40 Outstanding Alumni include health care leaders, educators

February 13, 2014

LOUISVILLE, Ky.- Although most started their careers providing care to patients at the bed-side, a number of University of Louisville School of Nursing graduates have gone on to transform the health care profession as academic leaders, hospital executives, nurse scientists and policy makers.

In celebration of its 40th anniversary, the school is recognizing alums that have made significant contributions to the field of nursing. Each of the 40 Outstanding Alumni was nominated by members of the community, and then selected by a school committee.

“These 40 honorees showcase the value of their UofL nursing degrees, ranging from an undergraduate degree to a master of science in nursing and doctor of philosophy in nursing,” said Marcia Hern, EdD, CNS, RN, dean and professor, UofL School of Nursing.

What they say about their degree:

• “Earning my UofL degree helped me become a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner that not only understands the importance of identification and management of disease in high-risk women, but also has challenged me to take a holistic view of health and wellness,” said Kristin Ashford, associate professor, University of Kentucky College of Nursing.
• “My UofL nursing degree gave me the confidence and knowledge to pursue numerous opportunities,” said Joanne Berryman, dean, Kosair Charities College of Health and Natural Sciences , Spalding University. “It was the pivotal leg of an exciting career, wonderful advanced education experiences, and, most importantly, a fulfilling life.”
• “Without a doubt, my UofL nursing degree empowered me to make contributions that influence patients, families, colleagues, and the community. The UofL nursing faculty helped me truly appreciate and embrace the value of evidence-based practice and nursing research,” said Mary June Cecil, manager, Cardiovascular/Electrophysiology Lab, Cardiac Short Stay, and Professional Development, The Heart Hospital at Deaconess Gateway, Deaconess Health System, Newburg, Ind.
• “My educational experience at UofL opened the door for advancement to a senior leadership position enabling me to drive positive changes that have improved the quality of patient care and promoted the professional development of staff,” said Jan Johnson, chief nursing officer, Northside Hospital-Cherokee, Canton, Ga.
• “My UofL nursing degree helped me envision possibilities and create a future in which I could better serve my patients and my profession,”said Elizabeth Partin, vice-president and legislative committee chair of the Kentucky Coalition of Nurse Practitioners and Nurse Midwives (KCNPNM) and chairperson of the Kentucky Medicaid Advisory Council.
• “My UofL degree helped me go from a staff nurse to head nurse to assistant vice president of nursing to vice president of a hospital to president of the hospital to a corporate position working and developing partnerships to deliver a continuum of health care. None of this would have been possible without my nursing degree,” said Sue Stout Tamme, president, Baptist Health.

The school will recognize the 40 alumni during the first weekend of March, with a reception on March 7 at the Kosair Charities Clinical Translational Research Building at UofL. On March 8, the honorees and a guest will have an opportunity to attend the UofL men’s basketball game vs. Connecticut at the YUM! Center. They’ll complete the celebration on March 9 with a brunch and tour of the school.