The University of Tennessee Health Science Center URSING N FALL 2009 Annual Report Dean’s Message Today’s economic news may In addition to the increased activity in our have you thinking not much is academic programs, faculty and students have also going on at the UTHSC College been ramping up their efforts in research, practice of Nursing, but you couldn’t and outreach. Research funding continues to grow as be more wrong! This year’s our PhD program begins its third decade, and faculty- annual report provides data that practice is experiencing expansion. clearly illustrate this point. Rather This past year also marked a new high in the than just maintaining the status involvement of students and faculty in extracurricular quo, the College of Nursing has activities. Whether it’s staffing community health responded to the challenge and is fairs, participating in fundraising events, or traveling more active and productive than ever before. to clinics in third-world countries, the contributions This past year we’ve undergone three accreditation of our students and faculty speak volumes about their visits, all with stellar results; our faculty, students personal commitments to make a difference in the and alumni have received national recognitions health of our local and global communities. for their accomplishments; we implemented the Challenge and change, can be a recipe for turmoil, region’s first Dedicated Education Unit (DEU); and uncertainty and stress; it can also provide a foundation welcomed the first cohort of second-degree Master’s for creativity and innovation. We have chosen to make RN-Entry students who will also be prepared to sit for it the latter. As we plan for the future, we do so with certification as a Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL). the knowledge that we will be stronger and more vital As our student body pushes 400, we are enrolling than ever. and graduating more students than ever and expect to maintain enrollment despite significant budget cuts. True to our legacy of academic innovation, the College of Nursing is keeping an eye toward the future and preparing these graduates for excellence in their future careers. The college’s leadership in DNP education and this year’s implementation of the DEU Donna Hathaway, Dean and the MSN-CNL RN-entry program exemplifies our The University of Tennessee Health Science Center commitment and further enhances our reputation as a College of Nursing Letterschange-agent school. The University of Tennessee does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability or veteran status in provision of educational programs and services or employment opportunities and benefits. This policy extends to both employment by and admission to the university. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or disability in its educational programs and activities pursuant to the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. Inquiries and charges of violation concerning Title VI, Title IX, Section 504, ADA or the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) or any of the other above referenced policies should be directed to the Office of Equity and Diversity, 920 Madison, Suite 420, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, telephone (901) 448-5558 or TDD (901) 448-7382. Requests for accommodation of a disability should also be directed to the director of Equity and Diversity, 920 Madison, Suite 420, Memphis, TN 38163, (901) 448-5558 or TDD (901) 448-7382 or log on to our Web site at www.utmem.edu. UT Health Science Center Alumni Board President’s CONTENTS Message NEWS 4 • Wall Steps Down as Now more than ever in today’s challenging Chancellor economy, the University of Tennessee Health • Faculty Receive Nearly Science Center and the College of Nursing need the involvement of alumni. Giving time to serve $3.5 Million in Grants on the alumni board, attending events that 7 benefit the school and financial support are all Data RepoRt effective ways to support the college’s mission, A Look at the Numbers vision and goals. - Charts and Graphs I have truly enjoyed my time as the UTHSC College of Nursing Alumni President and am 10 encouraged by the dedication and commitment of the faculty to the ALUMNI preparation of nurse leaders for excellence today and in the future. • Golden Graduates The Alumni Association Board of Directors is actively working with • Alumni Award Winners the dean to generate ideas for strategic planning and ways in which all alumni can work with the faculty and students of the college. This annual report contains vital information about the future Development 13 of the college and the challenges and opportunities that arise as we • A Legacy of a Daughter’s strive to achieve our goals. This is a very exciting time as nursing roles Smile and Songs expand and become more autonomous. The College of Nursing will • Donor List continue to be on the cutting edge in the preparation of nurse leaders • Distinguished Visiting who will mold the future of nursing. Professors I would also like to take this opportunity to extend a personal 19 invitation for you to participate in the 2010 Alumni Day on May 21 at TUDENTS the Hilton Memphis. This program presents a wonderful opportunity S • Scholarships Funded to network with peers, show support for the College of Nursing and its future nurse leaders, and take part in an informative program led for Second Year by our Mary L. Morris Distinguished Visiting Professor, Julie Morath, • Graduation 2009 RN, MS, chief quality and safety officer at Vanderbilt Medical Center, • 2009 Student Awards 23 who will address the topic “Ensuring Patient Safety in Health Care Organizations.” FACULTY Let’s all remember to support our UTHSC College of Nursing! • Faculty Activities Annual Report Editorial Team Madge Richbourg Saba, ’66, President Sheila Champlin UTHSC College of Nursing Alumni Association Karin Eggert Rebecca Ennis Thurman Hobson Ramona Jackson Susan Jacob Dena Owens The University of Tennessee Nursing Annual Report is published in the fall each year for graduates of the University of Tennessee College of Nursing. Send all communications to Alumni Affairs at [email protected] or phone: (901) 448-5516 or (800) 733-0482 or fax: (901) 448-5906. Fall 009 Wall Steps Down as Chancellor, Schwab Named Interim Hershel P. Wall, MD, Dr. Schwab joined UTHSC as chancellor of the UT Health the first-ever executive dean for Science Center, stepped down the College of Medicine in July from his position on September 2006. In this role he has assumed 30. Dr. Wall has been a member all administrative responsibility of the Health Science Center team for the College of Medicine since he began medical school campus locations in Memphis, more than 52 years ago. Knoxville and Chattanooga. Steve J. Schwab, MD, was “I am honored to accept this named UTHSC interim chancellor Hershel P. Wall, MD appointment and I look forward Steve J. Schwab, MD by UT Interim President Jan to continued strong collaboration Simek. Dr. Schwab’s appointment became effective with the leadership, faculty and staff of this vital health on October 1. The search for the permanent UTHSC care institution,” said Dr. Schwab. chancellor will begin immediately. “Dr. Schwab has exhibited a serious commitment “Pat Wall is an incredibly dedicated member of to excellence, a sound ability to lead and an affinity the university family,” said President Simek. “We are for building symbiotic strategic partnerships. Those grateful for the many contributions he has made to the traits are pivotal to success in the chancellor’s office,” Memphis community and to our UT family in his roles said President Simek. as physician, teacher and administrator.” The search for a permanent UTHSC chancellor Having a long and distinguished tenure in the UT was suspended in January 2008. A new committee College of Medicine, Dr. Wall accepted the appointment will undertake the national search and make as interim chancellor in April 2007, with the interim recommendations to President Simek on possible designation being removed in January 2008. Dr. Wall candidates. The search committee will include leaders will continue to teach in the College of Medicine and from partner organizations in the Memphis health care serve UTHSC as a special assistant to the president community; UTHSC faculty, staff and students; and in support of Alumni Affairs and Development. team members who represent the other two major His responsibilities will include fundraising, capital UTHSC campuses in Knoxville and Chattanooga. development and alumni relations. News McKeon Given Permanent Title UTHSC Revises Mission Leslie McKeon, PhD, RN, who was serving as interim Statement assistant dean of student affairs, will now be taking on the position In June, the UT Board of Trustees permanently. approved a revised UTHSC mission “While holding this position statement. The new mission statement Dr. McKeon has demonstrated is in direct alignment with the UTHSC impressive leadership,” stated strategic plan. Dean Donna Hathaway, PhD. The mission of the University of Leslie McKeon, PhD, RN She continued, “Dr. McKeon’s Tennessee Health Science Center is to organizational and systems expertise, research and bring the benefits of the health sciences to the achievement and maintenance of grant experience, as well as her commitment to human health, with a focus on the citizens preparing students to excel in today’s complex health of Tennessee and the region, by pursuing care environment, provide an exceptional level of an integrated program of education, leadership for our Office of Student Affairs.” research, clinical care, and public service. With more than 25 years of nursing experience, Dr.