NATCHITOCHES – Rebecca Farmer has been named head of the School of Allied Health and Dr. Melissa Rennie has been named senior director of nursing at Northwestern State University, according to Dean of the College of Nursing and School of Allied Health Dr. Aimee Badeaux. The appointments are subject to approval by the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System.
“Ms. Farmer has demonstrated outstanding leadership within the School of Allied Health and has been instrumental in the continued growth and development of our programs,” said Badeaux. “She is deeply committed to our students and faculty, and I am confident she will continue to strengthen our allied health programs and the communities they serve.”
“Dr. Rennie brings tremendous experience in nursing education and academic leadership, along with a strong commitment to faculty development, student success and program excellence,” said Badeaux. “I am very pleased to have her serving in this important leadership role as we continue to strengthen and advance our nursing programs.”
The head of the School of Allied Health (SAH) serves as the academic and administrative leader for both undergraduate and graduate allied health programs. This position provides visionary leadership and operational oversight to ensure academic excellence, faculty development, program effectiveness and regulatory compliance across the department. The department head fosters collaboration among faculty, students and external partners, and plays a key role in strategic planning, curricular innovation and student success.
Farmer will lead radiologic science and diagnostic medical sonography programs. A registered radiologic technologist and mammographer, Farmer has dedicated her career to healthcare education, workforce development and preparing the next generation of allied health professionals.
Farmer earned a Master of Science in Radiologic Sciences and holds professional credentials as RT(R)(M). She is completing her Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership at Louisiana Tech University. Her dissertation, “Leadership Knowledge, Skills, and Dispositions and Perceived Competence in Radiologic Science Leaders,” examines how radiologic science leaders develop leadership competence, the educational and experiential pathways that contribute to their development, and opportunities to better prepare professionals for leadership roles in clinical and academic settings.
Her professional interests include leadership development, healthcare workforce preparation, competency-based education, faculty development, artificial intelligence in healthcare education and strengthening connections between academic preparation and professional practice. Across her teaching, scholarship, and administrative leadership, Farmer said she is committed to creating educational opportunities that support student success while maintaining high academic and professional standards.
“I have a commitment to students, faculty and the healthcare professionals they ultimately serve,” said Farmer. “Effective leadership is grounded in relationships, ethical responsibility, lifelong learning, reflection and creating opportunities for others to grow and succeed. I hope to help students find opportunities, support faculty in becoming their best and strengthen programs that serve our communities.”
The senior director of nursing serves as the academic and administrative leader for all undergraduate and graduate nursing programs within the College of Nursing. This position provides strategic direction, operational oversight and support to program directors and faculty to ensure excellence in teaching, research, service and regulatory compliance. The senior director works closely with the Dean, program leadership and university stakeholders to promote academic quality, faculty development and student success. This role includes coordination of accreditation and licensure compliance activities to ensure continued program approval and high standards across all nursing programs.
Rennie has more than 30 years of nursing and healthcare experience spanning clinical practice, case management, academic leadership and nursing education. She earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice in Organizational Systems Leadership from Northwestern State and has served in a variety of faculty and leadership roles within undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral nursing programs.
“Over the next few years, I hope to build on the great work already happening in our department by supporting our faculty, helping students succeed and strengthening partnerships with our healthcare partners,” said Rennie.
Rennie has been recognized for her commitment to excellence in nursing education, faculty development, curriculum innovation and student success. Her achievements include being named Nurse of the Year (2025) and Nursing Educator of the Year (2021) by the Northwestern State College of Nursing. She is actively involved in professional organizations and community service initiatives, serving on the Board of Directors of the Shreveport District Nurses Association and contributing to regional healthcare and nursing education advancement.
Information on academic programs within Northwestern State’s College of Nursing and School of Allied Health is available at https://www.nsula.edu/academics/colleges-and-schools/consah.