ABOUT US

The Big Country Area Health Education Center (AHEC), a non-profit organization, was created in March 2005 through a partnership between Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and Presbyterian Medical Mission.

The Big Country AHEC is physically located in Abilene and offers health career development and community-based training services to the 28 counties of the region.

Our mission is to address the health care provider shortage and improve health care access in West Texas through education and development of the health care work force.

STAFF

Kelly Cheek, Center Director

Before coming to the AHEC, Kelly was Development Officer for the Grady McWhiney Research Foundation. Kelly’s background also includes positions as Assistant Administrator for Sears Methodist Center and Executive Director of the Economic Development Corporation of Stamford, Texas. He also served as the Community Development Administrator for the City of Abilene. Kelly holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from McMurry University. He also holds a Master of Science degree in Social Service Administration from Abilene Christian University.

Ronnie Laurance, Director of Special Projects

Prior to a brief venture into Workforce Development, Ronnie was the Director of the Big Country AHEC during the first 2 1/2 years of its operation.  Before coming to the Big Country AHEC, Ronnie was the Education Coordinator for the Abilene Independent School District Early Head Start Program.  Ronnie’s background also includes positions as Quality Initiatives Coordinator, Training and Curriculum Specialist, Recreation Center Coordinator and College Instructor.  Ronnie has an Associates of Science degree in Child Development and a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology both from Abilene Christian University. He has a Master of Education degree in Counseling and Human Development from Hardin Simmons University.

Heather Lierman, Health Careers Promotion Coordinator

Heather graduated from Lubbock Christian High School where her father still coaches football.  In May, 2008, Heather received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Exercise Science from Abilene Christian University.  Heather has a strong commitment to teaching youth about the benefits of healthy living and the opportunities available in health careers.

Michael Smith, Administrative Assistant

Before coming to AHEC, Michael served in various ministerial roles as youth minister, education coordinator, visitation director, and other internships.  Michael was a Site Coordinator and trainer for the 21st Century Books and Beyond Program with the Youth Department of the West Central Texas Council of Governments.  Michael has experience in youth development, leadership training, teaching, preaching, administration, and sales.  Michael has an Associates of Arts degreee in Religion from Jacksonville College, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religion from East Texas Baptist University, and a Masters of Divinity degree from Logsdon Seminary, an extension of Hardin-Simmons University.

Big Country AHEC Advisory Board

Cade Browning (2011)
Browning Eyssen, PC
Attorneys at Law

David Cory, LCSW (2010)
Branch Chair NASW Abilene Branch

Pam Danner, Ex Officio
Program Director
West Texas AHEC

Charlie Davis (2009)
Diagnostician/Transition Coordinator
West Central Texas SSA

Honorable Tim Fambrough (2010)
Nolan County Judge

Remelle Farrar (2011)
Director
Knox County Visioning Team

Honorable Travis Floyd (2010), President
Knox County Judge

James Hailey (2011)
Director of Emergency Medical Services
Stephens Memorial Hospital

Nicki Harle (2011), Secretary
Executive Director
Texas Midwest Community Network

Ella Raye Helms (2008)
Administrator
Fisher County Hospital

Margaret Hensley (2010)
FNP, Hensley Clinic

Susan Jones, RN (2011)
Executive Director
Shackelford County Community Resource Center

Stephen Kuehler (2012)
Adminisrator
Knox County Hospital

Honorable Jerry Marshall, DDS (2011)
Mayor of Rotan

Lora McCullough (2011)
Student
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Pharmacy

Burrell McKelvain (2010)
Provost, Resource Development
Texas State Technical College - West Texas

Jackolyn Morgan, RN, MSN (2011)
Director, Nursing Programs
Cisco Junior Collegel

Scott Nail (2012)
Administrator
Hardeman County Memorial Hospital

Mike Nall (2010)
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Pharmacy

Tammy Nall (2009)
School Counselor
Madison Middle School

Wes Netz (2012)
Mental Health Professional
Abilene ISD-Early Head Start

Lesa Oswalt, RN (2010)
Acute Care Manager
Eastland Memorial Hospital

Jimmy Parker (2010)
Coleman Bank

Perry Reeves, PhD (2012)
Chair, Health Professions Advisory Committee
Abilene Christian University

R.K. Rickard, R.Ph. (2011)
Administrator
North Runnels Hospital

Lawrence Rugar, BA, MS (2011), Vice President
Director of Risk Management
Abilene Christian University

Charlotte Speegle (2011)
Director of Workforce Development
Cisco Junior College

Honorable Dale Spurgin (2011)
Jones County Judge

Brent Wallace (2010)
Division Chair of Business Administration and Management Instructor
Cisco Junior College

George Woodward, MD (2011)
Medical Care Mission