March 19, 2026 – Research College of Nursing launched its Women’s History Month programming with a Women in Leadership Panel highlighting accomplished nursing leaders from across HCA Midwest Health. The event offered students a firsthand look at the realities of leadership in modern healthcare, emphasizing professional growth, resilience, and patient advocacy.

Throughout the discussion, panelists shared perspectives on building confidence, navigating career pathways, and supporting both patients and clinical teams. Speakers underscored that effective leadership is shaped through daily actions and consistent professional integrity rather than formal titles alone.

Representatives from multiple HCA Midwest Health facilities participated in the panel, including:

The event served as both an educational opportunity and a celebration of the impact women leaders have within the nursing profession. The panelists’ commitment to mentorship and professional excellence continues to support the development of future nurse leaders within the RCoN community.

August 20, 2025

Portrait of Amy Townsend wearing a black jacket over a white blouse

Kansas City, MO – Research College of Nursing (RCoN) — the region’s largest and longest-standing single-purpose nursing institution — today announced the appointment of Amy Townsend, EdD, MSN, RN, CNE, as president. Dr. Townsend brings over a decade of experience in higher education and healthcare leadership to RCoN, which is consistently ranked among Missouri’s top 10 nursing schools by Nursing Schools Almanac.

In her new role, Dr. Townsend will lead strategic academic planning and oversee all undergraduate and graduate programs to ensure RCoN continues to deliver best-in-class nursing education, preparing the next generation of clinical leaders. The college currently enrolls more than 165 students in its Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program.

A results-oriented nursing executive, Dr. Townsend brings over a decade of leadership experience in healthcare education, with a track record of advancing institutional effectiveness, fostering program innovation, and enhancing student and faculty engagement. She is recognized for her expertise in curriculum development, accreditation, and strategic planning across diverse academic programs, including nursing, radiography, occupational therapy, and nutrition. Most recently, she served as President of Cox College in Springfield, Missouri, where she led the institution through a strategic transition, managed multi-million-dollar budgets, and ensured program quality and accreditation standards were upheld. In earlier roles at Cox College, including Vice President for Student Nursing and Dean of Institutional Effectiveness, she directed successful reaccreditation processes, expanded program capacity, unified academic departments, and implemented data-driven systems that enhanced outcomes and operational efficiency.

Her appointment comes at a pivotal time for Research College of Nursing. In September 2024, HCA Midwest Health, Kansas City’s largest healthcare provider, broke ground on a new 78,000-square-foot Center for Clinical Advancement on the Research Medical Center campus. It is slated for completion in early 2026, coinciding with the college’s 120th anniversary. The $36.5 million investment in RCoN’s parent organization, HCA Healthcare, will support the college’s growth and long-term vision.

Since welcoming its first class in 1905, RCoN has graduated more than 6,500 professional nurses and remains a vital source of clinical excellence for the Kansas City region and beyond.

“Dr. Townsend’s deep experience in academic leadership and her forward-thinking approach make her the right leader for this exciting next chapter at Research College of Nursing,” said Keith Zimmerman, President of HCA Midwest Health. “As we continue investing in nursing education through the new Center for Clinical Advancement, her guidance will be key to ensuring RCoN remains a national model for innovation and excellence. We are proud to welcome her to the HCA Midwest Health family and look forward to the lasting impact her leadership will make on our students, our hospitals, and the communities we serve.”

“It is an incredible honor to join Research College of Nursing at such a transformational time,” said Dr. Townsend. “RCoN has a long-standing legacy of excellence in nursing education, and I look forward to building on that foundation to prepare students for the evolving demands of healthcare. Together with our dedicated faculty, staff, and community partners, we will continue advancing academic innovation, supporting student success, and empowering the next generation of nurses to lead with purpose and compassion.”

Dr. Townsend earned a Doctor of Education in Nursing Leadership from Northcentral University in Phoenix, where her research focused on the impact of transformational leadership on faculty satisfaction. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing with a focus in Nursing Education from Cox College, where she received the Academic Excellence Award, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Missouri.

For more information on Research College of Nursing and its dedication to educating nurses, visit Research College of Nursing.

May 23, 2023

As a part of HCA Midwest Health, Research College of Nursing promotes an inclusive culture that embraces and nurtures our students, colleagues, and communities. This May, we honor Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month by celebrating the diverse histories, cultures, languages, and experiences of the AANHPI community. We are pleased to share the following alumni interview of Lucy Joo-Castro, PhD, RN, who has traveled the world and become a champion of community health, caring for marginalized communities.

Lucy Joo-Castro grew up in Shawnee, KS. Initially, on her path to law school, she earned a degree in political science from the University of Kansas in 1993. Her interest in healthcare grew following her mother’s passing from stage IV stomach cancer. Lucy enrolled at Research College of Nursing and graduated from the Accelerated BSN program in 1999 — making her among the first Asian graduates of the College.

What Have You Been Up to Since Graduating From RCoN?

After graduation, I had the privilege to serve as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Navy Nurse Corps and was stationed at Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego, California. There, I met my husband, who was in the midst of his ENT residency. As dual active duty members, we had the opportunity to travel the world together.

Throughout my career, I gained experience in a range of specialties, including pediatric med/surg, pediatric oncology, ICU, postpartum, adult med/surg, cancer patient navigation, and education.

After the birth of our first son, I decided to transition to civilian nursing while my husband continued to serve in the Navy, which led us to live in several locations in the U.S. and abroad. One of our most memorable duty stations was Okinawa, Japan. Over the years, I pursued higher education, earning a master’s degree in nursing education and a PhD in nursing research. Today, I am proud to balance my roles as a mother of two boys (one in college, the other in high school), an adjunct nursing professor at the University of Guam, and the clinic manager for my husband’s private practice.

Did You Always Plan to Practice Overseas While You Were at RCoN?

I have been living in Guam, a U.S. territory, since 2011. My husband, a native of the island, always wanted to return home and practice here, so I knew from the beginning that I would be practicing overseas.

What Is Your Favorite Thing About Your Current Role as a Nursing Professor?

I love my students! My students are curious and super driven. I especially commend those in the nursing program during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Their ability to adapt and remain positive through multiple challenges was a true inspiration to me!

What Prompted Your COVID-19 Study in Guam?

The COVID-19 study is a brief report, “No Man Is an Island”: Perspectives of CHamorus in Guam on COVID-19, derived from a larger study aimed at understanding the perceptions of the Indigenous people of Guam, the CHamorus, and how their traditional practices intersect with their present-day health beliefs. The broader study coincided with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, providing an opportunity to investigate CHamorus experiences and perspectives on life in Guam during challenging times.

The broader research is titled, Locating Culturally Safe Care in Narratives of Historical Trauma and Health in Guam: A Third-Space Model of CHamoru Health, also published.

What Is Something You Learned at RCoN That Has Stuck With You in Your Career?

During my community health nursing rotation, I was mentored by nursing faculty Kathy Scaletty, with whom I still maintain contact! Kathy’s perspective truly resonated with me, as it underscored the importance of appreciating and learning from the community.

Her teaching was a valuable lesson that understanding population health requires more than just knowledge of disease processes, but also understanding the social determinants of health.

This lesson stayed with me throughout my nursing career and may have even sparked my interest in population health, particularly for marginalized communities.

What Did You Enjoy Most About Your Time at RCoN?

Without a doubt, the friends I made during the program were the highlight for me. I loved that we all came from diverse backgrounds and had previous bachelor’s degrees. Not only did I learn from our faculty, but I also learned from my classmates, who were paramedics, respiratory therapists, biologists, and more! The camaraderie and collaborative environment were essential for me to make it through the program.

What Does It Mean to You to Be Among the First Asian American Graduates of Research College of Nursing?

Having this recognition is significant, even if there were others before me who were not tracked. This speaks to the historical underrepresentation and lack of recognition of Asian Americans in academia, but, more importantly, it is a testament to RCoN’s progress in promoting diversity and inclusion. Giving a nod to the underrepresented and marginalized groups is important because it recognizes the challenges they have overcome. This can inspire future generations to pursue their dreams and goals despite any obstacles.

Personally, as an immigrant from South Korea, I am proud to be part of a community that has overcome many challenges and obstacles. My success is not just a reflection of my efforts but also of Asian American resilience, hard work, and sacrifices.

Professionally, this recognition underscores that my unique perspective and experience are valuable in fostering a more inclusive and collaborative environment. It reinforces the significance of diversity and inclusion in higher education.

What Advice Do You Have for the Next Generation of Nurses Looking to Follow in Your Footsteps?

Never say never! During my time at RCoN, I found Nursing Research to be my least favorite class. If someone had asked me back then if I had any interest in becoming a nurse scientist, I would have confidently answered ‘Heck no!’ However, as time went by, my perspective changed. I hold a PhD in Nursing Research and am a professor in this field, which I have come to love.

I encourage all undergraduate nursing students to approach each class and nursing experience as a stepping stone towards their ultimate nursing career.

Remember, finding the right nursing career path is often not a linear process, and every class or experience can provide valuable lessons. Keep an open mind and never be afraid to challenge yourself!

April 3, 2023

Female nurse instructing students about setting up an intravenous system

Research College of Nursing faculty continue to make outstanding contributions across the region through their leadership, scholarship, and service. It is an honor and a privilege to have many of Kansas City’s leading nurse educators as part of our college community.

Each year, The Research Foundation provides scholarships and awards to nurse educators for their impact within their college, community, and the nursing profession. Congratulations to the 2023 Nursing Faculty Development Award recipients!

To view the full list of 2023 award recipients and learn more about their achievements, please visit The Research Foundation’s website.