News Article

Let’s get to know a new member of our outstanding nursing faculty, Dr. Mark Foster. Well... we’re pretty sure Mark filled out the form. Read on to learn why.

Mark Foster

Name?

Dr. Mark Foster, DNP, APN, FNP-BC

Place of birth?

Paragould

Why did you choose A-State?

I chose A-State because I know firsthand the expertise of the nursing faculty and wealth of knowledge they bring to their students. I am honored to be on faculty here at A-State, the number one nursing program in Arkansas.

What makes a good professor?

A good professor is one that is able to relay that knowledge to his/her students in a retainable manner. I’ll always strive to be an approachable and accessible educator. I found those type of professors in my educational career to be the most effective.

What music is playing in your car?

I listen to a wide range of music, but prefer country.

Who was your favorite teacher (and why)?

Annette Stacy is the chairman of BSN program at Arkansas State. Not only is Ms. Stacy an excellent instructor, but an excellent mentor and former boss as well. She has an ease and balance of professionalism about her teaching and leaderships styles that I have always admired.

Only my friends know...

I have a younger brother Stanley Luke Foster. I also have an identical twin Stanley Matt Foster. You have noticed a “Stanley” theme in our family as we are all named after my father Stanley, as well as biblical theme. I must say it’s been quite confusing over years having Stanley M Foster with same birthdate etc. (same address growing up) which proved to be a challenge dealing with speeding tickets, college credits, and test scores etc. Yet some days being a twin has its advantages as well, I’ll have to admit we switched up classes a few times when we younger in grade school (the teachers played along for a bit)

What makes for a good student?

A good student would be one with an inquisitive mind and a thirst for more so than just the basic knowledge.

What’s the value of a university education?

Acquiring new knowledge and challenging oneself scholastically opens many doors that may not have been opened for many otherwise.

The television series I must TiVo...

I enjoy watching The Voice.

If you could teach another field, which one and why?

I can’t think of another field I would enjoy teaching in, nursing encompasses so many subspecialty fields, it could never get old. Yet if I must chose, I would likely chose history, I particularly enjoy Presidential history.

My pet peeve is...

people driving slow in the FAST lane!

What is the one thing you wish you could teach everyone about your field?

Nursing is a multifaceted degree. It open many doors not only in bedside nursing but in administration, teaching, and advanced practice. If you want a career that allows you to truly have an impact in people’s lives, nursing is a great career choice.

My favorite motion picture is...

I think August Rush would have to be my favorite. I think evokes a wide range of emotions and it’s appealing to those that are musically inclined as well as children.

My favorite trip was...

My favorite trips are usually to Washington, DC. I could spend days going through the Smithsonian and historical landmarks.

The best advice I ever received was...

Let those that try to push you down, inspire you more.

What is the one thing I’ve learned I’d tell my college self...

Straight A’s aren’t everything, be active, be involved, and make connections, I have yet to have an employer ask for my grade point.

My hobby is...

I spent of a lot of weekends working on family ancestry. I have always enjoyed history. In fact my first major was history before I switched to nursing.

My passion is...

I am advanced nurse practitioner and still practice one day a week. My passion is in helping others regardless of one’s current or past situations and/or belief systems. We are all human and we each deserve to be treated in a dignified way.

My favorite meal is...

A double cheeseburger special with season fries from Dog N Suds in Paragould. Dog N Suds is long standing drive in food establishment in Paragould that I would highly recommend!

A perfect day is...

My perfect day is relaxing and having nothing on my plate that I have to do, but at the same time finding something to do and being productive each day.

Cats or dogs?

I for sure prefer a dog over a cat. Cats are too sneaky for me.

E-book or hardback?

I prefer hardback books, I like the ability to be able to highlight, draw, and write notes in the book as I am reading.

Beach or mountains?

I’m not particularly a beach person, I much prefer the mountains.

My favorite saying is...

you are not going to live forever, better do it now.