Lois Ellis, Director, Nursing Programs, writes:
“Professor Laura Davis retires today after 33 years as an inspirational leader at Santa Fe College and in Nursing Programs. She has served on every committee in nursing at one time or another and in the College Senate for many years. She has been an active community liaison as she facilitated our graduates to be well-respected in their professional endeavors.
“As a nurse educator and as a management team member, she exemplified the college mission, adding value to the lives of students and enriching our community, every day. She taught in the classroom, lab, and clinical. On any given day, you could see students outside her door waiting to be mentored. She assured that SF nursing students received excellent educations. Davis mentored faculty, and was a veritable source of information regarding college operations. She was an effective teacher, well respected by both students and faculty.
“This past year, Davis was instrumental in writing the report for the national continuing accreditation of the SF Nursing Programs. She served as the Chair of the Faculty/Staff National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) committee and as the Co-Chair of the Mission/Administration NLNAC Committee. This committee work and writing and editing continued throughout the year until the fall 2009 site visit. Davis played an integral role in facilitation of the visit. This participation was essential to assure that the Nursing Programs continue to be nationally accredited.
“She was Chair of the Screening Committee for Nursing Programs, with faculty being recruited throughout the year. She recruited and oriented new adjunct faculty. She was a member of the SF Nursing Programs Policy Committee and ASN Curriculum Committee.
“Davis served as a community liaison for the many clinical sites that are utilized by our nursing students. She made weekly visits to various sites throughout the week to speak with students, faculty, and clinical representatives to assure that student learning was progressing and that the clinical opportunities were meeting the needs of the students.
“She has coordinated the second year ASN Program for many years. With her retirement imminent, she recommended that she return to a faculty position and serve as a mentor to the new coordinator. She did this during fall semester. During spring semester, the programs had a need for a first-year coordinator and she readily and easily moved into this position. She was always willing to take on, and did take on, new projects and followed through in an efficient and responsible manner.
“Her sense of humor, dedication, and commitment to excellence in teaching and mentoring have led to the success of thousands of students and hundreds of faculty. She has developed students into expert practitioners and mentored faculty to reach their fullest potential. This is her lasting legacy at Santa Fe College.
“Please join Santa Fe College Nursing Programs Nursing Team in honoring Professor Laura Davis for her achievements. We look forward to her continuing to teach with us as an adjunct emeritus professor in the upcoming years.”
Nursing held a small going away party for Laura at her request. Today is her last official day as a full-time SF employee.