Gov. Abbott appoints AC’s Tamara Rhodes to the Texas Board of Nursing

Rhodes, a member of AC’s associate degree nursing faculty, was appointed on Oct. 7 to fulfill a term on the board that expires on Jan. 31, 2023.

“I’m very excited and a little bit nervous,” Rhodes said. “I love nursing and I love teaching, so I have the best of both worlds. I’m constantly growing along with my students.

“I look forward to trying to make a difference in nursing in the state of Texas.”

The Texas Board of Nursing oversees the practice of professional nursing, examination of students, and standards of professional conduct for license holders. The board also prescribes and publishes the minimum requirements and standards for course studies in various nursing degree programs.

Rhodes grew up in Lubbock and received a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Texas Tech University. She then completed a master’s degree in nursing education through Walden University. She has taught at AC for the past 13 years.

The board meets quarterly near the end of January, April, July and October, so Rhodes will attend her first such meeting in Austin almost immediately.

“The board works with legislators, schools, individuals seeking licensure and individuals with complaints,” Rhodes said. “I have a lot to learn, but I do look forward to the prospect of making some changes in Austin that will not only help nursing in Texas, but possibly have some impact back here at home, as well.”

Rhodes is a member of the Texas Nurses Association, National League for Nursing, Texas Community College Teachers Association, and Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. Additionally, she is a volunteer with Texas Mission of Mercy, Atomic Armadillos Robotic Team, and the Southwest Safety Team.