Dr. Heather McKnight
/Dr. Heather McKnight
Four States Living Tribute To Women
photo by ALAMOND PHOTOGRAPHY
Dr. Heather McKnight is Director of Nursing and Associate Professor of Nursing at Texas A&M University- Texarkana. She leads the Department of Nursing which includes six faculty members, three staff members, and 200+ nursing majors. Prior to her appointment in academia, Heather worked at CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System in a variety of positions including staff RN, Stroke Program Coordinator, Magnet Program Director, and Acute Care Services Director.
Tony, Berkley, Heather and Laiken during the 2019 Arkansas High Homecoming Pep Rally where Laiken was honored as a Freshman Maid on Homecoming Court.
With perseverance and determination, Dr. Heather McKnight earned her doctorate with a 4.0 GPA while being a wife to Tony and mother to daughters, Berkley and Laiken. She always made sure her girls and Tony had dedicated time with her during her doctoral journey which meant many late nights and early mornings to write and complete assignments. For her graduation, the family took a much needed vacation to Disney World.
Accepting her appointment as Director of Nursing at Texas A&M University-Texarkana was a monumental time in Heather’s life. “I have been fortunate to be a part of the team, writing and developing the proposal for the traditional BSN program as well as the design of the Building for Academic and Student Services (BASS) so taking on the leadership role is an honor as we move forward, growing our Nursing Eagle family,” she shares.
A current member of the Board of Directors for CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System, Heather has spent many years volunteering time to raise awareness related to distracted driving and motorcycles after her brother, Heath, was killed due to a distracted driver while on his way home from work. As a member of Beech Street First Baptist Church, Heather has served as Secretary for the Personnel Team and on the BeLoved Women’s Ministry Leader Team. She also serves as the leader for Embrace Grace and Embrace Life groups which focus on supporting and educating single, pregnant women and single mothers. She has also been fortunate to participate in the Honduras Medical Mission Team and is a Governmental Affairs Grassroots Liaison and Member Delegate for the Texas Nurses Association.
Over the course of her life, Heather has many mentors who have been true blessings to her. She acknowledges that her parents and grandparents influenced her life the most, each teaching and molding her into the woman she is today. As a nurse educator, Letha Colquitt was her first faculty mentor when she transitioned to academia. Letha taught her how to be an educator and passed on her love of teaching to Heather. In her role as administrator, Heather has been influenced by Dr. Emily Cutrer at TAMUT and Dr. Louise Thornell at St. Michael. Both of these ladies are accredited with teaching her how to lead with grace and poise.
Heather encourages young women to “find the one thing that sets your soul on fire and pushes you to be a better version of yourself each day. When you find this passion, do not let anyone tell you it’s not worth it. Pursue your passion, and let the fire grow!”
“If you don’t like something, change it.
If you can’t change it, change your attitude.”
- Maya Angelou
The Way Dr. Emily Cutrer Sees Her
As someone who is fortunate to have found a profession that brings me a great deal of fulfillment, I find myself drawn to those who also take pride in their chosen profession. This is certainly the case with Dr. Heather McKnight, Director of Nursing at Texas A&M University-Texarkana. Heather exhibits a tremendous, infectious pride in the PROFESSION of nursing. (I purposely used “all caps” because she is such a professional.)
Heather has the very keen ability to hold extremely high standards but to balance her expectations with empathy. She views nursing beyond its professional value and truly strives to instill the aspect of community service in her students and colleagues. Heather often encourages high school students interested in health professions by bringing them onto the A&M-Texarkana campus and introducing them to the issues and rewards of nursing. She takes great joy in sharing the world-class training facilities that A&M-Texarkana offers thru its simulated hospital.
When it comes to preparing nursing students to care for their patients, Heather ensures that they understand and commit to the responsibility they are undertaking. From her perspective, there is no middle ground. Every patient deserves the care of a nurse who is committed to excellence. Heather models this belief in the classroom and with her fellow professors and staff. She has earned their trust and respect by being well-prepared and organized – but also by being human.
The wealth of knowledge and experience that Heather gained as a practicing nurse is passed on to her students. She has dedicated herself to training the next generation of nurses who will ensure those in need of health care receive the best and nothing less.
FUN FACTS
What is something unique about you that most people would not know?
“When we were in high school, my husband and I would occasionally go mud-riding on some land out in the country. We now own and live on that same piece of land.”
If you could have dinner with one person, famous or not, living or dead, real or fictional, with whom would it be?
“I would love to have dinner with Rachel Hollis. The sheer joy she has for life and reaching milestones inspires me.”
If you could travel to space, and it was free, would you go?
“Absolutely! I would enjoy the experience of seeing the world from the different perspective.”
What music do you listen to in your vehicle?
“I have an eclectic taste in music. My current playlist includes Lauren Daigle, Gabby Barrett, Dan + Shay, Lewis Capaldi, Chris Stapleton, Bishop Briggs, and Debussy.”
What did you imagine yourself being when you were growing up?
“I always planned to be a psychologist when I was growing up, and my first degree is in Psychology.”
What is the last gift you gave someone?
“I sent flowers to my mom and daughters to remind them how beautiful they are to me.”
What is your favorite meal that you order regularly at a local establishment?
“Tortilla soup from El Chico’s.”
If there was a movie produced about your life, which actress would portray you?
“Candace Cameron Bure because of the alignment between our faith, devotion to family, and commitment to work/life balance.”