Black History Month employee highlights: Lepaine Sharp-McHenry, DNP

During Black History Month, UNMC acknowledges the outstanding accomplishments of our Black faculty and staff members.

Today’s feature is Lepaine Sharp-McHenry, DNP, dean of the UNMC College of Nursing. Dr. Sharp-McHenry has been with UNMC for six months.

What are the most notable achievements in your professional journey?

As a first-generation college student, I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to not only pursue a college education but be able to influence the education journey of the next generation of nurses. To be recognized for this in 2018 by my alma mater as one of their distinguished alumni was a humbling honor.

Can you speak to the importance of representation and visibility of Black professionals in health care?  

The lack of Black professionals in health care has impeded our ability to recruit high caliber students into the health professions. Although the National Academy of Medicine has reported on the importance of diversity in the health care workforce, little progress has been made in increasing nursing diversity. It is important for students to see role models in the professions that they aspire to and also experience mentorship from these professionals.