TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The University of Alabama’s Capstone College of Nursing recently announced the establishment of the Joe Burrage Memorial Lectureship series.
Established in honor of Dr. Joe Webb Burrage Jr., who served as the nursing college’s assistant dean of graduate programs until his death on Feb. 19, 2014, the lectureship will celebrate and acknowledge the work of male nurse leaders.
The first lecture, slated for April 23, will feature James L. Raper.
“Nursing has historically been perceived as a highly desirable career choice for women,” said Dr. Suzanne Prevost, dean of UA’s Capstone College of Nursing. “Currently men comprise just over 7 percent of the professional nursing workforce in the U.S. Yet, professional nursing leaders agree there is a need to diversify the profession, so that care providers will be similar to the populations they serve.”
Raper, who has both a doctorate in nursing and a law degree, has spent his career at the University of Alabama at Birmingham deeply involved in the care and treatment of patients with HIV/AIDS.
Currently director of UAB’s 1917 HIV/AIDS Outpatient Clinic, which has served more than 9,000 patients in 27 years, Raper is nationally recognized for research and development of advanced nursing practice concepts.
In addition, he spearheaded the founding of the American Academy of Men in Nursing Foundation in 2000, served as president of the Alabama Board of Nursing and is a member of the Joint Committee for Advanced Practice Nursing.
“Raper will share his experiences as a national expert and male nurse leader,” Prevost said. “We will highlight the important contributions of male nurses and discuss the wealth of future opportunities for men in nursing.”
The lecture will be held at 4 p.m. Thursday, April 23, in the Capstone College of Nursing auditorium. It is open to the public.
Contact
Kim Eaton, UA media relations, 205/348-8325 or kkeaton@ur.ua.edu