By Jamie Nicpon | Office of Communications & Marketing | 9-26-2018
Professor Keela Herr, PhD, RN, AGSF, FGSA, FAAN, associate dean for faculty, has been awarded the Kelting Professorship at the University of Iowa College of Nursing.
The Kelting Professorship was established in memory of John and Catharine Kelting through a bequest from the estate of the late Lillian S. Kelting of Williamsburg, Iowa. This professorship provides resources and opportunities for continued research engagement, mentorship of faculty and students, and shaping the future of health care and the profession.
“We do what we do because it is our passion and we hope to make an impact on improving the lives of others … that is our reward,” said Dr. Herr. “But being nominated by my peers and recognized with the Kelting Professorship is external recognition that the work I have done with colleagues in the college and around the world has made a difference. I was humbled and touched to receive this honor.”
“Keela has been a valued member of the faculty in the college for 30 years. She has demonstrated outstanding research, publications, mentoring, administration, and service and is most deserving of this Kelting Professorship,” said Dean Julie Zerwic, PhD, RN, FAHA, FAAN.
Dr. Herr was nominated by a group of her peers. The nomination was then reviewed by four faculty in endowed professorships outside of the College of Nursing and ultimately approved by Interim Provost Sue Curry.
Herr’s UI-based nominators, Drs. Toni Tripp-Reimer, Janet Williams, Sue Gardner, Barb Rakel, Lisa Segre, and Ann Marie McCarthy, wrote the following: “Keela's program of research on pain in the elderly is nationally and internationally recognized, has impacted the science and care of elders, and has included the development of innovations in moving research findings into evidence-based practice—significantly improving the lives of older adults. She has consistently collaborated with colleagues both within nursing and across multiple disciplines, and has had external funding from multiple agencies throughout her career. Keela is exceptionally qualified for the Kelting Professorship.”
The professorship is effective for three years and formally begins October 1, 2018.
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