students.
In February of this year, Lois was diagnosed with breast cancer. Through this, her toughest battle yet, she has continued to teach, which she says has helped her in her fight against cancer.
“My teaching means the world to me and has made all the difference during my treatments,” said Lois. “Without this doctorate, I wouldn’t have my current teaching position, and the ability to continue to work. It has been a blessing and done a world of good for my mood.”
Lois also mentioned her gratitude for having extra friends on her side as she continues in recovery, reflecting on the new relationships she forged with classmates and professors from the program. “We were a very cohesive cohort group. And I still have people in contact with me that I met on that first day when I walked into the nursing building – checking on me, supporting me and praying with me,” Lois shared.
Published: August 30th, 2020