Five Nursing Leaders to be Inducted into UA-Sponsored Hall of Fame

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Five influential nursing leaders will be inducted into the seventh Alabama Nursing Hall of Fame Thursday, Oct. 10, at the Bryant Conference Center on The University of Alabama’s campus.

Established in 2001 by the Board of Visitors of the Capstone College of Nursing at The University of Alabama, the Alabama Nursing Hall of Fame was created to pay tribute to nurses and others who, through their work and accomplishments, have brought honor and fame to the profession of nursing and to the state of Alabama.

The 2013 inductees are:

– Dr. Sara E. Barger

– Delois S. Guy

– Dr. James L. Harris

– Martha G. Lavender

– Dr. Nena F. Sanders

Individually and collectively the inductees have greatly influenced the profession of nursing and health care in the state and nation.

2013 Alabama Nursing Hall of Fame

Dr. Sara E. Barger

Dr. Sara Barger’s passion for nursing started at the young age of 15 and has led her through 45 years in the field. She recently ended an 18-year stint as dean of the Capstone College of Nursing, during which time the College saw increased enrollments, the completion of a state-of-the-art facility, new degree programs and gained wider national prominence. Other notable positions she held include assistant dean and department chair at the Northern Illinois University’s School of Nursing and department head and director of the Nursing Center at Clemson University. She has published more than 20 journal articles, contributed more than five book chapters, designed curricula and given countless presentations. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing.

Delois S. Guy

Delois Guy dedicated her nursing career and academic pursuits to compassionate service for those who needed it most. Her journey started in Tuscaloosa at what was then called Druid City Hospital (now DCH Regional Medical Center) and held other positions in Tuscaloosa, Tuskegee and Birmingham. Overcoming multiple barriers, Guy became the first African-American faculty member at The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing and its first African-American tenure-track professor. During her 26-year career as a nursing educator, she served as a department chair, professor, assistant professor, instructor and research scientist. She has often been described as a national leader in research dealing with aging and the elderly. Even in retirement, she has actively continued her research work, which shows her earnest desire to improve the quality of life for others.

 

Dr. James L. Harris

Dr. James Harris has had a hand in guiding governmental entities, academic departments and hospitals over the course of his nursing career. From serving at Bryce Hospital to being an assistant professor and chair of the department of psychiatric & mental health at the Capstone College of Nursing to holding various positions in different VA hospitals, it was this last move that changed his career. Since 2009, he has served our nation in a major role as the deputy chief nursing officer for the Department of Veterans Affairs in Washington, D.C.  Harris formulates national policies and activities that impact the more than 80,000 nursing staff across the country.  He has successfully secured grants and funding for various projects. He has also served as an internal and external consultant for numerous hospitals and universities.

Martha G. Lavender

After serving as a registered nurse at two hospitals, Martha Lavender decided to pursue a career in the academic setting. She became an assistant professor at Jacksonville State University, and she ascended the academic ranks to become dean of the College. In 2004, she embarked on an opportunity with the Science Applications International Corp./EAI Corp. where she administered training functions, oversaw 200 employees and managed a budget of $25 million. The Center for Domestic Preparedness tapped Lavender to provide training oversight for major governmental entities, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Department of Homeland Security. Lavender then returned to education until she retired in 2011. She serves as president of the State of Alabama Board of Nursing, and she is the owner and president of MGL Consulting Inc., where she consults on grant acquisition and allocation, accreditation and evaluation.

 

Dr. Nena F. Sanders

Dr. Nena Sanders has served the Birmingham metropolitan area for her nearly 40-year career as a nurse, educator, consultant and entrepreneur. She quickly ascended the ranks to a supervisor position after only two years as a staff nurse, serving in intensive care and critical care units. After successful nursing practice, she became an assistant professor in the School of Health-Related Professions and the School of Nursing simultaneously at The University of Alabama at Birmingham. Returning to the academic setting after a brief stint in the business world, she serves as the Ralph W. Beeson Dean and professor of nursing at the Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing at Samford University. Sanders has served on numerous editorial boards and received multiple awards. She is frequently noted as a leader in nursing in the Birmingham area.Tickets to the event are $100 and can be purchased by phoning 205/348-9876 or emailing sdjordan@ua.edu by Friday, Sept. 27.