Dean Emeritus Geraldene Felton passed away on June 20, 2026 at the age of 100. Felton was dean of the College of Nursing from 1981–1997 and was instrumental in building the outstanding reputation the college holds for research and scholarship.
Born in Virginia in 1926 and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Felton joined the U.S. Army Nursing Corps in 1949. She served as an army staff nurse until 1956, including a thirteen-month tour in Korea in a MASH hospital unit. Felton continued to serve in a variety of roles – nursing supervisor, nurse anesthetist, and deputy director of the Department of Nursing at Walter Reed Institute of Research – until her retirement from the Army Nurse Corps in 1975. After retiring from the army, she joined the Oakland University School of Nursing in Rochester, Michigan, as the inaugural dean.
Felton came to the University of Iowa College of Nursing in 1981 and served 16 years as professor and dean. Under her leadership, the college’s strong foundation in research and scholarship was built. As dean, Felton focused on the development of younger faculty and the recruitment of new faculty with a solid research background. She oversaw development of the PhD program, which began in 1988 and included concentrations in gerontological nursing and nursing administration. Felton also partnered with John Tinker, director of anesthesiology at the College of Medicine, to begin the College of Nursing nurse anesthesia master’s program in 1994, the first in the state. Felton stepped down as dean in 1997 and served as executive director of the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission until 2001.
Felton earned a BSN in 1960 and an MSN in 1962 from Wayne State University College of Nursing, followed by a doctorate in nursing from New York University in 1969.
Remembering Dr. Felton
I so enjoyed working with her. She had a great sense of humor. So many wonderful memories.
–Jennifer Clougherty
I had the privilege of knowing Dean Felton during my time as both a graduate student and a faculty member. She was an extraordinary person and a dedicated mentor who guided me through critical milestones in my career, including writing my first NIH grants and earning academic tenure. Beneath her rigorous, highly professional demeanor was a genuinely kind and compassionate soul.
–Ken Culp (80BSN, 85MA, 92PhD)
Dean Felton met with me in the early 1990's and presented a plan that allowed me to complete my MSN degree while working full time. As a result, I was able to achieve my dream of becoming a nurse practitioner in the PICU.
–Barbara Freyenberge (98MSN)
Dr. Felton was not only a tremendous administrator who made lasting contributions to the CON, but she was a true leader and believer in investing in people and bringing out their best. She is an icon for nursing, and her legacy will remain strong. Thank you, Dr. Felton.
–Valerie Garr (87BA, 95MA)
Dean Felton’s leadership knew no bounds, and she ran a tight ship, but underneath that stern exterior was a dedicated and compassionate leader and soul.
–Kathy Klein Gerling
I was privileged to know Dean Felton because during some of her years at the UI College of Nursing, I was the director of nursing at the UIHC. I enjoyed her as a trusted colleague. We were able to plan together strategically over many issues. She brought new and different ideas to the table!
–Sally Mathis Hartwig (75BSN, 77MA)
All it takes is one remark from a trailblazer to stay with a person for years to come. Dean Felton spoke to my undergrad class at one point and told us she was a nurse anesthetist in the US Army. While I didn’t have the grades to pursue a CRNA career, I did join the US Navy and had a successful 30-year career in varied roles, culminating in administration.
–Pamela Hatala (Ronczkowski) (87BSN)
Gerry and I were on a Presidential Search Committee together. She brought good humor and fun, as well as insight, to our committee. I enjoyed her so much and miss her.
–Donald Heistad, MD, UI Professor of Internal Medicine-Cardiovascular Medicine
Dean Felton was an incredible leader and force of nature. She was my dean for undergraduate nursing (BSN) and I will never forget her advising our class that we were destined to be leaders as UI College of Nursing graduates. Among other things, she taught us how to shake hands like we meant it, which is a lesson I have used often and passed along. May she rest in peace and power.
–Teri Pipe (85BSN)
Dean Felton was a respected figure of strength, compassion and clear guidance for the College of Nursing. Rest in power and peace. Thank you for your service to nursing and our community.
–Lauri Riss (96BSN)
Her vision, strength, resilience, and faculty support led the CON to become a leader in gerontological nursing research. What an amazing life she lived and gave to nursing!
–Lisa Skemp (Kelley) (89MA, 02PhD)
I have very fond memories of Dean Felton when I was a student in the College of Nursing. She was very approachable and very instrumental in developing our curriculum to be the best.
–Jacquelyn Dalton Tietz (87BSN)
A force of nature, she helped the profession of nursing move forward in the areas of leadership and strength.
–Pam Haines Willard (79MS)
I remember Dr. Felton coming to talk with our soon to graduate class. She warned us computers were coming to nursing, and we needed to be prepared. She recommended we take computer classes. I did after graduating and it was spot on advice. She was sharp, focused and a force to be reckoned with.
–Eileen Flood Yeisley (85BSN, 09MSN, 13DNP)
Gallery below includes photos of Dr. Felton, articles about her, and photos of artwork she gifted to the college.
