In Memoriam: Dr. Alice McEachern
We honor the life and legacy of Dr. Alice McEachern, a distinguished nurse, educator, mentor, and leader whose contributions to nursing education and her community have left an indelible mark. Dr. McEachern's unwavering dedication to her students, profession, and community exemplified the highest ideals of service, compassion, and resilience.
Dr. McEachern devoted over 20 years to clinical nursing before transitioning to education, where she spent 16 years inspiring future generations of nurses at institutions across Oklahoma, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Texas. At Grayson College, she served in numerous leadership roles, including Director of the Licensed Vocational Nursing program and Coordinator of the RN-BSN Program. Dr. McEachern’s tireless mentorship and support for her students ensured their success, both academically and professionally.
Her dedication extended beyond the classroom. A proud member of the North Texas Nurse Honor Guard, Dr. McEachern also mentored aspiring nurses through the Texas Nurses Association and volunteered her time with the Main Street Association in Denison, Texas. Her commitment to the nursing profession and her community was unwavering, earning her the admiration of colleagues, students, and peers alike.
Dr. McEachern’s contributions were recognized with numerous awards, including the Frances "Dutchess" Hatley Endowed Chair for Nursing Instruction and the Roberta Pond Leadership Scholarship Award. She was also the recipient of the Outstanding Clinical Nursing Practice Award and Academic Achievement Award from the University of Oklahoma's Fran and Earl Ziegler College of Nursing. This fall, Dr. McEachern was nominated by Grayson College for the Piper Professor with the Minnie Piper Stevens Piper Foundation, which honors outstanding professors from two and four-year colleges and universities .
Even in the face of a terminal diagnosis, Dr. McEachern’s courage and determination never faltered. She continued to teach her full course load, mentor students, attend recruitment fairs, and inspire her colleagues with her remarkable resilience. Her ability to prioritize her students’ success while battling her illness was a testament to her unparalleled dedication and strength.
“Dr. Alice McEachern's impact on our college community is immeasurable,” Grayson College President Dr. Jeremy McMillen said. “Alice exemplified the very best of what it means to be an educator, mentor, and leader. Her influence will continue to shape our institution and the lives of countless students for years to come.”
Dr. McEachern embodied the mission of Grayson College: student success. She was the epitome of excellence in teaching, mentorship, and leadership, leaving behind a legacy of inspiration and impact that will endure for generations. Her life’s work has forever enriched the nursing profession and her community. She will be deeply missed but fondly remembered for her compassion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.
A Celebration of Life for Dr. Alice McEachern will be held Monday, December 2 from 11am-1pm in the CWL Auditorium at Grayson College. The event is come and go, with the North Texas Nurse Honor Guard conducting a brief ceremony at noon.
Additional information can be found on the Johnson-Moore Funeral Homes website