#USA #Lakeland #Florida Southern College #Brittany Behrens #nursing simulation

Florida Southern College Appoints Brittany Behrens

In a landmark decision that highlights its commitment to nursing education, Florida Southern College has named Brittany Behrens, MSN, RN, CNE, CHSE, the holder of the prestigious Maida Badcock Pou Endowed Chair in Nursing Simulation. This appointment marks a significant step towards enhancing the college's nursing program, benefiting students and the healthcare community at large.

This endowed chair is made possible through a generous donation from Florida Southern alumna Ebbie Sue Pou Doherty, class of 1981, in honor of her mother, Maida Badcock Pou. Maida was a remarkable figure whose influence as a Trustee Emerita and philanthropy left a lasting imprint on the college.

Brittany Behrens is a proud graduate of Florida Southern College, earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2014 and a Master of Science in Nursing Education in 2017. She began her journey at the college in 2015 as a part-time Simulation Lab Assistant and quickly transitioned to a full-time faculty role just two years later. In the past year, Brittany took on the role of Nursing Simulation Lab Manager and Instructor at the Ann Blanton Edwards School of Nursing and Health Sciences, where she has been instrumental in creating an engaging learning atmosphere for nursing students. Throughout her tenure, she has dedicated herself to ensuring students acquire critical nursing skills through enriching clinical experiences.

Upon receiving this esteemed title, Behrens expressed her gratitude, stating, “I am incredibly honored to receive the Maida Badcock Pou Endowed Chair in Nursing Simulation. This endowment enables Florida Southern College to enhance our simulation program, equipping students with high-quality experiences that foster critical thinking and clinical judgment skills. I am immensely thankful for this opportunity and the generosity that surrounds this institution.” Her vision is to ensure that graduates are well-prepared to meet the rigorous demands of the dynamic healthcare landscape.

Ebbie Sue Pou Doherty, who now serves as the retired Vice President of Employee Services at W.S. Badcock Corporation, voiced her pride in continuing her mother's legacy through this endowed chair. “We hope it will serve as a platform for future leaders in nursing simulation, continuing to push the limits in education and healthcare,” she remarked.

Florida Southern College, founded in 1883, holds the distinction of being the oldest private college in Florida. It remains dedicated to academic excellence, offering over 70 undergraduate programs as well as distinctive graduate degrees in business administration, education, nursing, and physical therapy. The college enjoys an impressive student-to-faculty ratio of 141, making it a national leader in engaged learning, coupled with a prestigious reputation reflected in its numerous NCAA Division II National Championships.

Recently, Florida Southern College was ranked #11 among “Best Regional Universities in the South” by U.S. News & World Report's 2025 edition, and it features in multiple categories for innovation and value schools. Moreover, the college is known for its unique architectural heritage, boasting the world’s largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture.

Brittany Behrens's new position not only exemplifies her personal achievements but also underscores the college's commitment to fostering future leaders in nursing education through innovative simulation training. This investment in enriching educational experiences will resonate throughout the broader healthcare community, ultimately improving the caliber of care provided to patients everywhere.

For more information about Florida Southern College and its programs, connect with them online or at their campus in Lakeland, Florida.