University of Connecticut. School of Nursing

University of Connecticut School of Nursing was established in 1942 and has been accredited since 1943.

As early as 1937, public health personnel in the state explored the possibility of organizing courses for public health nurses at Connecticut State College but, lacking funds, the project was shelved. In 1940, a committee of 18 members was formed and in 1941 presented a report entitled "A School of Nursing for Connecticut ." The proposal envisaged a program for registered nurses leading to the Bachelor of Science degree and a curriculum which would include 33 to 36 credits in required general courses plus a major in Nursing Education, School Nursing/Health Teaching or Public Health Nursing. The newly created University of Connecticut (named changed in 1939) Administration decided that a School of Nursing that would provide basic preparation in nursing as well as curricula for registered nurses would meet the need expressed in the report.

Students were admitted to the new School of Nursing as of September, 1942, although the School did not yet have a dean nor any nursing faculty. The first Dean, Carolyn Ladd Widmer, was appointed in July, 1942, and arrived on campus in August. Thirteen students entered the program in the Fall of 1942, 11 freshman and 2 sophomore transfers; nine of these students continued on to graduation.

Deans of the School have included: Carolyn Widner (1942-1967, Eleanor Gill (1967-1979, Marlene Kramer (1979-1988), Beverly Koerner (1989-1999), Laura Dzurec (2000-2007), Ann Bavier (2007- ).

[Note: Excerpted from Heritage of Accomplishment .]