From the Dean's Desk
From the Dean's Desk
Dear friends,
This is a special newsletter because I am sure it will evoke memories for you, as it did for me, of those individuals who have served as your mentors. The Oxford dictionary defines mentors as a “an experienced and trusted advisor.” There are many individuals over the years who supported me in my learning during my education, clinical practice, academic career, and professional activities. These included faculty, colleagues, and supervisors. The stories included in this edition of the newsletter describe relationships that formed as a student but then transcended and carried into professional careers. I hope you take a moment to think back to all of those individuals who served as your mentors and perhaps reach out and acknowledge their contributions. I know I was inspired to send a quick note to Mi Ja Kim and Terri Weaver, who set me on my path to become a dean.
Julie Zerwic, PhD, RN, FAHA, FAAN
Kelting Dean and Professor
A multigenerational cascade
Sandra Daack-Hirsch (86BSN, 88MSN, 07PhD), Lisa Shah (13MSN, 17PhD), and Peter Abad have never all been in the same place at the same time. Yet, they are a close-knit research team that feels like family. This atmosphere is no coincidence – it is a carefully fostered multigenerational mentoring relationship.
The bigger picture
In 2011, Staja “Star” Booker (17PhD) was a master’s student with an interest in pain research who wanted to pursue a PhD and learn from an expert whose work she admired. That expert was College of Nursing professor Keela Herr.
Thirteen years later, Herr’s face lights up as she talks about Booker, assistant professor at the University of Florida College of Nursing, being selected as a 2024 Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing.
Alumni perspective: The mentorship of Dean Mary Kelly Mullane
Nancy Creason (60BSN) writes, "I believe I owe my long teaching career and later my dean experiences to Dr. Mullane’s mentoring which began at Iowa in 1960."
Finding a home in the emergency department
After graduation, Alex Langenhorst (20BSN) found his clinical home in the emergency department at University of Iowa Health Care. The student he precepted this spring, Kate Rechkemmer (24BSN), unexpectedly did as well.
PhD student Lee featured in UI banner campaign
Every year, in the dark of winter, black and gold banners with larger-than-life portraits appear on light posts in downtown Iowa City. As part of the Office of the Vice President for Research’s Dare to Discover campaign, these banners highlight researchers, scholars, and creators from across the University of Iowa.
The 2024 campaign featured 80 students and postdocs, including College of Nursing PhD student Jihye Lee.
New fund offers paid summer internship
Linda Prybil (65BSN) has a passion for the recruitment and retention of nurses at University of Iowa Health Care as well as providing students an extra opportunity to be prepared for their career. Because of this passion, she created the Mother Prybil Summer Internship Fund that offers students a 10-week paid internship at UI Health Care.
Sept. 14
Family weekend pancake breakfast
College of Nursing Building
50 Newton Rd. Iowa City, IA
Oct. 25
Homecoming Tailgate
College of Nursing Building
50 Newton Rd. Iowa City, IA
Oct. 3-4
Iowa Chapter NAPNAP conference
Iowa Memorial Union
Join the UI Health Care team!
At UI Health Care, our culture and resources support nurses' spirit of inquiry.
Nurses are encouraged to discover new knowledge through research, shape the future of patient care through evidence-based practice, and deliver high-quality care using the latest advancements in nursing. We are the home of the Iowa Model with expertise in applying research and implementation science.
Nominations open: Hawkeye Distinguished Veterans Award
Know a Hawkeye veteran who deserves recognition? Nominate them for the Hawkeye Distinguished Veterans Award!
This award honors members of the armed forces who have demonstrated exceptional service to the United States, their communities, and our university. Nominations are due July 26. Learn more about the award
Have you started a new job, gone back to school, or earned an award? Did you have a baby, run a marathon, or write a screenplay? Do you just want to update your former classmates about where you are these days? We want to hear it all!