Retirement of Dr Kathy Nelson
Dr Kathy Nelson is retiring at the end of September after 26 years at the School of Nursing, Midwifery, and Health Practice.
Throughout her time at the School (previously the Graduate School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health), Dr Nelson has touched the careers and lives of many students, staff and alumni, providing support, encouragement, and mentorship.
Dr Nelson’s experience and knowledge in relation to curriculum design and innovative teaching and learning is widely acknowledged and she has had an active role in mentoring new academics to the School over the last decade.
Under her previous leadership as Acting Head of School and in her many other leadership roles with the School, there has been significant growth in external relationships and in student numbers. Her recent leadership in the development of the professional doctorate programme has been an exciting contribution to the scholarship of health practitioners.
Dr Nelson has made a significant contribution to the bodies of knowledge for nursing, midwifery and health. Her legacy is evidenced by over 80 students successfully supervised to completion across research report, masters and doctoral theses. She received the University’s Doctoral Supervisor Award in 2018, and the award for Best Supervisor for the Faculty of Health in 2017.
She herself is a Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington alumna, having completed an MA and PhD with the University.
Dr Denise Taylor, senior lecturer at the School of Nursing, Midwifery, and Health Practice, says that Kathy will be a hard act to follow and greatly missed.
“She will be remembered for her quick mind, excellence in supervision at every level, her generosity of time and spirit, and for supporting all students and being honorary ‘mum’ to many of the international PhD students in the department.”
In honour of Dr Nelson’s retirement and contributions to the School, the Kathy Nelson Nursing & Midwifery Research Scholarship is being established for students pursuing nursing or midwifery research. Donations to this scholarship will make a difference and help continue Kathy’s work to support nursing and midwifery research students, one of her greatest passions. Donations to this scholarship can be made here.
Dr Nelson’s leadership and significant mentorship within the School has been invaluable and will be greatly missed as she enters her well-earned retirement.