‘Bago grad receives Award of Distinction from Rockford University

ROCKFORD – Dr. Michelle (Jackson) Collins, a 1982 Winnebago High School alum, received an Alumni Award of Distinction at Rockford University’s All-Alumni Dinner on Friday, Oct. 9, 2015. Collins graduated magna cum laude from Rockford University in 1982 with a degree in nursing. Since 2012, she has been Director of Nurse-Midwifery Education at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing in Nashville, TN.

In the evening’s program, it stated, “Her current research centers on cervical dysplasia and the use of nitrous oxide as a labor analgesia. From the clinic to the classroom she helps students learn to deliver evidence-based care.” In 2009, she received an outstanding teacher award. Collins has become a national leader in nursing and, more specifically, in nurse-midwifery. Her work has been widely published and she presents seminars nationwide.

She began her career as a registered nurse, devoting 17 years of her career as a labor and delivery and pediatric nurse, and childbirth educator in Rockford, working at both Swedish American and St. Anthony medical centers. In 2002, she received an MSN degree in nurse-midwifery from Marquette University. Because there were no certified nurse-midwives practicing in Rockford in 2002, she and her family moved to southern Illinois, where she blazed the trail as the first CNM to practice in the city of Marion. After nearly three years of a successful practice in Marion, she was recruited to join the nurse-midwifery practice of Vanderbilt University School of Nursing. Upon completion of her PhD in 2012, she was asked by the Dean of the School of Nursing to take the position of Director of the Nurse-Midwifery educational program. She has used her skills to mentor others and to establish an advance practice nursing presence in the inter-

professional organization(ASCCP) that sets the recommendations for cervical cancer screening and diagnosis.

Dr. Collins credits Rockford University for instilling in her the desire to pursue her career and to advance the nursing profession. Dr. Collins was nominated for this award by her former high school English teacher, Karen Niemeier, who is also a Rockford University alum.

Karen Niemeier, Dr. Michelle Collins, and her parents Steve and Carol Jackson at the awards ceremony. Courtesy photo