Newswise — Houston – (July 14, 2015) – Allison Edwards, Dr.P.H., R.N., assistant professor at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) School of Nursing, was appointed to the Texas Board of Nursing by Gov. Greg Abbott.

“I am honored and pleased to serve in this capacity, representing the standards of nursing practice and education,” Edwards said. “Our primary goal is to promote the welfare of the citizens of Texas.”

Edwards will serve a six-year term beginning on Wednesday when she travels to Austin for orientation.

“This is a prestigious honor for Dr. Edwards, and it reflects well on UTHealth School of Nursing,” said Lorraine Frazier, Ph.D., R.N., dean of UTHealth School of Nursing.

The Texas Board of Nursing oversees more than 368,000 licensed nurses and 200 schools of nursing throughout the state. In addition to attending board meetings, Edwards will participate on the board’s Eligibility and Disciplinary Committee on a rotating basis.

Edwards says that she was inspired to serve her profession early in her career after attending a board meeting in Harlingen. Two decades later, Edwards evaluated her qualifications and felt that her experience in for-profit, not-for-profit, managed care and academic settings could offer Texas residents a well-rounded perspective on the health issues that impact them.

Deborah Jones, Ph.D., R.N., assistant dean and chair of the Department of Nursing Systems at UTHealth School of Nursing, served as Edward’s primary recommendation.

“Dr. Edwards’ appointment to the Texas Board of Nursing is a prestigious honor. Her service in this manner will not only benefit the community at large, but will specifically benefit nursing education and practice,” said Jones. “This is an excellent accomplishment and we are very proud.”

Edwards received a bachelor of science from The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, a master of science from Texas Woman’s University and a doctorate from UTHealth School of Public Health. She is a member of the Southern Nursing Research Society, American Public Health Association, Sigma Theta Tau-Zeta Pi Chapter and Texas Nursing Association.