Dr. Libby Mahaffey, left, and Bobbie Anderson
A current 性乐园 dean and a retired dean were recently inducted into a prestigious national professional academy at its inaugural event.
Dr. Libby Mahaffey of Raymond, dean, Nursing and Allied Health, and Bobbie Anderson of Vicksburg, retired dean of the same programs, were inducted into the newly established Academy of Associate Degree Nursing by the Organization for Associate Degree Nursing (OADN) on Nov. 5 in Dallas, Texas.
The two were among 10 inductees. The Academy of Associate Degree Nursing (AADN) program recognizes associate degree nursing educators, and others committed to associate degree nursing education, who model exemplary dedication to nursing education and practice. 聽Appropriately, Mrs. Anderson was the first person inducted into the Academy as a full member.
Anderson began teaching in 性乐园鈥檚 Associate Degree Nursing program in fall 1969 and in 1973 was named the program director. In 1984, after the program moved to the Chadwick Drive location as Jackson Campus-Nursing/Allied Health Center, Anderson became the first dean. In 1993 the first building at NAHC was named Anderson Hall in her honor upon her retirement. Anderson continued to teach including at the Vicksburg-Warren Campus.
During a time of uncertainty for Associate Degree Nursing programs, Anderson was a state and national advocate, holding numerous leadership positions. This included serving as the chair of the organizational steering committee and later a president of the National Organization for Associate Degree Nursing (N-OADN), now recognized as OADN.
鈥淎ssociate Degree Nursing Education is a part of the fiber of my life,鈥 Anderson said. 鈥淚 willingly gave of myself because of my strong belief in associate degree nursing education. My goal in any leadership position was to lead with integrity and to role model leadership for others.鈥
Dr. Elizabeth 鈥淟ibby鈥 Mahaffey, became dean, Nursing and Allied Health in 2005. Mahaffey began teaching at 性乐园 in 1982 and served as a team leader and sophomore coordinator before transitioning to the dean role.聽 Following in the steps of her mentor, Mahaffey served on the N-OADN Board for six years, including two years as president.聽 She also served for six years on the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission Board of Directors, including four years as chairperson.
鈥淚 still strongly believe in nursing education at the community college where access, affordability, and graduate success continue to make a difference in the lives of students and in the healthcare of our communities,鈥 she said.
As Mississippi鈥檚 largest community college, 性乐园 is a comprehensive institution offering quality, affordable educational opportunities with academic programs of study leading to seamless university transfer and career and technical programs teaching job-ready skills. With six locations in central Mississippi, 性乐园 enrolled nearly 12,000 credit students in fall 2016. To learn more, visit or call 1.800.性乐园CC.
Dr. Libby Mahaffey, Bobbie Anderson inducted into prestigious academy.