PHILANDER SMITH
COLLEGE HEALTH
SERVICES DEPARTMENT
Meet the Staff
Dr. Harold Betton has served the community for many years, working diligently to heal the mind, body and souls of those within his reach. He started his medical practice in 1978, presently located at 1505 West 11th Street in Little Rock, AR. He has been a minister for 17 years.
He began his educational quest at the University of Arkansas. He majored in Plant Pathology and received his bachelor's degree in Agriculture in 1969. He earned his master’s degree in Natural Science there in 1971. His focus of study was Biochemistry. He graduated his medical degree from the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle in 1975.
Dr. Betton answered the call to ministry in 1993 and currently serves as the pastor of New Light Baptist Church, located at 3110 South Battery Street, Little Rock, AR. He received an master's of arts degree in Biblical Studies from Trinity College and Seminary in Newburgh, Ind., in 2000. He furthered his divinity studies there and earned his doctorate degree in Biblical Studies in 2005. He enjoys an adjunct professorship in the Division of Religion at Arkansas Baptist College.
Dr. Betton has been the physician for the students at Philander Smith College for several years and is an asset to the institution.
Christal A. Waller, MNSc, APN, WHNP-BC received a bachelor's of science degree in nursing from the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Ala. She began her nursing career taking care of patients suffering with general medical illnesses and recovering from general and orthopedic surgeries. Here she received a national certification in Medical-Surgical Nursing. Her love for perioperative services led her to progress to the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) where she achieved certification in Advanced Cardiac Life Support.
She earned a master’s degree in Nursing Science from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in 2000. Her field of study was Nursing Administration. After working in nursing management at St. Vincent Infirmary Medical Center, and teaching in the College of Nursing at the University of Central Arkansas, she decided to advance her nursing practice. She received a Post Master’s Certificate in Women’s Health from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and achieved national board certification in women’s health. She enjoys her advanced collaborative practice at Serenity Health Center for Women, PA with Larry H. Waller, MD/Obstetrician and Gynecologist.
Nurse Christal has been the campus nurse for Philander Smith College since 2008 and strives to promote health maintenance and disease management for the college community.