Our Crowdfunding Groups
Karen Dianne Wood Cotter, beloved wife, sister, friend, and professor slipped away into the arms of her Savior Jesus on October 29, 2022. She was born October 5, 1969, in Ft Worth. she lived a remarkable life. A passionate nursing teacher, professor, missionary and choir member, Karen loved the Lord and His people through her instruction and compassionate medical care. Karen earned her undergraduate degree from Oklahoma Baptist University and a Masters from Univ of Oklahoma. Karen further earned a PhD in nursing education from the University of Northern Colorado.
A dedicated and productive cross stitcher, she was an artist in every sense of the word. She and her husband Don loved to travel, see the Chicago Cubs play baseball, especially at Spring training. She immensely enjoyed overseas travel, getting to know other people in their cultures while participating in 13 different international missions, working to fit in with the local people before she left to return home. Many of these missions provided her with health care and health care education opportunities, the last one at the largest teaching university in Viet Nam. Above all, she especially enjoyed teaching. It was what she was made for. Once, she was asked to teach a class on evidence-based practices. She agreed to teach it without saying she didn’t know anything about the subject! She went to work and learned about it for the express purpose of teaching that course. Karen completed her career as Associate Dean of Pre-Licensure Programs and Clinical Assistant Professor, a role she relished profoundly. She recently served as a reviewer for manuscript submissions to the Nursing Education Perspectives Journal and serves on the conference planning committee for Nurse Educators Conference in the Rockies.
Throughout her distinguished career, Dr. Cotter has received many awards and honors. In 2008 she was honored with the Promising Teacher Award from Oklahoma Baptist University and was inducted into the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society for Nurses as a Community Leader in 2004. She was also recognized with the Outstanding Community Service Award from the College of Nursing at the University of Oklahoma in 2001.
She is preceded in death by her mother Judy Kalbas.
She is survived by her husband of 27 years, Don Cotter. Her sister Winona Ross and husband Craig of Joshua. Her brother Darin Wood, wife Julie of Midland. Her dad Robert Kalbas of Joshua. Father, Danny Wood and wife Lana of Ft Worth. Sister-in-law Colette and husband Barry. Sister-in-law Anette and husband Gary of Oklahoma City. Sister-in-law Jacque Kirtley and husband Mike of Salida, CO. Nephews and Nieces: Max, Jordan, Morgan, Kaitie, Kyle, Sean and Josh; a host of friends and a legacy of students she has taught over the course of her career.
*The family of Karen Cotter will be notified of all donors who help to support this fund in her memory.
