David Posch
Awards celebrate talent, dedication of VUSN faculty
Vanderbilt University School of Nursing recently hosted its 2006 Faculty Awards ceremony. In doing so, Dean Colleen Conway-Welch, Ph.D., reflected on the collaboration, commitment and excellence that makes VUSN one of the top nursing schools in the country.
“The strength of our institution can be told in the talent and dedication of our faculty and staff,” said Conway-Welch. “In a time when nursing schools are grappling with severe nursing faculty shortages, we have an amazing group of people focused on providing the best possible education for our students.”
David Posch, chief operating officer of Vanderbilt Medical Group, was recognized with the Dean's Award for Outstanding Service to Faculty and Students.
“David has been a strong supporter of nurse-managed centers and has time and time and time again shown his support for our Vine Hill Clinic and been a champion for the role of advanced practice nurses at Vanderbilt University Medical Center,” Conway-Welch said.
“Every day that goes by, the role of the nurse practitioners becomes more important,” said Posch, whose daughter is a 2005 VUSN graduate. “I understand VUSN's excellence as a health care professional and as a parent of a student, and am very honored with this award.”
Peter Buerhaus, Ph.D., R.N., senior associate dean for Research, received the Dean's Award for Faculty Achievement in Scholarly Endeavors. Buerhaus' research in the different aspects of the nursing shortage, nurse-to-patient ratios and leadership role in Johnson & Johnson's Campaign for Nursing's Future and 11 published journal articles were cited.
Randolph Rasch, Ph.D., R.N., director of VUSN's family nurse practitioner specialty, received the Ingebor Mauksch Award for Excellence in Faculty Mentoring. Rasch joined the VUSN faculty in 2002 and was the first African-American man in his undergraduate program and the first male public health nurse in Michigan. His mentorship is a reflection of the support he was given throughout his own education.
Mazo Freeman was honored with the School Life Staff Member of the Year Award. Her chief role is on the front line of support for students, staff and faculty needing help in the computer labs.
“She has exemplified collegiality and the spirit of the school and the university in word and in deed,” said Conway-Welch.
The reception that followed was an opportunity for VUSN faculty, staff and supporters to celebrate the many achievements of those who were honored during the recent VUMC teaching awards.
Barbara Petersen, Ed.D., R.N., associate professor of Nursing, Jennifer Scroggie, M.S.N., assistant professor of Nursing, and Maria Overstreet, M.S.N., R.N., assistant professor of Nursing were each honored. Mary Jo Gilmer, Ph.D., R.N., director of VUSN's clinical management specialty, was recognized for her contributions to patient care services by helping develop the Pediatric Advanced Comfort Team at Children's Hospital.