Molly Perry serves as a Nursing Professor and Clinical Instructor in the School of Nursing at Howard Payne University. She teaches Clinical III: Maternal, Newborn, and Pediatrics, as well as Community Health. With a passion for nursing, education, and serving others, Perry is dedicated to helping students develop not only the clinical knowledge and skills needed to become successful nurses, but also the compassion and Godly care that are essential to the profession.
Perry began her career in education as a high school Science teacher, teaching Chemistry and helping students experience those rewarding “ah-ha” moments when challenging concepts finally became clear. Although she loved teaching, she felt God calling her toward a new direction. She followed that calling into nursing, beginning with an Associate Degree in Nursing before earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing Education. Her background in both science education and nursing has given her a unique perspective on teaching and caring for others.
Perry is particularly passionate about Community Health because of the opportunity it provides nurses to make an impact beyond the hospital setting. She encourages students to recognize that caring for patients involves understanding the broader factors that influence health and well-being, including a person’s environment, socioeconomic circumstances, access to health care, and access to nutritious food. Through Community Health education, she hopes students learn to view themselves not simply as nurses who care for individual patients, but as advocates and active participants in the health of their communities.
One of Perry’s favorite aspects of teaching at Howard Payne is the sense of camaraderie within the School of Nursing. She appreciates the strong relationships among faculty, staff, and students and believes that navigating the challenges of nursing education together creates a unique sense of community. She especially enjoys working with students who are passionate, hardworking, and eager to grow.
Perry has been part of the Howard Payne community for nearly four years and is in her first year teaching at the collegiate level. She also continues to practice nursing as an emergency room nurse at Coleman County Medical Center, allowing her to bring current clinical experience into the classroom.
Outside of teaching and nursing, Perry enjoys spending time with her family, which she describes as her world. She loves plants and has an extensive collection of indoor and outdoor plants. She is currently working on a greenhouse for personal use. She also enjoys reading, attending her children’s sporting events, and contributing to Nursing School accreditation documentation. Perry and her family attend Victory Life Church in Brownwood. Her favorite color is purple.
