Carol M. Wilson Endowed Chair in Nursing established through $670,000 donation

The legacy of the late Carol Wilson, called a trailblazer in nursing, will live on through an estate gift of nearly $670,000 to establish the Carol M. Wilson Endowed Chair in Nursing. The chair was established at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Nursing through the University of Nebraska Foundation.

 

Wilson, who died in 2007 at the age of 82, was the longtime director of nursing at the former University Hospital, now part of The Nebraska Medical Center. She served nearly 40 years in the role then later in her career as assistant director for health services administration. She retired in 1992.

 

Wilson also was a longtime benefactor and tireless volunteer for the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Nursing, said Virginia Tilden, D.N.Sc., dean of the UNMC College of Nursing.

 

The chair recognizes the achievements of a nurse scientist and senior leader in nursing whose work improves health systems and the organization and delivery of nursing care. The endowment is one of six endowed chairs and professorships at the college.

 

“The chair will focus on her passion — improving health systems — and enable the college to add a first-rate nursing scholar to the faculty,” Dr. Tilden said. “Dr. Wilson was a passionate advocate of nurses and the care they provide. The chair is an opportunity for an innovative leader to join an outstanding faculty in an excellent environment.”

 

During a celebration of Wilson’s life, achievement and generosity, Dr. Tilden said Wilson gave a lot for nursing. “This is a celebration of who Carol was in our hearts, a celebration of her gift and the many gifts she gave for nursing and the lives she touched through her work,” she said.

 

Rosalee Yeaworth, Ph.D., former dean of the college, called Wilson a loyal supporter of the UNMC College of Nursing. Among other things, she said Wilson was supportive of the college’s history project and a good member of the alumni association and served on the board.

 

“She was a big supporter of establishing a chair,” Dr. Yeaworth said. “Carol Wilson was my friend. She was loyal to nursing, her friends, University Hospital, the University of Nebraska, especially Husker football, and to the Nebraska Nurses Association.

 

Besides nursing, Wilson’s friends said she had a love for her Schnauzers, Christmastime, playing the organ, and her Cadillacs.

 

“Carol is greatly missed, but her many contributions and memories live on. Her legacy of this gift from her estate will carry her memory far into the future,” Dr. Yeaworth said.

 

Sheila Exstrom, Ph.D., nursing education consultant, board of nursing, Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, met Wilson early in her career while part of a citywide group of nursing administrators. Exstrom said Wilson was a mentor and supported her while trying to establish some challenging initiatives as director of nursing at Immanuel Hospital in 1970.

 

“I was very, very young and enthusiastic and found some were not supportive of my efforts,” Dr. Exstrom said. “Some told me I couldn’t do it. Carol mentored me so much. Her staff was very endeared to her and spoke so well of her. They knew she was there for them and behind them.”

 

Pat Allgeier, chief nurse executive and associate administrator for Boys Town National Research Hospital, credits Wilson for her professional success. Allgeier, who was hired early in her career by Wilson, said Wilson was an advocate for patients and nurses.

 

“Carol was fierce when it came to defending what she believed in whether that be nursing practice or what constituted good care,” Allgeier said. “Granted, there were times when she may have had less opposition had she used a little more tact, but what you saw with Carol was what you got. She simply wanted the right thing done for the right reason. In many ways, she left her mark on nursing at the hospital and in the community.”