Davidson Honored for Being a ‘Patriotic Employer’ to Military Spouse
The head of UA Little Rock’s nursing program was honored for being a ‘patriotic employer’ to a fellow nursing professor whose spouse serves in the Arkansas National Guard.
Dr. Sloan Davidson, director of the School of Nursing at UA Little Rock, was among a group of a few dozen people who were invited to Camp Joseph T. Robinson on March 2 to be honored for their support as employers of the members of America’s National Guard and Reserve Force.
Davidson participated in an Employer Support Boss Lift event sponsored by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a Department of Defense Office, and the 77th Aviation Brigade of the Arkansas National Guard.
Davidson was nominated for the experience by Jennifer Dostert, a nursing professor at UA Little Rock who is the wife of Sergeant First Class Brandon Dostert. Davidson had the unique position of being the only member of the group who was nominated for the award by a military spouse, rather than a military member.
“Jennifer and Brandon have three kids who are really active in extracurricular activities,” Davidson said. “It’s a lot on Jennifer’s plate when she is being a single parent when her husband is deployed and on duty.”
In her nomination letter, Jennifer Dostert described how supportive Davidson has been to her while her husband was deployed and attended missions away from home.
“It would have been easy for someone in her position to simply say my personal life isn’t the school’s problem, but she didn’t,” Jennifer wrote. “She not only supported me but encouraged me personally and professionally. With all the years of stress that goes with being a military spouse, I can’t express my gratitude enough for the years of understanding and support that makes UA Little Rock School of Nursing not only the best school, but its lead by professionals like Dr. Davidson who truly care about the mental and physical wellbeing of those who work and study there.”
During the Boss Lift event, Davidson got to meet with military officials and officers, took a tour of Camp Robinson, got to learn how soldiers eat by eating a lunch of MREs (Meal, Ready-to-Eat), and learned about the importance of having good employers who are flexible enough to support the employment of military members and their families. Her favorite part of the day by far was riding in a UH-60 Blackhawk Helicopter around central Arkansas and over Pinnacle Mountain.
“Brandon Dostert was there to make sure I got the best seat on the helicopter,” Davidson said. “He had me sitting in the jump seat where he would normally sit. I had the prime spot, and it was a very cool experience. He flies in the chopper all the time, and it was fun to have him with me to explain everything.”
Sloan was even more surprised when she learned she was one of just three members out of the group to receive the Patriotic Employer Award from the Employer Support of the Guard and Defense. The award recognizes employers who contribute to national security and protect liberty and freedom by supporting employee participation in America’s National Guard and Reserve Force.
“I was just stunned to receive the award,” Davidson said. “They talked about why it was a special nomination because it came from the spouse of a service member. Brandon Dostert was there to hand me and take pictures, so it was a really special and impactful day.”
