Royce Freebourn credits Dr. Audean Duespohl, former Dean of the School of Nursing and Interim Executive Dean of the Venango Campus, for his successful beginning in the field of nursing.

    “Dr. Duespohl and her staff worked hard to make their students the best. They went above and beyond to guide and mentor us so we’d become professional, knowledgeable, and caring registered nurses.”

    Mr. Freebourn resides in Texas, where he is CEO of Community Management Services, which manages Community Care Center in three locations, skilled nursing facilities with a total of 309 beds, and Provident Medical Supplies, which provides the facilities with medical supplies.

    An Erie native, Mr. Freebourn found his calling at an early age. He was a junior fireman, first aid and CPR instructor and EMT, all by the age of 16.  His strong faith led him to nursing and he chose Clarion for his education.

    “Clarion University’s registered nursing program was a prime way to continue helping people in the medical field,” he says, “close to home and affordable!”

    Mr. Freebourn was an active student while at the Venango Campus, serving as vice-president of Student Senate and editor of the yearbook. He continued his education at Alliance College, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology.

    Mr. Freebourn and his wife, Rosemarie, are the parents of four children: Justin, 20; Yvonne, 18; Anthony, 16; and Lucas, 14.

    “I will never forget the Venango Campus and the friends I made there,” said Mr. Freebourn. “Many lives have been saved or improved thanks to God’s help and the wonderful education I and others received at Clarion University–Venango Campus.