Dr. Mildred Hogstel: a long-term passion for nursing

Fort Worth, TX

12/1/2009

By: Shannon Shepler, Schieffer School of Journalism

Since entering the field of nursing more than sixty years ago, Mildred Hogstel has become a bonafied-nursing guru, specializing in upper-level education and improvements within the specialization of gerontology.

However, more intriguing than the plaques covering her walls and the numerous textbooks with “Hogstel” listed as the author on her shelves, is the profound impact she left on TCU’s Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences and its students who work everyday to improve the lives of others.

Graduating from Clifton High School in 1964, Hogstel had high hopes of leaving her small hometown in order to earn her certification in nursing from Texas Lutheran University. (At that time, nursing degrees were not common or required.) Upon receiving her Registered Nurse certification, she studied at the Providence School of Nursing in Waco and Baylor University where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing Education.

“I chose nursing education instead of practice because I wanted to focus on the more theoretical aspects of practice rather than the clinical aspect,” Dr. Hogstel said. Interestingly enough, she thrived in clinicals during school and while working at Hardin Simmons University. Her favorite shifts: ER and trauma surgery. “I absolutely loved the excitement and the fast-paced learning environment of ER,” she said.

These experiences motivated Dr. Hogstel to continue pursuing lofty goals. Her next step was enrolling in the University of Texas’ master’s of science in nursing from where she graduated in 1960. Some of her fondest memories, which would have a drastic impact on her teaching theories and practices, came from her placement as a clinical nurse in Galveston, Texas. There she was able to practice general nursing and work during several major storms and natural disasters. Dr. Hogstel completed her education by earning her Ph.D. from the University of North Texas in higher education and nursing research. However, she soon discovered that her passion was in higher education for nursing.

Dr. Hogstel accepted an instructor role teaching general nursing at TCU in 1966 when the Harris College consisted of only 300 students.

“Nursing is such an integral part of our society and I wanted to make sure my students knew how large of a responsibility they were taking upon themselves,” she said. Dr. Hogstel served on the curriculum committee for Harris College where she helped structure the courses into the rigorous program students undergo today.

As a young adult, Dr. Hogstel was the primary caretaker for her father who lived with her until he passed away at age 97. Between caring for her father and grandmother, she learned that elderly patients were often not given the same quality of care as other patients. She explained that Harris had a pediatrics course requirement, but lacked the geriatrics courses. This became her main concern and she headed the team to implement the program. Dr. Hogstel also held a special position as the TCU Abell-Hanger Professor of Gerontological Nursing to ensure that there was a focus on gerontology research and teaching at TCU.

Dr. Hogstel later became an emeritus professor in 1994, yet still maintained her avid involvement with the Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences as a guest lecturer and writer. Her love and commitment to TCU is deep rooted (she recently moved to live closer to TCU).

“Everybody is just so kind at TCU,” Dr. Hogstel said. “The faculty is a team and they are some of my best of friends. TCU is simply made up of truly good people.”

Currently, Dr. Hogstel writes nursing textbooks, gerontology handbooks and research publications with writing partners from TCU, Dr. Linda Curry and Dr. Charles Walker. Dr. Walker was also one of her original students at TCU and is still an active faculty member.

Recently, the TCU Healthy Aging Center was awarded the Mildred Hogstel Award, which is given to programs dedicated to helping the aging and elderly.

“I am honored to be involved in this program and hope that we can continue to practice and teach excellence within the field of gerontology,” Dr. Hogstel said humbly. Among other awards from TCU and the Harris College, she has been honored as “Outstanding Woman of Fort Worth” and others given by the Senior Citizens Alliance of Tarrant County. Furthermore, she serves as the chairman of the Assisted Living Transitions Committee at Trinity Lutheran Church.

Dr. Hogstel has become a household name among nursing students and professionals within the Metroplex due to her extensive successes in nursing and ultimately her selfless love of the field. Her most inspirational moments come from seeing her students share that same love. During Dr. Hogstel’s surgery several years ago, her anesthesiology nurse was one of her own Harris students! Dr. Hogstel said seeing her students in action “makes all the hard work seem wonderful.”