Dr. Rachel (Helms) Cody will be assuming the role of AUCON's DNP program coordinator following Dr. Eleanor Howell's retirement later this year. “I am grateful for the opportunity to lead the program that contributed to my development, to repay the university's support, and to contribute to the advancement of nursing practice. It is a distinct honor to serve as the coordinator of the DNP program at the same college that significantly influenced my professional journey,” said Cody. According to Cody, her achievements in nursing, education, and leadership originated from her decision to pursue nursing at Auburn University.
Cody states that the graduate program is built on a solid foundation that demonstrates thoughtful design and responsiveness to both student and workforce needs. “The current tracks are well-developed, and there is a clear commitment among the faculty to ensuring student success. I am eager to continue this work while also supporting initiatives that broaden and enhance the program's scope.”
As with any transition, she believes that there will be a period of adjustment, particularly in grasping the complex aspects of program coordination. “However, due to the considerate guidance of my predecessor, Dr. Eleanor Howell, and the commitment of our faculty, I am confident in the support I have received. Howell established a strong foundation for this program with clear vision and direction. My objective is to enhance her efforts by increasing the program's visibility, expanding enrollment, and fostering a culture of excellence and innovation. The plan involves building on what she has initiated while supporting new growth opportunities, maintaining continuity, providing transparency, and ensuring that our students and faculty feel acknowledged and supported throughout this transition.”
According to Cody, a notable strength of the graduate program is the recent collaboration among graduate faculty, which resulted in the successful re-design of the curriculum and the creation of a streamlined BSN-to-DNP pathway. “This collaboration exemplifies the potential achievements when we work collectively with a shared purpose. As we progress, it is imperative to maintain this level of alignment and communication across all graduate programs.”
Her strategies for ensuring continuity and smooth collaboration among the coordinators
“First and foremost, I plan to approach this role with humility, transparency, and a deep respect for my fellow coordinators. I hope to build effective relationships with my colleagues. Optimal performance occurs when we work collaboratively, share ideas, and support each other through the challenges and achievements of academic leadership.
“I am particularly enthusiastic about our new graduate intensives, designed to foster significant in-person interactions between students and faculty. These intensives represent an important advancement in enhancing relational learning, which is central to my teaching philosophy. I am eager to contribute to the development and evolution of these experiences to further support student engagement, mentorship, and academic success.”
Cody believes that consistency and approachability are key. “I plan to maintain open lines of communication through regular updates, shared decision-making, and a commitment to being accessible to both students and faculty. It is important that individuals are aware that I am attentive, responsive, and dedicated to ongoing improvement.”
Her primary goal is to increase the visibility of the DNP program. This involves promoting student and faculty scholarship, highlighting alumni achievements, and participating in outreach at various levels, including local, state, and national. Additionally, collaboration with faculty and administration will focus on developing new nurse practitioner specialty tracks. “AUCON’s graduate program has numerous offerings, and the intention is to make this known within the nursing community.
“The most valuable support I can receive is continued collaboration with our graduate faculty and administrators. I acknowledge the tremendous fortune of having had exceptional mentors throughout my career, particularly Dr. Caralise Hunt, who supervised my initial IV insertion as a nursing student. Although neither of us may have anticipated this path at the time, it is highly appropriate that she continues to mentor me as I embark on this new chapter. With the guidance of leaders like her and the collective passion of our faculty, I am confident in my ability to lead with dedication, purpose, and gratitude.”
We extend our best wishes to Rachel Cody for continued success in her new position.
