B.S. Nursing - Florida International University
M.Ed. - Florida International University
M.S. Nursing - University of Miami
Ph.D. Nursing - University of Texas - Austin

Started at Mesa State: Fall, 1980

Birthplace: Miami, Florida

Favorite movie: On Golden Pond... It's a great relationship movie. [On Golden Pond (1981) Stars Henry Fonda, Katharine Hepburn, Jane Fonda, and Dabney Coleman. Academy Awards to Henry Fonda and Hepburn. It was Henry Fonda's last film. He died a short time after it was completed.]

Stranded on a desert island must haves: ("I don't do well stranded.") Coffee, a shower, my husband, some music, and some chocolate ice cream... better make it Ben & Jerry's New York Super Fudge Chunk® (contains: Chocolate Ice Cream with White & Dark Fudge Chunks, Pecans, Walnuts & Fudge Covered Almonds).

 

A conversation with Dr. Forrest

What brought you to Mesa State? I wanted to move to Colorado. I eliminated all the other places with nursing programs and came here. Grand Junction was booming at that time (1980). Then I met my husband the first week at Mesa.

What is the best thing about Mesa State? The people. The students for sure. The caliber of students is getting better and better. That keeps us challenged as faculty. Everybody who works at Mesa State is friendly. It is really a comfortable environment.

What's your personal philosophy on educating students? Being excited about learning is crucial. The nursing program has a tough curriculum. If a student makes the move and talks to me about a difficulty in their life or their studies, I'm willing to help. I don't believe I can motivate anyone, it has got to come from within. When a student gets motivated... then I'll give them everything I've got.

What are you doing professionally besides teaching? I've recently finished four chapters in a textbook for nursing educators. I also do 3 or 4 presentations a year around the country. I love to travel, so presentations are a great way to do that.

You are a professor of nursing, but what part of the nursing field are you most interested in? My dissertation was on adolescent suicide. I'm still very interest in mental health issues. It is something that has always drawn my attention and continues to draw my professional interest.

What do you do with your weekends? I've finally found the outdoors. I LOVE mowing the lawn. We have 2 acres so my husband bought me a riding lawnmower. I love to garden. I'll spend hours playing with my flowers and not even notice the time passing. I also enjoy photography and playing around with landscapes.

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