2011 MNRS Leadership Candidates

All nominees are listed in alphabetical order

Treasurer

Marjorie (Marge) J. Bott, RN, PhD
Associate Dean, Research
University of Kansas School of Nursing

Statement of interest in the future of MNRS: My goals for the position of treasurer are to work within the mission of MNRS Board in ensuring that the financial management policies and procedures are followed along with reporting on the financial status to the board and the membership.  Also, it is an important personal goal to assure that we continue to increase funds for the sponsorship of nursing research for the membership—including grant awards, scholarships, and recognition. I have been an active participant of MNRS in serving on several MNRS conference planning committees and in conducting grant reviews.  In my role as Associate Dean for Research, I oversee the budgets for all grant/contract activities for the School of Nursing, assist faculty with developing budgets for internal and external funding, and provide mentorship in the financial management of grants once awarded. I have served as treasurer for Delta Chapter Sigma Theta Tau and as financial secretary and finance committee member for my local church; in those roles I have been responsible for seeing the proper audits were conducted for these organizations.

Experience:
Previous experience within MNRS:

• MNRS Conference Planning Committee member (2003-2006; 2008-2011)
• Local planning committee representative for 2010 MNRS Annual Research Conference
• MNRS Grants Committee reviewer (2006-2009)
• Research section member (Gerontological Nursing, Health Systems & Policy)

Years involved in Nursing Research: 20 years
Years of MNRS Membership: 16 years (1994-95 was first year of membership)

Nancy Fahrenwald, PhD, RN
Associate Dean for Research
South Dakota State University, College of Nursing

Statement of interest in the future of MNRS: As treasurer of MNRS, my goal is to assure the financial security of the organization so that the research mission can grow and the services to members can expand. In the next two years as treasurer, I will work to assure that the proposed budgets are aligned with the goals of MNRS. Increasing the revenue base of the organization is a primary goal and I would like work with the Board of Directors to recruit and retain members and increase institutional memberships. The treasurer of MNRS also serves on the MNRS Foundation. We have experienced phenomenal growth in the Foundation in a very short time, and this is an ongoing priority.

Experience:
Previous experience within MNRS: 

• Treasurer, Board of Directors (2008-2010)
• Member at Large, Board of Directors (2006-2008)
• Research Section Coordinating Committee Chair, 2007-2008
• Annual Conference Program Planning Committee, 2007-2009
• Health Seeking Behaviors Section Chair, 2004-2006
• Chair of the Dissertation Award Committee, Health Seeking Behavior Section, 2006-2009
• Abstract Reviewer, 2005-present

Years involved in Nursing Research: 14 years
Years of MNRS Membership: 14 years

Linda Herrick

Statement of interest in the future of MNRS:

Experience:
Previous experience within MNRS: 

Years involved in Nursing Research: 14 years
Years of MNRS Membership: 14 years

Board of Directors – Member at Large

William D. Corser, PhD, RN, NEA-BC
Associate Professor, College of Nursing
Michigan State University

Statement of interest in the future of MNRS: Before becoming a nursing academic in 2001, I served as a nurse manager or administrator is several service sector positions in the Midwest. As an MNRS Board member, I would hope to contribute to the further expansion of our membership base to engage nurse researchers from academic programs and healthcare systems with limited involvement to date.  If re-elected, our need for improved year-long communications vehicles among research interest cohorts and individual members would continue to be one of my primary focus areas.  I also believe that it will remain incumbent for the vitality of our organization for the MNRS Board to more effectively address the interests of younger nurse researchers and students as prospective members.  

Experience:
Previous experience within MNRS:

• I’ve had the pleasure of serving on the MNRS Board as At-Large Member during the 2009-2011 term. 
• I’ve been a member or Co-Chair on about three-to-four research sections and reviewed MNRS student posters, poster abstracts and grant applications for a total of about seven or eight conference year periods.

Years involved in Nursing Research: approximately 17 years
Years of MNRS Membership: approximately 15 years

Helen Lach, PhD, RN, GCNS-BC
Associate Professor
Saint Louis University

Statement of interest in the future of MNRS: I have learned much about the MNRS organization over the last few years, serving as chair of the Gerontological Nursing section, and as chair of the 2010 program that was held in Kansas City.  I have found MNRS to be a vibrant and exciting organization that supports nursing research and scholarship.  I would be honored to continue serving the organization as a board member.  I have been involved with other MRNS activities, including the Student Awards Committee and section awards committee.  I hope to continue to help move the organization forward and work with the many exceptional members across the Midwest.

Experience:
Previous experience within MNRS:

• Presenter and abstract reviewer
• Student Poster Committee member
• Chair, Co-Chair and Awards Chair for the Gerontological Nursing Research Section;
• Co-Chair and Chair of the Annual Meeting Program Committee

Years involved in Nursing Research: 15 years
Years of MNRS Membership: approximately 23 years

Ann Marie McCarthy, PhD, RN, PNP, FAAN
Professor and Chair, Parent, Child & Family Area
College of Nursing, The University of Iowa

Statement of interest in the future of MNRS: I look forward to the opportunity to continue to strengthen MNRS in meeting its mission to advance science, impact practice and support nurse scholars as they develop research careers. During my 15-year membership, MNRS has provided me with the opportunity to share my research at the annual conference and network with researchers with similar interests. Involvement in the Pediatric Research Section introduced me to exceptional research colleagues who provided mentorship and direction for my research.  Serving on committees such as the Awards committee, contributing to the development of specific pediatric research sessions and reviewing abstracts for MNRS have been rewarding experiences. My goals as a member of the board are to support the ongoing excellence of the annual conference, develop partnerships among the four regional nursing research organizations, and contribute to the mentoring of the next generation of nurse scholars.  I am committed to research that improves nursing care, and have been an active, funded researcher for over 20 years, from an early F31 to current R01 funding. One of my first research grants was from MNRS, helping me to begin my research career. My research experience, combined with multiple service activities as a member of organizational research committees and a reviewer for abstracts, grants and journals, provides a strong base for me to join the leadership of MNRS. My current role as a leader in developing a network of pediatric nursing organizations, the Institute of Pediatric Nursing, is an excellent fit for furthering partnerships among the regional nursing research organizations. In addition, I believe that it is critical for MNRS to continue to develop avenues to mentor new scholars and clinical nursing research leaders.  My mentoring experiences in developing scholars as director of a PhD program and director of a T32 training grant, prepared me to fulfill this part of the MNRS mission.  It would be an honor to serve my colleagues and give back to MNRS as a member-at-large for the MNRS Board of Directors.

Experience:
Previous experience within MNRS:

• Service to the Awards Committee
• Development of specific pediatric research sessions and reviewing abstracts

Years involved in Nursing Research: 20 years
Years of MNRS Membership: 15 years

Cynthia Schmidt, PhD, RN
Professor
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Statement of interest in the future of MNRS: My years of experience as a nurse educator and researcher provide me with a foundation of knowledge and skills that will help me collaborate with others on the Board to work towards the mission of MNRS, improving nursing care through research.  My previous service to MNRS involves consistent membership in the Pediatric Research Section, including terms as Chair and Co-chair.  In addition, I was a member of the Planning Committee for two years and served as Co-Host for one of these two years.  For many years, I have served as an MNRS abstract reviewer, co-planner of guaranteed symposia, and reviewer for research awards.  I am dedicated to nursing and to the advancement of our science and would consider it a privilege to serve as a Board member for MNRS.

Experience:
Previous experience within MNRS:

• Co-Chairperson of Pediatric Research Section (1999-2000)
• Chairperson of Pediatric Research Section (2000 – 2001)
• Member of Planning Committee for Annual Research Conference (2003 and 2004)

Years involved in Nursing Research: 1998 to present
Years of MNRS Membership: 1995 to present

Nominating Committee

Myra Martz Huth, PhD, RN, FAAN
Assistant Vice President, Center for Professional Excellence-Research & EBP
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center

Statement of interest in the future of MNRS: My goal as a member of the Nominating Committee is to seek nominees that reflect the diversity of our membership.  By providing a slate of qualified candidates for MNRS board positions I will strategically assist MNRS in their mission of promoting, disseminating, and utilizing nursing research throughout the Midwest. I have been a member of MNRS for 16 years and have served as the chair and co-chair of the Pain Management Research section.  My role as the Assistant Vice President of Research and EBP, Boar positions in the Society of Pediatric Nursing and collaboration with researchers from the US and abroad have prepared me for identifying individuals with leadership abilities.   I am passionate about improving bedside care through the conduct of evidence and clinical research.

Experience:
Previous experience within MNRS:

• 2000-2001 Chair of the Pain Management Research Section
• 1999-2000 Co-chair of the Pain Management Research Section

Years involved in Nursing Research: 28 years
Years of MNRS Membership: 16 years

Wendy S. Looman, PhD, RN, CNP
Associate Professor
School of Nursing, University of Minnesota

Statement of interest in the future of MNRS: My goal as member of the nominating committee will be to contribute to the success of the organization through participation in the recruitment and election of qualified leaders. It is through effective leadership that MNRS as an organization will achieve its mission of promoting, disseminating, and utilizing nursing research. MNRS is a vital and growing organization, and I am committed to supporting the organization through activities that are critical to its infrastructure, including committee responsibilities. I have been a strong supporter and active member of MNRS since 1998 when I was a doctoral student. As a Research Section Chair for the Family Health Section I was mentored by leaders in family health nursing. As a group we worked to promote family nursing concepts through support of new researchers, dissemination of family research at the conference, and networking with other research sections. I plan to continue active membership and leadership in MNRS as I continue to grow as a nurse scientist, and look forward to an opportunity to participate in the organization as a nominating committee member.

Experience:
Previous experience within MNRS:

• Research Section Chair for Family Health Section, 2005-2007

Years involved in Nursing Research: 8 years
Years of MNRS Membership: 13 years

Elisa Torres, PhD, RN
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
University of Iowa, College of Nursing

Statement of interest in the future of MNRS: I am honored to be considered as a 2011-2012 candidate for the MNRS nominating committee.  My goal will be to ensure that a ballot is created that contains a demographically, geographically and scientifically diverse (quantitative and qualitative, basic and social science, across various populations along the health-illness continuum) candidate pool that ensures the mission and vision of MNRS are achieved.  I have served on the Ethnicity and Health Section Awards Committee and held a variety of leadership positions.  I have also attended various schools of nursing in the Midwest.  These experiences provide me with a foundation to identify qualified colleagues for leadership positions in MNRS. I look forward to serving in this role.

Experience:
Previous experience within MNRS:

Years involved in Nursing Research: 1.5 years
Years of MNRS Membership: 1 year

JoEllen Wilbur, PhD, APN, FAAN
Professor, Endowed Independence Foundation Chair in Nursing, Associate Dean for Research
Rush University

Statement of interest in the future of MNRS: My goal for the position on the nominating committee is to assure a strong  pool of candidates  that are interested in leadership and represent varying fields of research, practice, and teaching  scholarship. As a nurse scientist my work has focused on increasing physical activity and improving the cardiovascular health of women. This work has been funded by NIH, CDC, and Robert Wood, Johnson Active Living Research. I have been actively involved in MNRS since completion of my doctoral degree in the 1980s.  I have presented my research findings, participated in symposiums and preconferences, reviewed abstracts, grants and selection of award papers for publication in WJNR, and guided over 25 students in the submission of poster and paper presentations. One doctoral advisee was the recipient of a predoctoral grant award. Most recently I served as chair of the research committee (2006-2009). During that time we standardized all of the research protocols modeled after NIH guidelines and moved to online grant submissions.  As associate dean for research at two research intensive universities, over the past nine years, and as an NIH grant reviewer I am familiar with the broad scope of nursing research. These experiences should place me in a position to work with other nomination committee member to identify a strong slate of qualified candidates for the MNRS board.

Experience:
Previous experience within MNRS:

• Chair of the Research Committee, 2006-2009
• Reviewer : abstracts, grants and selection of award papers for publication in WJNR

Years involved in Nursing Research: 27 years
Years of MNRS Membership: 27 years