The John A. Hartford Foundation will be sending a Missouri Southern instructor back to school.

Founded in 1929, the philanthropic organization presents eight awards nationwide for research and advancement in healthcare for senior citizens. Dr. Catherine Cole, assistant professor of nursing, is the recipient of a $100,000 research grant for a two year, post doctoral study at the University of Arkansas, Little Rock.

“I just finished my dissertation last May and I still had many questions,” Cole said. “One of the things about research is it answers some questions, but it raises more questions. I was aware of the work they were doing at the University of Arkansas, and I was very pleased that they were willing to work with me.”

Cole will be studying the effects of progressive resistance training and social activity interventions on cognitively impaired nursing home residents. Cognitively impaired individuals include victims of stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, depression, and various other conditions. Cole is excited about the opportunity but is also grateful to those outside of the Hartford Foundation who helped it to come to fruition.

“I feel very lucky that the College is giving me a two year leave of absence. Part of the criteria for this award was that I devote my full attention to it,” she said. “I want to thank Dr. Box, Dr. Strait, Dr. Messick and the Board of Regents. I want to thank my family as well.”

Dr. Barbara Box, professor of nursing, acknowledges that Cole will be missed but thinks she will bring valuable experience from her study with her when she returns to Southern.

“There is a terrific shortage of nursing staff [at Southern], but Dr. Cole has achieved national recognition for this prestigious Hartford grant,” said Box. “I think it’s such an achievement. She is going to study the elderly to improve their life, and coming back she will be an acknowledged nursing professional because of her work.”