SOUTH KINGSTOWN – A University of Rhode Island alumna and former nursing professor, Deborah Godfrey-Brown has pledged $1 million in scholarships for the College of Nursing.
Announced Thursday, the gift will establish the Deborah Godfrey-Brown Nursing Scholarship at the state’s flagship research institute. The permanent, endowed fund will target state residents – particularly undergraduate minority students in good academic standing – who plan to pursue clinical nursing careers.
“Deborah’s generous gift will be a powerful catalyst for bringing in talented students who are passionate about nursing,” said Barbara Wolfe, dean of the College of Nursing, in prepared remarks.
In her statement, she said, the College of Nursing is “committed to promoting diversity in the nursing ranks” and this fund will help achieve that goal.
A member of the URI Class of 1979 and a resident of Foster, Godfrey-Brown remains an associate professor emerita at the university. During her tenure at URI, she helped develop the capstone course Leadership in Professional Nursing and, in 1996, co-founded the Godfrey-Brown Leadership Award, which is awarded annually to a graduating senior from the College of Nursing.
Emily Gowdey-Backus is a staff writer for PBN. You can follow her on Twitter @FlashGowdey or contact her via email, gowdey-backus@pbn.com.
