Susanne Tirrito Tullos
/Susanne Tirrito Tullos
Four States Living Tribute To Women
photo by KENDAL DOCKERY PHOTOGRAPHY
Susanne Tirrito Tullos, also known as Susanne, Granny, and Sue-Sue, loves being a registered nurse. She graduated from Arkansas High School and has a Master of Science in Nursing, Pediatric Nursing Practitioner track from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, and a Master of Science in Business Administration from Texas A&M-Texarkana. She also has a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Public Health from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Technology and Leadership.
Susanne with her children – Jerod, Jim, and Jennifer – on Mother’s Day.
Susanne Tirrito Tullos always wanted to be a nurse. She never imagined being anything else. She began her nursing career at St. Michael’s Hospital (many, many years before it became CHRISTUS) in the six bed Intensive Care Unit at the old hospital. From Intensive Care, she transitioned into school nursing in the mid-’80s. Her next job was as the State School Nurse Consultant, employed by the Arkansas Department of Health in collaboration with the Arkansas Department of Education. “I provided professional leadership for the school nurses of Arkansas. I served in an advisory capacity to superintendents and principals,” she explains. “I also traveled to each of the 15 Educational Cooperatives within the state presenting workshops, training for hearing/vision, scoliosis, BMI screenings, and providing continuing education for school nurses. I was responsible for developing guidelines for mandated school screenings, communicable diseases, and medication administration.” After resigning from the Department of Health, Susanne began her teaching career with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Nursing Off-Campus BSN Program. She is currently a nursing instructor at Texas A&M-Texarkana.
Susanne and her husband, Mike, have three children: Jim, Jennifer, and Jerod, and four grandchildren, Montana (22), Wade (15), Peyton (14), and Taylor (12). In her spare time, she enjoys reading fiction or even a new nursing textbook.
Supporting student success is very crucial to Susanne. She sees students struggle daily as they try to balance school, work, family responsibilities, and such. Some of these young adults are the first from their family to attend college and want so badly to succeed. For others, their self-esteem is low, and they have lost confidence in their ability to be successful. “I try to remind myself that I do not know what an individual has dealt with prior to class. An incident can occur that prevents the student from being able to focus during class or do well on an exam,” she says. “I try to learn about my students. Worry and anxiety prevent students from performing well on exams. I have posted office hours; however, I will do my best to meet with students, even using Zoom if needed. I have also scheduled group sessions for students in specific courses. Students sometimes need help to identify strategies for improvement or time management. I am willing to spend time with any student who asks for help.”
Throughout her career, Susanne has learned to take the time to listen, acknowledge what the other person is feeling, and then provide support and encouragement. She knows that a kind word, smile, or hug may be the only positive others receive in an overwhelming day. She believes that everyone deserves respect, and every moment should count because you may not have another opportunity.
Susanne’s maternal grandmother influenced her the most over the course of her life. She cooked/canned, gardened, sewed/quilted all while raising 10 children. “She taught me how to cook. She also taught me basic crochet, smocking, and embroidery. She instilled a love of family and reminded me to always help others,” Susanne remarks.
As a mentor to young women, Susanne encourages them to decide what they really want to do or be, think about their dreams, what they feel passionate about, and pursue it. She tells them to focus their efforts on achieving goals, believe that they are capable, and never let adversity along the way cause them to give up.
One thing that most people do not know about Susanne is that she has been a church organist for a long time. She began playing the organ when she was 10 years old, but admits that it was not by choice. “I attended St. Edward School, and we had daily Mass. The regular organist was absent. When a nun tells you to do something, you obey! I have been playing ever since. I currently serve as a substitute at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.”
Susanne enjoys living in the Four States area, where people are friendly and relatable. “You don’t have to travel very far to get to any specific place. Life is slower-paced here,” she quips. “I enjoy the scenery as I drive to work. At this time of year, the pear trees and redbuds are in bloom and so many flowers. Geese and deer are abundant on the Texas A&M-Texarkana campus. I can watch them from my office window!”
Believe for with God all things are possible.
- Matthew 19:26
The way Dr. Shelia Moore sees her
For those who know Susanne Tirrito Tullos, it comes as no surprise that she is my top choice of women who have influenced and made me a better educator and person. She is one of the kindest and most compassionate women I’ve ever met, and that is portrayed in her academic practice, her service to her church, and her dedication to her family. She is Christ personified in every aspect of her life.
I have worked with Susanne at Texas A&M University–Texarkana in the nursing department for several years, and she never ceases to amaze me at the depth of caring and patience she displays in each and every challenge that comes her way. The nursing students adore her, and she always goes above and beyond to coach them, encourage them, and educate them to become the best nurses they can be.
Susanne always shares her wisdom and experience in a quiet, calming manner that helps settle frayed nerves and helps the listener focus on the issues rather than emotions. I, and many others in our community, value her as a colleague, a mentor, and a friend. My life is richer because of Susanne Tirrito Tullos.