History UF College of Nursing
For more than 70 years, our alumni have gone on to become national health care and nursing leaders. The college has continued in Founding Dean Dorothy M. Smith’s vision, pursuing excellence in nursing education, while tackling the most pressing concerns facing health care and nursing.
The UF College of Nursing instituted Florida’s first nurse practitioner program and Florida ‘s first PhD in Nursing Science program. The college continues to pioneer advances in nursing education.
Through the Years
1950’s
1960’s
1970’s
1980’s
1990’s
2000’s
2010’s
2020’s
Historical sections
Honoring Our Deans
Dean Henderson, 2024-Present
Honoring Our Deans
Dean McDaniel, 2013-2023
Honoring Our Deans
Dean Long, 1995-2013
Honoring Our Deans
Dean Malasanos, 1980-1995
Honoring Our Deans
Dean Urey, 1973-1978
Honoring Our Deans
Dean Smith, 1956-1971
College of Nursing
History by the Decade
College of Nursing
Historical Photo Gallery
Honoring our Deans: Dean Henderson
Years of Service: 2024 – present
Shakira L. I. Henderson, PhD, DNP, MS, MPH, EMBA, IBCLC, RNC-NIC
Born and raised on the Caribbean island nation of Dominica, Shakira Henderson moved to Florida to attend college. She completed a Bachelor of Science in biology and chemistry in 2003 at the University of Miami. Following that, she attended Barry University, where she received a Bachelor of Nursing, a Master of Public Health, and a Master of Science in Nursing/Neonatal Nurse Practitioner degree. She obtained her Doctor of Nursing Practice in 2014 at the University of South Alabama, and her PhD in Nursing at the University of Miami in 2015.
Henderson’s extensive faculty, clinical, and administrative leadership includes service as a Director of Nursing and Health Sciences Research and Senior Systems Administrator for Research & Grants. Prior to coming to the University of Florida, she served as the System Vice President, Research Officer for University of North Carolina (UNC) Health, the Assistant Vice Chancellor of Clinical Research for the UNC Chapel Hill campus, and the Clinical Research Integration Officer for the UNC School of Medicine.
Major Accomplishments
Dr. Henderson became the 6th dean of the College of Nursing in January of 2024. In addition to her deanship, she serves as the associate vice president for nursing education, practice and research, and holds the position of system chief nurse executive for UF Health. Highlights of her leadership include development of a forward-thinking strategic plan for the college, increasing student enrollment, and leading the college through its 70th anniversary year.
During Her Tenure
The 2024 presidential campaign cycle intensified political activism, online culture wars, and identity-based social movements. The increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in educational settings continued, requiring nursing faculty and students to rapidly adjust to managing both the benefits and potential drawbacks of AI in the learning environment.
In 2026, the 70th anniversary of the College of Nursing, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the United States, has been met with enthusiasm and anticipation of events for faculty, staff, and students.
Reflections
Ranata Simmons, DNP student, BSN (2003)
"I was at a crossroads, unsure if choosing the University of Florida to pursue my DNP was the right decision. That uncertainty shifted the moment I received The Gator Nurse magazine in Spring 2024. On the cover was the welcome announcement of Dr. Shakira Henderson as the sixth Dean of the UF College of Nursing. I had never met her, yet something about her vision and presence resonated deeply. I completed my application that same week. I knew I wanted to be part of the change and renewed energy she was bringing to the College. Fast forward to today—I am in the final semester of the DNP at the UFCON and have had the privilege of working alongside Dean Henderson through the Nursing Alumni Board. In interacting with her, there is an immediate sense that something transformative is happening within the College. What stands out most is her persistence. She has openly said, “I am very persistent and they have to tell me no!” when discussing ambitious or challenging goals. That fearless determination, paired with unwavering commitment, creates momentum. It inspires confidence. And it cultivates teams of dedicated supporters who believe in the mission because they believe in the leader guiding it."
Reflections
Kim Curry, Alumni Board, BSN (1976)
"During Dean Henderson’s short time here, she has brought energy, engagement, and most of all ideas. Her positive approach and belief in the faculty, staff, students, and alumni shine through. We have a bright future ahead."
Honoring our Deans: Dean McDaniel
Years of Service: 2013 – 2023
Anna Manley McDaniel, PhD, RN, FAAN
Born in Toledo, Ohio, Anna McDaniel (1953- ) grew up in Monticello, Indiana. She received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing from Ball State University in Indiana and her PhD in Nursing Science from Indiana University. After completing a postdoctoral fellowship in medical informatics from Indianapolis’ Regenstrief Institute for Health Care, McDaniel served as a faculty member at Indiana University School of Nursing for the following 21 years. Her position included serving as the associate dean for research. She also served on the nursing faculty at Ball State University and Indiana Wesleyan University.
Major Accomplishments
The College of Nursing saw tremendous growth and earned national and international recognition during McDaniel’s tenure as dean. The Doctor of Nursing Practice and Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees rose in national rankings of college programs. She also created the EMBRACE program to provide opportunities for undergraduate students to have opportunities in research and leadership. During McDaniel’s deanship, she increased the number of faculty by over 50%, greatly expanding the teaching capacity. She encouraged faculty to obtain the Certified Nurse Educator credential, adding to faculty expertise.
A strong focus was the amount of funded research in the college. Under McDaniel’s leadership, National Institutes of Health research funding increased from less than $500,000 in 2014 to nearly $5 million in 2021. As a result, the college advanced from a national ranking of 57th in funding among colleges of nursing in 2014 to 18th in 2021.
McDaniel also successfully recruited five endowed professorships and chairs to the college and had great success at fundraising during university campaigns. In addition to her deanship, McDaniel was appointed the Linda Harman Aiken Professor of Nursing. She also served as associate vice president for academic-practice partnerships at UF Health Shands Hospital.
During her Tenure
Nationwide legalization of same-sex marriage in 2015 via Supreme Court of the United States decision (Obergefell v. Hodges) was a landmark decision. In 2018, the Parkland high school shooting put Florida at the forefront of controversies about protection of students in schools as well as campus access in any setting.
In March, 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic changed education overnight, severely challenging nursing faculty around the world to provide students with meaningful experiences despite restrictions on interpersonal contact. In Florida, face to face education did not resume until the spring and summer of 2021.
In 2022, the overturning of Roe v. Wade by the Supreme Court (the Dobbs decision) impacted nurses and other healthcare workers and resulted in nationwide protests. During McDaniel’s tenure, the role of social media and mainstream media in shaping political opinions also rose to prominence as a topic of much discussion nationwide, including within universities.
End of Service
McDaniel retired in 2023 and returned to her home state of Indiana to spend time with her husband and family.
After Dean McDaniel retired, Dr. Debra Lyon served as interim dean until Dean Henderson assumed the deanship.
Reflections
Monica Barfield, DNP (2022)
"She had a personal connection with faculty and students. Her goal when she started was to make the college the place on campus that everyone wanted to work and she succeeded. She became known at the national level as the place you want to be. "
Reflections
Dr. Rene Love, Faculty Member
"I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked with her in my career. As faculty she made mer want to work there and made it the best place to work. One of my favorite memories was of Dean McDaniel dressed as Princess Leia and telling her the students “May the Force be with you” on May 4th. This was an amazing day!"
Honoring our Deans: Dean Long
Years of Service: 1995-2013
Kathleen Ann Long
Born and raised in Buffalo, New York, Kathy Long (1947- ) relocated to Washington, DC to attend Catholic University where she received her BSN. She pursued her MSN immediately after completing her bachelor’s degree and earned a master’s in psychiatric nursing at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan.
Long spent ten years working in clinical child psychiatry at the University of Maryland Hospital. She remained in Baltimore for doctoral studies and in 1980 completed her PhD in Behavioral Sciences at Johns Hopkins University. Montana State University then recruited her to join the faculty. She spent the next 14 years in Montana that included clinical work on the Crow and Cheyenne reservations as a part of the Indian Health Service. During her final five years at Montana State University she served as dean of the college. In 1995, she was recruited by the University of Florida.
Major Accomplishments
Programs initiated by Dean Long included an accelerated BSN to PhD program, a clinical nurse leader master’s program, and the Doctor of Nursing Practice, or DNP degree. Another major accomplishment was the incorporation of the nursing faculty practice association.
Long also established the Office for Research Support to ensure dedicated space and funding to help faculty members carry out the college’s research mission. Believing that all faculty members were equal partners in the direction of the college, she established a shared governance structure for decision-making.
In 2002, Dean Long led the relocation of the college to its current location in the Health Professions, Nursing, and Pharmacy building. During her deanship, she served as the president of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (2002 – 2004). In her last five years of service, she also served as associate provost for the university.
During her Tenure
A few of the many social and cultural events in the United States during Dean Long’s tenure include the impeachment of President Bill Clinton, heightening discourse on morality and politics, and the launch of Google in 1998, which transformed information access and affected many aspects of modern culture. In 1999, the Columbine High School massacre brought to light serious security risks in educational settings. The next year, the contested Bush–Gore election and Florida recount crisis challenged the public’s trust in the U.S. electoral system.
September 11, 2001 reshaped our national identity when international terrorists killed thousands of U.S. citizens. The early 2000s also saw the launch of Wikipedia, a source of collaborative knowledge that impacted higher education throughout the country. In 2010, the Affordable Care Act was passed by congress, creating further demands for nurses and other healthcare providers.
End of Service
Long retired in 2013 and returned to her home in Jacksonville to spend more time with her husband and family. She remains active in College of Nursing activities and events.
Reflections
Dr. Jo Snider, Professor Emeritus
“Dean Long introduced us to a faculty organization within the context of shared governance. This was a terrific opportunity for the faculty group to take some of the responsibility for decision making and accountability for the full gamut of college needs. This included a larger number of assistant and associate leaders on an everyday basis. I believed that the structure was sound and driven by the faculty with the use of good leadership. I remember discussions and comradeship.”
Reflections
Jodi Irving, Professor Emeritus
"I had many collaborations and experiences with Dean Long during her tenure as dean. A personal standout for me happened during 2005 when I was on a planning committee for the 50th Anniversary of the college. I talked with the dean about the fact we had no visible documents to display for our first 50 years. She suggested that I “do something about it!” So, with her financial support, I developed the college’s history alcove on the third floor of the HPNP Building."
Honoring our Deans: Dean Malasanos
Years of Service: 1980-1995
Lois Fosse Malasanos
Born in La Porte City, Iowa, (1928-2007), Lois Malasanos became interested in healthcare as a career after suffering chemical burns in a lab accident in her high school chemistry class. The subsequent daily visits with the family doctor while healing fostered what would become a lifelong interest in nursing.
Her career accelerated after receiving a diploma from the nursing school at the University of Texas in 1948. She went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Iowa, and her master’s degree from the University of Chicago. While working as a nurse at the University of Chicago, she taught surgical nursing at Reece Hospital and Medical Center in Chicago. In 1973, she earned her doctorate in physiology at the University of Illinois. Included in her accomplishments was authorship of a popular textbook on health assessment that was first published in 1977.
Dr. Malasanos came to the University of Florida in 1980 after several years of service as the associate head of nursing at the University of Illinois. Her selection as dean at UF was the result of a nationwide search.
Major Accomplishments
During her tenure, Dean Malsanos strengthened the college involvement in research. She expanded the master’s degree program to cover 13 specialties and in 1982 initiated the nurse midwifery program. In 1984, UF started the state’s first research doctorate in nursing that included research funding and faculty support. This was the first nursing PhD program in Florida, and one of only 24 nursing doctorate programs in the country.
Malasanos established satellite campuses in Jacksonville and Orlando and increased the number of faculty from 42 to more than 70. Faculty became involved in the staffing of primary care clinics in rural areas of Alachua and Marion counties. In 1995, she was awarded a Fullbright Scholarship and subsequently spent a year in Izmir, Turkey where she helped establish a graduate degree nursing program. She received more than 20 major awards for teaching, service and leadership.
During her Tenure
In 1981, the first reported cases of Acquired Immuno-deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) were reported in the United States, impacting healthcare workers and medical research nationwide for years to come. The crack cocaine epidemic dominated urban social issues in the 1980s with many policy debates about approaches to managing this serious health threat. In 1990, the federal government passed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), creating landmark civil rights laws for patients, students, and faculty. In 1991, the testimony of Anita Hill in Supreme Court hearings reinforced national debates on sexual harassment and workplace gender dynamics.
In Florida, the 1980 Mariel boatlift brought about 125,000 Cuban refugees to south Florida, transforming demographics, politics, and culture. Other areas of the state continued to grow as retiree and Sunbelt migration hubs. Florida continued to see growth of the theme park and cruise industries, increasing tourism to the state. In 1986, major anti-drug legislation was passed in response to cocaine trafficking in Florida.
End of Service
Malasanos stepped down as dean in 1995 but continued her role on the faculty as a teacher and researcher. She retired in 2003 and died in Gainesville on April 23, 2007 at the age of 78, from the sequelae of cancer treatment 34 years prior.
Reflections
Jodi Irving, Emeritus Faculty
"Dean Malasanos was very affable, with high energy and there was sense of pride in the faculty as she had a PhD in Physiology as well. She brought a different intellect to the college and one of many outcomes was the development of the PhD program in Nursing and research support for faculty. I had opportunities to interact with her often as I was the Chair of the Faculty Affairs Committee for several years and among its responsibilities was planning faculty retreats. One conversation we had about a potential retreat for that year went like this: Dr. M. – “Well Jodi, what do you think?” J. I. – “With informal interest and chatter about faculty practice for the past year, how about a formalized retreat with that focus?” Dr. M. – “It keeps showing up in discussions; let’s do that!” So, the faculty retreat was held in Palm Coast, Fla. and began the formalized plans to institute a faculty practice role, which has continued since that time."
Reflections
Ann Glasse, BSN (1993)
"The Dean’s vision of increasing overall diversity of nursing school enrollment at our college during her time was a very nice accomplishment. This diversity would also include more men in the nursing program."
Honoring our Deans: Dean Urey
Years of Service: 1973-1978
Blanche Irene Urey
Born in Cold Spring, New York, Blanche Urey (1929- 1978) graduated from St. Luke’s Hospital School of Nursing, a certificate program. She then completed a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Education from Hunter College in New York City and followed it with a Master of Arts in Nursing Education Administration. In 1968, she earned a Doctor of Education from Teachers College at Columbia University, New York City. Prior to her deanship, she worked as a research assistant for the National League for Nursing, and then as associate professor and assistant dean at the School of Nursing, Medical University of South Carolina.
Major Accomplishments
Dean Urey inherited a college that was in significant disarray due to the dismantling of faculty joint appointments that had existed under Dean Smith, and feelings of loss for many of the original faculty who served under Dean Smith. Dean Urey’s major priorities were to stabilize the undergraduate program, and initiate the RN to BSN program. In addition, she founded the Dean’s Excellence Fund, which continues today.
Dean Urey focused on enhancing several academic programs in the college. Among her accomplishments was the addition of a respiratory care specialization in the master’s degree program that prepared clinical specialists in this area. In 1976, she also added a family practice component to the program. This was recognized as the first of its kind in the nation, because all nurses enrolled in the MSN/clinical nurse specialist program would receive a core of training in family practice. Other clinical nurse specialty options offered in the college at that time included women and infant care, child health, and psychiatric/mental health nursing.
Near the end of Dean Urey’s tenure, the college moved to new physical space, going from the fifth floor of the hospital to the first and ground floor of the Medical Sciences Building. The college occupied a temporary space in the Communicore Library while construction was taking place. Because of her early death, many goals were left unmet, and the college faced a new dean search.
During her Tenure
The Watergate scandal evolved during Dean Urey’s first two years of service. This resulted in the resignation of President Richard Nixon and an erosion of public trust in the government. The Supreme Court decided Roe v. Wade in 1973, recognizing a constitutional right to abortion, impacting the education and practice of nurses. Also in the early 1970s, gas shortages and inflation reshaped consumer habits.
In Florida, school desegregation was ongoing with resulting protests and political battles. A popular singer of the day, Anita Bryant, led a campaign in Miami in 1977 to repeal a local anti-discrimination ordinance protecting gay people. Voters repealed the ordinance, galvanizing the national LGBTQ+ rights movement.
End of Service
Dean Urey died December 4th, 1978 at age 49, one week after suffering a stroke in her home. She was buried in her home state of New York.
After Dean Urey’s sudden death, Dr. Amanda Baker served as interim dean until the appointment of Dean Lois Malasanos.
Reflections
Dr. Jo Snider, Professor Emeritus
"An expression I learned from her was, “We have to move the dime”! This meant we need to make a decision and move forward."
Honoring our Deans: Dean Smith
Years of Service: 1956-1971
Dorothy Mary Smith
Born in Bangor, Maine, Dorothy Smith (1913- 1997), received her nursing diploma from the Quincy Hospital School of Nursing in Quincy, Massachusetts in 1936. After working as a clinical nurse and nurse manager, she enrolled in Columbia University Teacher’s College in Manhattan and in 1941 received a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. In addition to her busy clinical and supervisory work, she traveled by subway to Harvard University three nights a week and on Saturdays. In 1947, she graduated with a master’s degree in education. After progressive experience in clinical nursing, education, and administration, Smith applied for the founding deanship at the University of Florida.
Major Accomplishments
Dean Smith started the college of nursing in a Quonset hut located on the UF campus. After Shands hospital was completed, the College of Nursing moved into office space connected to the hospital.
Smith was a visionary leader and innovator in nursing education. Through her years of experience as a nurse leader as well as a researcher of nursing education, she believed in university-based nursing education at a time when the majority of nurses attended three-year diploma programs. One of Smith’s many accomplishments included the inception of the college’s Master of Science program in nursing in 1964. Smith intended for the graduates to be clinical specialists.
Her tenure was exemplified by the implementation of her unification model of nursing combining teaching, research, and clinical practice, which was later adopted by numerous other academic nursing programs. She was widely published and was an invited speaker nationally and internationally.
During her Tenure
Smith’s fifteen-year tenure occurred in an environment of social and political unrest, including sometimes unpleasant encounters with southern politics and culture. The McCarthy era targeting communism and “subversives” occurred during the 1950s. Its Florida counterpart, the infamous Johns committee, cost numerous professors and students their jobs, their reputations, and their futures. Smith led the college through the civil rights movement of the 1960s, and faculty and students alike experienced the impact of student activism including anti-war activism. During the 1960s to early 1970s, the second wave of feminism also impacted every college campus. These events were part of the major cultural shifts occurring throughout the United States during Smith’s deanship.
End of Service
Eventually, financial downturns in state funding brought an end to the vision of Smith and her colleagues at the UF Health Sciences Center. However, her legacy inspired graduates and faculty long after her academic career ended. Smith stepped down as dean in 1971 and retired the following year. She died in Florida in 1997 and was buried in her home state of Maine.
After Dean Smith stepped down, Judy Moore, MSN, served as the interim dean of the college from 1971 – 1973.
Reflections
Dr. Rose Nealis
“When I was a student under Dean Smith, I had an 11-year-old patient with end stage renal disease. When Dean Smith made rounds with me, my patient asked her to read to her. After that, she visited her every day and read to her. On another occasion, my classmate Chris and I gave her a six pack of Michelob beer with a note that said: “It is said Michelob is one of the finer beers and this is from two of your finer students”. Soon after, we received a note to report to her office. When we did, she laughed and said, "you are two of the finer students".
Reflections
David Penoyer, Jr. BSN (1973)
"Dean Smith taught us during our first class introducing us to nursing in Nursing 301. She emphasized the importance of the definition and the concept of the professional nurse. She made it clear of her desire for all of us to prepare for advanced nursing practice. I recall her telling us that we should prepare to "Go out and hang a shingle on our office as a professional registered nurse". Dean Smith was instrumental in many aspects of the foundation of my approach to patient care as a professional registered nurse."
History by the Decade
In an attempt to obtain an accurate and comprehensive history of the college, we have partnered with the UF Oral History Department. Oral Histories have been obtained from individuals who participated in the earliest development of the college. You can read their accounts the Oral History Collections.
We would love to hear your memories of the college. Please contact us to share.
history by the Decade
In this video that was produced to be shown to the class of junior nursing students, Professor Emeritus Jodi Irving takes viewers on a historical tour of the College of Nursing, highlighting prominent historical moments in each decade.
Care. Lead. Inspire.
In honor of our 60th anniversary in 2016, we celebrated these three parts of our motto — Care. Lead. Inspire. — all year. Below find three videos dedicated to these values.
Our students, faculty, graduates and supporters Care about our patients, our communities, each other and the College. Here is just a brief glimpse into how all Gator Nurses embody a spirit of caring.
Our students, faculty, graduates and supporters Lead in every part of health care, whether as CEO’s or deans, and at the bedside or in the community.
Here is just a brief glimpse into how all Gator Nurses embody a spirit of leadership.
Our students, faculty, graduates and supporters Inspire those around them whether it is with their patients, colleagues, students and families.
Here is just a brief glimpse into how all Gator Nurses Inspire.
Historical Photo Gallery
