Henry Guevara is an example of homegrown talent who chose occupational nursing, and his dedication and credentials allowed him to seize opportunities, primarily in Central Texas. Southwestern University helped him get started, but his educational path didn’t end there.

The ink was probably not dry on his Georgetown High School diploma when he entered SU at 17. He says he “knew about the excellent school in our community,” and loved the teaching style of Dr. Bob Soulen in organic chemistry. “He was a true master professor and had a gift for teaching. He would introduce a concept and ensure all students understood the content before moving forward.”

Apart from classes which eventually resulted in a Bachelor of Applied Sciences degree in 1981, Henry pledged Pi Kappa Alpha and served on the Student Judiciary Committee. He was the first in his family to graduate from college. But he didn’t stop with just one graduation. Henry received his BSN degree from UTMB in Galveston, MSN and Ph.D. degrees from UT Austin, and an MPH from UNC-Chapel Hill.

All of this led to a career as “an occupational health nurse practitioner who provides care to the corporation’s employees. This includes injury care, medical surveillance exams, immunizations, and well visit exams.” Among his early employers were Dell, IBM, and Georgetown Hospital. He has staffed UT Austin’s Dell Medical School and the City of Austin’s Sexual Health Clinic.

Most recently, Henry initiated the occupational health program for Neuralink Corp. This firm places electrodes near neurons in the brain that carry information about everything we see, feel, touch, or think. In areas of the brain dedicated to movement, electrodes detect action potential for disabled persons.

Henry has been recognized for his accomplishments at each of the institutions where he earned degrees and by the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses. He has received several scholarships and professional development awards. As a way to give back and, “since we continue to face a nursing shortage,” he says, “I also teach one class per semester at either UT Austin or the Texas State School of Nursing. I love patient care and love to teach, so I continue to work.” And he says he has patterned his teaching style similar to Dr. Soulen’s.

Southwestern was just a launching pad for Henry Guevara, but look where he landed—helping employees as they produce cutting-edge technology for brain stimulation.

- Written by Iris Bullard Foster ‘75