Dr. Julia Gist

Dean of Health Sciences

Dr. Julia Henderson GistDean, School of Health Sciences 
Education:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Harding University
Master of Science (Community Health and Nursing Administration) – Texas Woman’s University (Dallas)
PhD (Nursing) – Texas Woman’s University (Houston)
Bio:
A proud Baxter County native (5 generations) and MHHS Alumna, Dr. Gist serves as the Dean of the School of Health Sciences.  Her position includes planning for future programs, budgeting, supporting faculty in providing state of the art education for students, and serving as an advocate for students in their quest for education and career.

Prior to her arrival at ASUMH Dr. Gist taught Community Health and Nursing Administration courses at Texas Woman’s University (Houston) and Arkansas Tech University. 

While at Texas Woman’s University (Houston), Dr. Gist served on the Intimate Partner Violence Research Team and completed her doctoral dissertation on Reducing Intimate Partner Violence Against Women:  Evaluating the Effectiveness of Protection Orders.  Dr. Gist continues to have a passion for the safety of women and girls in relationships.  She has published several articles on Intimate Partner Violence and speaks at local events.  Additionally, Community As Partner:  Theory and Practice in Nursing 8th edition by Anderson and McFarlane includes a chapter written by Dr. Gist, Partnering With Communities for Healthy Public Policy.


As a Community Health Nurse, Dr. Gist sees the value of nurses being involved in many community activities and events and works to facilitate that both for herself and her students.  Dr. Gist serves on the CTE Advisory Committee, Medical Advisory Committee, and Wellness Committee at Mountain Home Public Schools, served for many years on the Baxter County Hometown Health Coalition, served as a mentor at Mountain Home Career Academies (2010-2019), coordinates the ASUMH American Red Cross Blood Drive each semester, facilitates the Baxter County Flu Vaccine Clinic on the ASUMH campus and is a co-manager of the ASUMH Food Pantry that serves students and their families. 

In addition to these activities Dr. Gist serves on the Good Samaritan Society Advisory Board and the Mountain Home Education Foundation Board.  In 2017 Dr. Gist was asked to serve on the Education Committee of the Arkansas State Board of Nursing to represent the Associate Degree Nursing Programs and she currently serves as the Chairperson for the Nurse Administrators of Nursing Education Programs Council.

Research areas ofinterest:

Intimate Partner Violence, Alzheimer’s Disease, Barriers toStudent Success