桃太郎映像

Education

• DNP, University of St. Thomas
• MHA, University of Phoenix
• BS in Nursing, Houston Baptist University

Courses Taught

• Obstetric Nursing
• Nursing Leadership
• Nursing Leadership Clinical
• Leadership for Quality, Safety, and Health Policy

Teaching Focus

Dr. Cotton鈥檚 primary teaching focus is nursing leadership, patient safety, healthcare quality improvement, and professional nursing practice. She is committed to preparing the next generation of nurses through innovative teaching strategies, clinical instruction, simulation-based learning, and mentorship. Her educational philosophy emphasizes servant leadership, excellence in nursing practice, ethical decision-making, and the delivery of safe, high-quality, holistic patient care. She teaches undergraduate nursing students in leadership and obstetrical nursing while integrating real-world executive healthcare leadership experiences into the classroom.

Research Interests/Publications

Dr. Cotton鈥檚 DNP project, 鈥淭he Impact of an Educational Program on the Knowledge and Attitudes of Nursing Students Related to Suicide Prevention,鈥� examined how educational interventions affect nursing students鈥� knowledge and attitudes toward assessing suicidal ideation.

Committee Service/Offices Held

Dr. Cotton has served on numerous executive, operational, quality, and strategic planning committees throughout her healthcare leadership career. She has held leadership roles within Harris Health System and Hospital Corporation of America (HCA), serving on nursing operations councils, patient quality and experience councils, safety committees, strategic planning committees, and executive development initiatives. She has mentored emerging nurse leaders, assistant chief nursing officers, and executive healthcare leaders while collaborating with medical and nursing schools to support academic advancement and nursing practice improvements.

Honors/Awards

Throughout her distinguished career, Dr. Cotton has helped organizations achieve numerous recognitions and designations, including:

• Magnet Designation recognition
• Pathway to Excellence initiative leadership
• American Heart Association Mission: Lifeline Gold and Gold Plus Awards
• Get With The Guidelines Gold Plus Stroke Recognition
• Comprehensive Stroke Center re-designation
• Chest Pain Center re-accreditation
• Neonatal Level III and Maternal Care Level IV re-designation
• National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) nomination and membership
• Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society member
• Multiple hospital quality, patient safety, and patient experience achievements at both state and national levels

Previous Professional Jobs

Prior to joining 桃太郎映像 as Associate Professor of Nursing, Dr. Cotton accumulated over 35 years of nursing and healthcare leadership experience. Her career includes progressive leadership positions such as Chief Nursing Officer for Harris Health System鈥檚 Ben Taub Hospital and Ambulatory Care Services, Chief Nursing Officer at West Houston Medical Center, Assistant Chief Nursing Officer at Kingwood Medical Center and West Houston Medical Center, and Director of Women鈥檚 Services. Earlier in her career, she practiced as a registered nurse in labor and delivery, postpartum care, nursery services, PACU, triage, and obstetrical critical care settings.

Personal Interests or Hobbies

Dr. Cotton is actively involved in community and church service. She has served as a core volunteer for church planting ministries, children鈥檚 worship programs, and women鈥檚 ministry initiatives. She enjoys gardening and holds Volunteer Master Gardener certification through Texas A&M. As a member of the Texas Pecan Growers Association, she also maintains an interest in agriculture and horticulture. Dr. Cotton is passionate about mentoring future nurses and leaders while investing in professional and personal growth opportunities for others.