70 Years of Gator Nursing Excellence

Honoring our legacy. Advancing the future. BOLDLY.

Celebrating 70 years of Gator Nursing

Founded in 1956, the UF College of Nursing has spent seven decades shaping the profession, elevating patient care and inspiring generations of nurse leaders, educators, scientists and innovators. As we celebrate our 70th anniversary, we honor the people, places and pivotal moments that defined our past — and boldly embrace the future of transformative health innovation.

Throughout 2026, we’ll mark this milestone with special events, storytelling, archival highlights and opportunities for alumni, students, faculty and friends to connect, celebrate and envision the next era of Gator Nursing.

a message from dean henderson

honoring our bold legacy

"Gator Nurses have shaped health care for 70 years — and our boldest work is still ahead."

From our earliest days under founding dean Dorothy M. Smith, the UF College of Nursing has championed a model of knowledge-based clinical excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration and a bold commitment to improving health across communities.

For 70 years, Gator Nurses have redefined what it means to care — advancing practice, leading in research and education, as well as inspiring change across Florida, the nation and the world. Today, that legacy continues as we expand our academic programs, strengthen our research impact and prepare nurses who will shape the future of health care with compassion and courage.

This anniversary year is not only a celebration of where we’ve been, but a launchpad for where we are going. I invite you to join us as we celebrate 70 Years of Caring Boldly.

Shakira Henderson, PhD, DNP, MS, MPH, EMBA, IBCLC, RNC-NIC
Dean, College of Nursing – Chief Administrative Officer, UF College of Nursing
Associate Vice President for Nursing Education, Practice, and Research – System Chief Nurse Executive, UF Health

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70 years of gator nursing legacy

• Founded in 1956 by visionary dean Dorothy M. Smith
• Pioneer of innovative, practice-based nursing education
• One of six colleges within the UF Academic Health Center
• Collaborative partnerships with UF Health Shands and more than 40 centers and institutes
• Over 12,000 alumni practicing across the globe

70th anniversary storefront