NATCHITOCHES – Dr. Kelli Welch Haynes, professor and director of the Radiologic Science program at Northwestern State University, will be elevated to Fellow of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) at the upcoming ASRT annual meeting in June.

To be recognized as a Fellow of the ASRT is one of the highest honors a radiologic technologist can receive, and only a fraction of the 225,000 radiologic technologists in the United States receive this honor.

“It is truly an honor to be recognized by our national society,” Haynes said. “This has been a professional goal of mine for a few years and I am truly humbled to be in the company of people who have inspired me, who have helped shape my thinking and who have helped me realize the potential of our profession to truly make a difference. Thanks to the ASRT, I am fortunate to consider so many members friends. I feel it is important to be involved in your profession and do so by volunteering with our professional organizations.  They need us.”

To be considered for this status, the recipient must have made outstanding contributions to the radiologic science profession and the ASRT through research (podium presentations and writing) and service to the profession. As a scholar, Haynes has written multiple textbooks and textbook chapters, numerous refereed articles and has presented over 100 presentations at the state, national and international levels. In service, she has chaired and co-chaired numerous radiologic science committees at the local, state and national level.

“Without a doubt, Dr. Haynes’ example of professionalism and service to the radiologic science profession has served as a positive example for students and faculty, and her contributions have brought recognition to the College of Nursing and School of Allied Health,” said Dr. Joel Hicks, interim dean of NSU’s College of Nursing and School of Allied Health.  “NSU is one of only a handful of institutions in the nation that can boast having two fellows as part of their faculty, with Dr. Laura Aaron receiving this honor in 2013.”

Haynes graduated from NSU in 1995  and practiced as a radiologic technologist for five years before she began teaching at NSU. She has been part of the NSU faculty for 20 years, beginning as an instructor and, after earning a doctorate, achieved full professor.  She currently holds the Pauline Uli Zysek Endowed Professorship that has allowed her to attend conferences and participate in research.

Founded in 1920, the mission of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists is to advance and elevate the medical imaging and radiation therapy profession and to enhance the quality and safety of patient care. ASRT strives to be the premier professional association for the medical imaging and radiation therapy community through education, advocacy, research and innovation.

“I am grateful for NSU for supporting and encouraging professional involvement. This honor will motivate me to continue make positive contributions to our profession,” Haynes said.

Information on radiologic science and other degree programs offered through Northwestern State’s School of Allied Health is available at https://nursing.nsula.edu/allied-health-programs/.