MC faculty member to be inducted into National Academy of School Nursing
The National Association of School Nurses, one of the most respected professional nursing school organizations in America, has named Estelle Watts, assistant professor in the Mississippi College School of Nursing, for induction into the National Academy of School Nursing.
Watts is one of only eight nurse professionals nationwide – and the only one from Mississippi – to receive the honor.
The honor of Fellow is the most prestigious recognition that members can receive from NASN. It is a symbol of superior achievement in school nursing and exceptional contributions to the organization.
Kelly Harden, dean of the MC School of Nursing, said Watts’ experience in school health is rare in nursing higher education.
“Dr. Watts leads the school in providing excellent didactic and clinical experiences in this arena,” Harden said. “She is well-respected in the field and has professional connections that enhance learning for our students.
“Dr. Watts carries out the mission of Mississippi College and her commitment to Christ through her passion for the health of schoolchildren.”
Among Watts’ earliest memories was her desire to follow in her grandmother’s footsteps and become a nurse.
“According to family lore, she was the first nurse in Scott County, Mississippi,” Watts said. “She was an inspiration to me. My father told me that she would have been very proud of my accomplishments.”
Watts obtained her Associate of Nursing from Hinds Community College, her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Mississippi College, her Master of Science in Nursing and her Doctorate of Nursing Practice from the University of Mississippi Medical Center.
After serving 16 years in clinical roles as a staff nurse at Hinds General Hospital, a clinic nurse manager for Dr. Eugene Hessdorfer in Jackson and a float nurse coordinator for Central Mississippi Health Care at Home, Watts transitioned to the academic arena. She spent 25 years as a lead nurse for the Pearl Public School District and a state school nurse consultant and health science specialist for the Mississippi Department of Education before joining the faculty at MC’s School of Nursing.
“I wanted to diversify my CV and take a different approach to touching the future of nursing,” the Pearl resident said about her decision to join Mississippi College. “With my school nurse background, I was able to continue working with school nurses and children through the community course that I teach. My nursing students provide health promotion education in local schools every semester, keeping me connected to schools and school nurses.
“I continue to provide certification preparation classes for Mississippi school nurses and educational opportunities. The organizational work I have participated in helps advance school nursing as a profession.”
Watts said achieving Fellow status brings a moment of reflection to her career.
“Many times, we live in the moment and forget that our steps have prepared us and changed those around us,” she said. “This was a confirmation that I have made an impact at various levels with students, colleagues and the community at large.
“It is important for students to see that learning and giving of ourselves doesn’t end with the degree achieved. As nurses, we must be willing to continue doing this professionally through mentorship, committee or teamwork, and scholarship.”
A nonprofit specialty nursing organization incorporated in 1977, NASN has 19,000 members and 50 affiliates. Its mission is to optimize student health and learning by advancing the practice of school nursing.
NASN Fellows has inducted 131 school nurse fellows. Watts will be inducted as a fellow during the NASN2025 Conference in Austin, Texas on June 26.
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