Devoting 50+ years to any endeavor is a rare feat … For Georgia Seward, who is driven by purpose, it seems easy. This adjunct professor at Baptist Health College retired in 2021 and returned one month later to continue her work with nursing students. It began in 1967 at Arkansas Baptist Hospital; Georgia worked in critical care as well as a nursing supervision and education. “When I applied, I wrote on my application, ‘I want to help people,’” she recalls. “I wanted to be a nurse since I was five years old and got my vaccinations from the county health nurse. She explained everything to me and was so kind, and I was just enthralled. When we left, I said, ‘Mama, I’m going to be a nurse when I grow up.’”
To this day, she continues this work with compassionate care. After earning a nursing diploma, Georgia pursued a Bachelor of Science from the University of Central Arkansas then obtained both a master’s degree in hospital administration and nursing. For more than three decades, Georgia served in the military including the United States Army Reserve across Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas. In 1975, while working in the intensive care unit at Baptist Health Little Rock, she helped establish the Central Arkansas Chapter of Critical Care Nurses.
For this determination and drive, Georgia will be recognized with Baptist Health Foundation Power of Purpose Award. The award celebrates the spirit of service and extraordinary commitment. “Our recipients have made a significant impact in our community, through their leadership and dedication, serving as a catalyst for positive change and an inspiration for others to live purpose-driven lives,” explains Baptist Health Foundation Chief Development Officer Lena Hayes.
The Power of Purpose Award is a highlight of the Bolo Bash Reception & Luncheon. Special guest Georgina Chapman, former judge of Project Runway and the founder and creative director of Marchesaco will share insight and inspiration. Proceeds support the Baptist Health College Little Rock facility expansion and improvements to increase student enrollment and enrich learning. Georgia understands the importance of philanthropy as an integral part of healthcare, so much so that she created the Georgia Seward Endowed Scholarship in 2010 to support nursing students. “I set up a scholarship because it is so hard for some nursing students to make ends meet,” Georgia elaborates, “When I went to school, it wasn’t nearly as expensive as it is now. This scholarship is for anything the student needs – tuition, books, lodging, utilities, etc.”
Georgia’s accolades include Great 100 Nurses in Arkansas as well as an impressive tenure of community service: singing in the church choir, membership in Reserve Officers Association and Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Honor Society. She is humbled and grateful for her esteemed career. “I never, ever thought about being recognized. Nursing is my calling, which is the reason I’m still doing it.”
Bolo Bash Reception & Luncheon
October 9 & 10