For Dr. Roger Green, attending Curry College was something of a homecoming. After growing up in New England he moved south to Florida at the age of 18. While in a premedical program Roger decided to enter the field of Nursing. Finding two to three-year waiting lists at the Florida schools, Roger looked back to his native Massachusetts for options.
“I knew of the fine reputation that Curry had," recalls Roger, "and decided to return home to Massachusetts and spend three years obtaining my bachelor's degree in Nursing.”
Dr. Green credits his positive experience to the atmosphere of the College and the faculty members; both have endeared Curry to generations of students since 1879.
“The faculty were all very supportive and nurturing. They truly wanted the students to do well and valued us as human beings. We were not just a number like at some larger schools where the faculty does not know your name. I have made lifelong friends as the result of the many hours I spent in study groups and clinical rotations with peers.”
The fact that several of Dr. Green’s professors were in doctoral programs themselves illustrated to him the importance of education in Nursing. It does not end with a bachelor's degree. Education in Nursing must also extend outside of the classroom.
“The clinical experiences in the Boston area hospitals were outstanding. I know that I was exposed to the best nursing and medical care in the country. I was very well prepared to assume the role of clinician when I graduated. Curry College boasts one of the top RN exam pass rates in the country. Dr. Green recalls Dr. Elizabeth Kudzma as one of many professors that prepared him for further schooling and his eventual career. Dr. Green also remains in contact today with Dr. Linda Tenofsky and the Nursing Department Chairperson, Dr. Linda Caldwell.
Currently Dr. Green resides in Palm Springs, California and has blended education, leadership, clinical practice and scholarship into an eclectic career. Dr. Green runs his own consulting business working with the pharmaceutical industry to sponsor advisory boards and continuing education programs for Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants. He also maintains a part-time practice as a Family Nurse Practitioner providing primary care services. Dr. Green is also an educator in the field as Director and Associate Professor in the doctoral program at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions and as an Affiliate Faculty member at Regis College in Denver, Colorado teaching primarily online courses.
Dr. Green has made a considerable name for himself in the field having served as President of the Florida Nurse Practitioner Network, and currently as President of the American College of Clinicians. He was inducted as a Fellow into the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners in 2004. Of 150,000 practicing Nurse Practitioners in the United States, less than 100 have received this honor. He is also an active member in the International Honor Society of Nursing (Sigma Theta Tau), into which he was inducted while a student at Curry. Working within and leading these organizations Dr. Green has been able to impact policy and legislation affecting his field. “It has been a great experience educating the many stakeholders about the important role Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants contribute to the Health Care system.”
Dr. Green is also an enthusiastic supporter of the College who understands that during this time of unprecedented growth the Curry Alumni play a vital role.
“I am very thankful for the excellent education that I received while earning my bachelor's degree in Nursing. It is very important for alumni to support the College. It was not until I became a Program Director of a doctoral program that I learned the high costs of running an academic institution.”
Thanks to Dr. Green for his support and for setting a tremendous example of a Curry College Alumnus.