As Assistant Professor, Dr. Cockerham at Sam Houston State University has extensive experience in hospital leadership, quality improvement, research, and academic education. She completed her Ph.D. after progressive leadership working in the acute care hospital setting for 25 years and transitioned to research opportunities. Expert in quality theory and outcomes, an expert in foundations of quality across the spectrum from the education of the next generation of nurses and advanced degree nurses, while supporting Kaizen projects, and researching new knowledge to improve patient outcomes. Progressive professional growth supported by Houston Methodist for 18 years from master’s degree in Nursing Administration to Ph.D. Extensive experience with NDNQI, DNV, patient throughput, internal audits, dashboards, accreditation surveys, and multiple committee projects to improve quality outcomes and assist with action plans. Experience collaborating with shared governance committees, executives, and front-line staff on evidence-based practice, research projects, and many publications.. Dr. Cockerham earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Louisiana College and her Master’s in Leadership and Hospital Administration, and Ph.D. in Research from the University of Texas Health Science Center, Cizik School of Nursing, Houston Texas. She is board certified by the Agency of Healthcare Research and Quality as a Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality and facilitator of Crucial conversation and TeamSTEPPS Master Trainer.