Departing dean opens nursing research center
With the snip of ceremonial scissors Thursday, June 28, the College of Nursing's 159 Rutledge Ave. building became the school’s research center.
MUSC
President Dr. Greenberg presents a plaque to Dr. Keefe commemorating her
success at MUSC.
It's part of a project to establish research at the college, a project that has been years in the making and caps the MUSC career of departing Dean Maureen Keefe, Ph.D.
“In the last six years, Dr. Keefe has done an exceptional job of positioning
the college for the prominent position it now holds within South Carolina
and in the nation,” said MUSC President Ray Greenberg, M.D., Ph.D. At the
ribbon-cutting, Greenberg hailed Keefe as “the perfect person to head nursing
research at MUSC. She leads by example and enthusiasm,” he said.
Vice president for academic affairs and provost, Rosalie Crouch,
Ph.D., noted that the College of Nursing has worked through the years to
position itself for success in the research arena. From Keefe’s arrival
in 1995, the total extramural funding in the college has grown from $1
million to $3.5 million, with another $1 million pending. Grant submissions
have increased from 30 per year to 78 at present.
“Due to the exceptional growth in grant submissions and extramural funding, the college was able to open its own doctoral program,” Crouch said. “The doctoral program in nursing, which will commence fall 2001 with the first class of students, will focus on vulnerable populations and provide the opportunity for students to work with faculty who have funded research projects.
“The growth in nursing research at MUSC created a need for more space. The building at 159 Rutledge will provide post-award space so that funded programs will be able to house their research teams,” Crouch said. “The doctoral students have study carrels assigned on the first floor where they will be involved with funded projects, and witness nursing research in action.”
“Dr. Keefe has provided leadership for the college, she has served as a leader within the university and is a respected leader within the community,” Greenberg said. “She will be remembered as a leader who truly made a difference for the College of Nursing.”
Keefe’s accomplishments since her arrival in 1995 have left an indelible mark on the MUSC College of Nursing. Among them:
- Created the first endowed chair in nursing in the university and in the state.
- Developed the Rowley Scholars Endowed Program to promote diversity in graduate education.
- Formally developed the Dean’s Advisory Board to provide the opportunity for leaders in the state and Southeast to play a dynamic role in the future of the college.
- Developed the doctoral program in nursing to commence Fall 2001.
- Oversaw the full accreditation for the college from the National League of Nursing Accreditation Commission.
- Expanded the satellite program at Francis Marion University utilizing compressed video technology.
- Oversaw and coordinated the renovation of the College of Nursing.
- Developed an integrated Center for Professional Development with the Medical University Hospital.
- Developed the Faculty Practice Plan for the college.
- Led the strategic planning process for the college resulting in development of the vision, mission, and strategic direction for the college.
- Created departments within the college.
- Developed new curricular options to meet the needs of the applicant pool.
- Developed a collaborative Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Program with Clemson utilizing Greenville Center.
- Dedicated 159 Rutledge Avenue as location for nursing research.
- Established multiple community-based sites for nursing practice, research and education.
- Maintained a vital program of research focused on irritable infants
- Received NIH Shannon Award, R01 Award, and serves as a co-investigator on a K Award with a colleague from Columbia College in New York. Published numerous articles, offered presentation nationally and internationally.
- Initiated activities to develop the Caring for Community Initiative an endowed program to sustain community-based sites for education, research and practice.