Paula Rowden is a lifetime resident of southwest Kansas. She was born in Dodge City and has lived in Hugoton for the past 44 years. Paula is a retired registered nurse with a master’s degree in public health. She received her undergraduate degree from Newman University, Wichita, and her master’s degree from the University of Kansas. Paula began her nursing career in 1989 working in long term care as a quality control nurse. In 1992 she accepted the position of Home Health/Community Health Director for Stevens County Hospital and remained in that position until 2006. At that time, she organized the Stevens County Health Department and was the agency administrator for over 16 years.

Paula helped develop public health programs for Stevens County and gained insight in grant writing which helped support the growth and development of public health in Stevens County. She is passionate about public health and addressing the needs of underserved populations. In 2023, Paula retired from her position as the administrator of public health services in Stevens County but she remains focused on the needs of the underserved by volunteering her time at the local food pantry. In addition to working as a volunteer, she continues to write grants seeking funding to help support the work of the food pantry.

Paula and her spouse Jack have two adult daughters, who are both educators, and one grandson. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, reading, listening to music, and playing the guitar as well as painting. Paula remains grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the mission of the Western Kansas Community Foundation and looks forward to promoting the foundation throughout southwest Kansas.