Texas Tech University
School of Nursing Alumnus Serving His Country in Middle East
Registered nurse Tim Howell may be stationed halfway around the world, but long before he left for the Middle East, he said support for his efforts in the war on terror came pouring in.
Howell, vice president for patient care services and chief nursing officer at University Medical Center, said everyone he works with at UMC and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center has shown tremendous support for the U.S. military troops, and they extended that same encouragement to him personally.
He was called to active duty Oct. 25, 2004; he left Lubbock just a few days after Christmas for a year-long assignment as director of nursing services for a 44-bed mobile tent hospital. The tent hospital supports the Marines and other military personnel in the region. Howell is stationed at Camp Arifan in Kuwait.
As a Naval reservist for 17 years, Howell routinely works with hospital operations. His duties prior to activation included the planning and initiation of training activities for fleet hospital personnel.
Howell said his master�s degree from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Nursing, which he earned in 1999, as well as his experience in the U.S. Navy have enabled him to assess the military community that he is in and make changes that will improve patient care.
�Tim�s leadership qualities have been evident throughout his career,� said Alexia Green, R.N., Ph.D., dean of the School of Nursing.
He has received several awards including the Rear Admiral John Cotton Nursing Leadership Award and the Naval Marine Corps Commendation Medal for Achievement and Leadership as a naval reservist.
In addition to his duties at UMC, Howell serves as an adjunct faculty member in the School of Nursing and is chairman of the advisory subcommittee for the graduate and undergraduate programs. He also is a member of the school�s continuing education advisory committee.
A firm believer that people are a product of their experiences, Howell said his service in the Middle East will make him a better person and hopefully a better naval officer.