VCU Nursing Dean, Faculty and Students Recognized at VCUHS Nurses Week Ceremony
VCU Nursing was well represented last week among honorees at the VCU Health System’s Week of the Nurse Awards Ceremony hosted by Patient Care Support Services in the Kontos Medical Sciences Building’s auditorium.
The event’s theme, “Nurses Rocking Through the Ages,” was reflected throughout the program, including a special recognition of Nancy F. Langston, Ph.D., RN, FAAN, ANEF, dean of the School of Nursing and executive director of Academic Nursing, for her 22 years as dean and for building a model partnership with VCUHS. The recognition included a slide show of nurses from throughout the hospital thanking her and a live performance of Alicia Key’s “Girl on Fire” reworded to include Langston in the lyrics.
On behalf of VCUHS, Lauren Goodloe, Ph.D., RN, assistance dean for Clinical Operations at SON, director of Medical & Geriatric Nursing and administrative director of Nursing Research at VCUHS, presented Langston with a sculpture titled “Eternal Spirit” as a symbol that reflects the light of Florence Nightingale’s lamp. The inscription reads: To Dean Nancy Langston from the entire Nursing Team at VCUHS for her outstanding partnership, creative leadership, and inspiring vision. 1991-2013.
In addition to commending Langston for the model partnership with VCUHS, Goodloe cited the nursing school’s growth in enrollment, NIH funding, top 10% ranking among graduate schools and the current state-of-the-science building among Langston’s many accomplishments. “If it hadn’t been for her we would still be sitting in west hospital,” Dr. Goodloe said.
In addition to Langston, Patty Gray, Ph.D., RN, associate professor and chair of the Department of Adult Health and Nursing Systems, was recognized at the ceremony. Mary Coffey, M.P.H., RN, CNML, presented Gray with a sculpture to acknowledge her retirement and years of service. The inscription reads: Patty Gray, Ph.D., RN, Chair 1996-2013 – Thank You for 17 years of Dedicated Professional Partnership.
SON faculty, students and alumni were among award winners for this year. Carley Lovell, M.S.N., M.A., RN, WHNP-BC, clinical instructor in the Department of Family and Community Health Nursing, received the VCU SON Excellence in Teaching Award. The following students and alumni received scholarships: Clara Patterson, B.S. ’10, RN, a master’s degree candidate – Barbara A. Farley-White Scholarship; Teresa James, BS. ’07, a master’s degree candidate – Carol Crosby Scholarship; and Bunty Patel, an RN to BS student – Patricia Bernal Scholarship.
