Soiree Magazine Names Davidson a ‘Women to Watch 2023’
2023 has been an exciting year for Dr. Sloan Davidson, director of the School of Nursing at UA Little Rock.
The 15-year university veteran has just received continuing accreditation for the associate and bachelor’s nursing degree programs and will be promoted from associate professor to full professor on July 1.
The cherry on top of her recent accomplishments is being named to Soiree Magazine’s 2023 Class of Women to Watch.
“It feels like a real honor to know that I am a part of this group of fantastic women from all around Little Rock,” she said.
Davidson joins a talented group of 35 other local movers and shakers who are being recognized for making a big impact in business, philanthropy, and the community. She was especially thrilled to be in Women to Watch with her longtime friend, Angie Akin Longing, chief nurse executive at CHI St. Vincent.
“We went to high school together and played basketball together from junior high on,” Davidson said. “It’s pretty cool that both of us are in this small select group of women during the same year. The Beebe girls are making a difference!”
A registered nurse of 31 years, Davidson joined UA Little Rock in 2008 after previously working for 15 years as a labor and delivery nurse in Searcy. She earned an associate degree from Arkansas State University-Beebe, a bachelor’s degree in nursing from AdventHealth University, a master’s degree in nursing education from Walden University, and a Ph.D. in nursing from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.
Originally, Davidson never pictured following a career in nursing, but a kind encounter with a nurse following the birth of her first son, Mark Davidson Jr., in 1991 changed her mind.
“Nursing is never something I thought I would do growing up,” she said. “I was a medical technology major and then a history major. I had my first child, and it showed me a different side of nursing. Having a baby made me want to be a labor and delivery nurse.”
Davidson was already a working wife and mother before she started nursing school, an experience that she says helps her connect with her students.
“Many of our students at UA Little Rock are non-traditional students,” Davidson said. “I understand what it’s like for many of our students as they go to school, have a job, and raise a family all at the same time.”
Having just celebrated her fifth anniversary as nursing director, Davidson said that the differences the School of Nursing team makes in the lives of their students is what keeps her coming back to her job.
“I work with the best group of nurse educators and staff around,” she said. “I’m proud to be a part of our team of faculty and staff.”
