Dr. Cathleen Shultz, dean of the Harding University Carr College of Nursing, was sworn in to the Arkansas State Board of Nursing Oct. 23 by White County judge Michael Lincoln.

Previously, Shultz was appointed to the board from 1989 to 1992 by former governor Bill Clinton and functioned as president of the board in 1991 and 1992. Governor Mike Beebe re-appointed Shultz in 2008. She has served as the board’s education committee chair since 2011.

“This is an opportunity to serve Arkansans and the nursing profession,” Shultz said. “The board’s mission is to protect the public. I believe that the appointment, which is an honor, represents this area of the state, the University, and the opportunity to participate in shaping state policy and regulation.”

In addition to serving on the board, Shultz has received two Harding University Distinguished Teacher Awards and University of South Carolina’s Distinguished Alumna Award and was a co-recipient of the 2008 National Outstanding Geriatric Education Innovation Award. Shultz is a certified nurse educator and a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing.

ASBN enforces standards for safe nursing care, approves nursing schools, and regulates licenses to practice nursing as outlined in the Nurse Practice Act and Rules. Thirteen Arkansas residents serve on the board for four-year terms after appointment by the governor and confirmation by the state Senate.

Harding is the largest private university in Arkansas with 6,815 students and attracts more National Merit Scholars than any other private university in the state. Harding also maintains campuses in Australia, Chile, England, France, Greece, Italy and Zambia.