Asked and Answered
What is your job?
I am the Associate Dean for Student Affairs in the School of Nursing. That means I am responsible for all things “non-academic” in the School of Nursing. I refer to Student Affairs as being in charge of the “three R’s” – recruiting, retention, and records.
Other on-campus activities?
Since the School of Nursing is an undergraduate school/college, I meet regularly with the Associate Deans of the College of Business and the College of Arts & Sciences. The School of Nursing is also part of the Health Sciences schools (which is why it is called a “school” and not a “college”). I meet regularly with my counterparts in the Schools of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmacy and Health Professions. I am really blessed to work with such terrific colleagues – and the relationships are truly collegial. Everyone is focused on what’s best for the student.
Because of my many administrative activities, I am on a number of committees around the campus. Because of that, I am seen as the “face” of the School of Nursing when it comes to non-academic concerns. I serve on the university Diversity Coordinating Committee, the New Student Orientation Committee, the Ratio Studiorum Advisory Board, the Encuentro Dominicano Advisory Board, and university Committee on Harassment and Discrimination.
Off-campus activities?
I am currently the Chair of the Nebraska Board of Health. This 17-member board is appointed by the Governor and is responsible for appointing all the other health-related boards in the state (e.g., Nursing, Medicine & Surgery, Dentistry, etc). We also review and approve all rules and regulations emanating from statutes related to health.
I am also an appointed member of the American Nurses Association’s (ANA) Reference Committee which reviews all the proposals (references) that come before the ANA’s House of Delegates. Of course, I am also active in the local and state divisions of ANA. I served as President of the Nebraska Nurses Association prior to being appointed to the Board of Health.
Your hobbies?
Even though folks may think I “live” in my office, I like to work out at Curves 3-5 times/ week. I also enjoy reading—I try to read a chapter every night. I should do more biking. My best “hobby” is being with my grandchildren—7 year old Thomas, 3 year old Daniel, and almost a year old Lauren.
Favorite music?
How do I keep from sounding like a child of the 60’s? I really like Billy Joel, Judy Collins, the Beatles, etc. Hey – you don’t know what it was like being in high school when the Beatles were coming out with a #1 hit every month! I also like Brule and R. Carlos Nakai, a Native American group and musician.
Favorite TV shows?
I try not to miss “Monk.” I watch the “Daily Show with Jon Stewart” almost every evening and then the “Colbert Report.” I am a Sunday morning political show “junkie” and watch listen to “Hardball” and MS-NBC while I am working at home. I like “Law & Order: Criminal Intent.” I used to love “ER” (since I worked in the ER) but the writers and producers have trivialized the roles of the nurses. (I do have my principles, after all.)
Favorite books?
Heroic Leadership by Chris Lowney and A Team of Rivals: the Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin.
Fun facts?
I have “overcompensated” for my disappointment that I could not attend Creighton University as a nursing student. However, I was initially hired in 1976 – the same year as the birth of my second child – and, except for a brief hiatus when attending graduate school, I have been here ever since.
I “bleed blue” – I am as loyal as they come. I absolutely love this university and the Jesuits! I have been so fortunate to work here and to have my children educated here.