West serves as a family nurse practitioner at the Charleston Rural Health Clinic and Schmitz Family Practice in Charleston, Ark. She is a veteran of the United States Army and Air Force. She graduated from FSCC in 1983 with a licensed practical nurse certificate and with an associate of science degree in nursing in 1984. “I was only 17 when I attended FSCC and had no idea at the time what an impact the foundation would have on my future,” said West. “Every step of my life and career has been based on those early years spent at FSCC.” While attending FSCC, West worked at Mercy Hospital Fort Scott as a nurse’s aide and licensed practical nurse. She attended Pittsburg State University from 1984 to 1985 and Wentworth Military Academy/Junior College from 1986 to 1987. She earned her bachelor of science degree in nursing from Missouri Southern State College in 1990, and master of science degree in nursing in 1994. From 1984 to 1986, West served as a registered nurse at Mercy Hospital Fort Scott. West went on to serve as a charge nurse at Heartland Hospital until 1990. She served as a registered nurse, staff development assistant, and education committee chairperson at the Missouri Department of Mental Health from 1990 to 1991. West worked at the Missouri Department of Health, serving as case manager from 1991 to 1996, community health nurse from 1991 to 1993, public health coordinator from 1993 to 1994, and family nurse practitioner from 1994 to 1996. She also served as a clinical faculty preceptor for the University of Missouri from 1995 to 1996. From 1991 to 1995, she served in the the U.S. Army Reserve as a first lieutenant and as a captain of the 188th Fighter Wing of the U.S. Air Force from 1997 to 1999. She served as a family nurse practitioner at the Northside Community Health Center from 1996 to 1999. West is an active member of her church and community. She serves as a preceptor for nurse practitioner and nursing students and provides physical exams to student-athletes at local schools. She is also member of the Christian Women’s Job Corps Advisory Board, Kiwanis, American Legion, Bible Study Fellowship, and University of Kansas Alumni Association. West resides in Charleston, Ark., with her husband, Jim. She has three children, Brad, Ellen, and Clay.