LCU announces new dean of nursing
Louisiana Christian University President Dr. Rick Brewer announced Dr. Tomekia Luckett as the new Dean of Nursing today at a press conference in Granberry Conference Center.
Luckett has more than 21 years in nursing practice and 12 years of administrative and leadership service.
She has held multiple roles in nursing education, including serving as the director of nursing for an LPN program, associate professor of nursing for William Carey University, and the associate dean of Nursing Continuing Professional Development for Walden University.
She earned her Ph.D. in nursing leadership from The University of Southern Mississippi and her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing from William Carey University.
“I have known Dr. Luckett as a student, as a faculty member, and as a colleague,” said Dr. Karen Sicard, former dean of nursing for WCU and professor of nursing and special projects coordinator. “She has always maintained high standards in her personal and professional life. She stands for professionalism and Christian principles in all facets of her life. Dr. Luckett will be a great asset to Louisiana Christian University and the Division of Nursing as she leads the faculty to prepare graduates who are ready to serve as safe, competent nurses with high ethical standards in a variety of healthcare settings.”
Luckett said she is excited by this opportunity, after also having served as an adjunct professor for LCU.
Sicard and Dr. Alicia Newell, dean and professor of nursing for WCU, both recommended Luckett to consider the position.
“I prayed about it, and saw this as a different type of position to make a difference now,” Luckett said. “I’ve build my career on trying to be of service to other people. Nursing isn’t just a career, it’s a calling. As dean of nursing, I hope to help others find their calling.”
Luckett said she knows this will be a challenge—but looks forward to building on a tradition and making it into something even better at LCU.
“I’ve got my sleeves rolled up, my boots on, and I’m ready to work,” she said.
Sicard and Newell have been consulting on LCU’s nursing program and are enthusiastic about the potential for the program under Luckett’s leadership.
“It has been my privilege to work alongside Dr. Luckett in recent years,” Newell said. “She exhibits professionalism and kindness with each encounter, but most importantly, Dr. Luckett uses her role in nursing education as a part of her Christian ministry. She consistently makes a profound impact within the nursing education community in Mississippi through her work on numerous professional boards and within the community. Dr. Luckett will work with Louisiana Christian University students and faculty and the healthcare community to ensure that the nursing program at LCU is top tier.”
Luckett’s character is matched by her experience and service to the field of nursing.
“Dr. Tomekia Luckett is a perfect match for LCU’s dedication to academic excellence and our Christ-centered mission,” said Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Cheryl Clark. “She is strong in her faith, energetic and passionate with a keen eye for details and organization. While displaying strong leadership and administrative skills, she is also compassionate and sensitive to our students and faculty. She had demonstrated leadership in program development, student clinical experiences and faculty professional development.”
Luckett has been actively involved in the Mississippi Nurses Association, serving on the Executive Board and as director for the Council on Nursing Education. She is a coveted motivational speaker and has been an invited speaker numerous years for the Mississippi Nurses Association Convention. She has authored eight books, some of which are listed below.
Finding Purpose in the Pain: A Journey of Pain, Healing, and Purpose
Welcome to Nursing: A 30 Day Prayer and Devotional Guide for New Nurses
Surviving Nursing School & Beyond: A Prayer and Devotional for Novice and Advanced Practice Student Nurses
A Nurse’s Touch: A Prayer and Devotional for Nurses
“Dr. Luckett brings a litany of leadership skills underscoring the University’s mission and vision,” President Brewer said. “The need for nurses has never been greater and I am confident Dr. Luckett will provide the acumen needed to recruit and educate a generation of nurses who will possess both the competency and compassion emblematic of LCU alums.”
In addition to the dean of nursing, Brewer also announced Dr. Shaina Goudeau has been named Associate Vice President for the School of Nursing and Allied Health.
“Dr. Goudeau will flourish in this new role leveraging her dynamic leadership and analytical intellect,” Brewer said. “Her proven track record with LCU holds great promise for future plans the university has for expanding healthcare-related academic programs on the undergraduate and graduate levels.”
Goudeau has served in leadership of the the university’s Physical Therapy Assistant program for 15 years and serves as the Program Director.
Goudeau holds a Master of Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, a Master of Educational Leadership and a Doctor of Physical Therapy from Alabama State University.
“She has demonstrated leadership in accreditation, program development, student field experiences and data analysis,” Clark said. “LCU’s PTA program has been accredited since 2010 and has a stellar record of a 5-year average of 95.5 licensure pass rates and 100% employment rate. She will assist Dr. Luckett with overseeing and implementing plans for reviewing and implementing changes to ensure LCU is providing quality, competent, and compassionate nursing education and is preparing the next generation of nurses to be competent expert leaders in the field.”
Goudeau said she is looking forward to continuing the tradition of academic excellence while producing quality nursing graduates who demonstrate competence, compassion and a spirit of altruism for all individuals whom they serve.
“The combination of the qualified nursing faculty, strong administrative support, and the new addition of Dr. Luckett creates an environment that cultivates academic success while bolstering critical thinking skills, professionalism and proficiencies in each nursing student of the program,” Goudeau said. “We are committed to providing a thorough and rigorous education that prepares future practitioners to adapt and respond to the needs of the community and the evolving healthcare industry.”
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Media Advisory | Nov. 10, 2022 | Pineville, Louisiana
Contact: Dr. Elizabeth B. Clarke, Director of University Communications | Elizabeth.clarke@lcuniversity.edu