Director of Nursing Patricia Wahl to Retire

Patricia Wahl, Professor and SON Director

After 15 years as Director of the School of Nursing, Patt Wahl has retired from a program that has grown and excelled under her leadership. Among her many accomplishments, Wahl was actively involved in the creation of Nurses Now, which resulted in a 70 percent increase in enrollment in the nursing program, thereby having far-reaching benefits for the entire San Diego community.

"I have enjoyed developing new programs and seeing the school chart its own course," says Wahl, "but what I have enjoyed the most is my time with faculty and students-that's really the heart of my work here."

A reception to celebrate Wahl's many accomplishments was given by Sigma Eta Tau, the Nursing Honorary Society, in November, and the School of Nursing hosted a retirement celebration this spring. San Diego State and the College of Health & Human Services are deeply grateful for the leadership Wahl has provided in advancing the School of Nursing.

Scholarship Created in Memory of Professor Barbara Black

In honor of Barbara Black's commitment to nursing and mental health, the Community Research Foundation has funded a scholarship in her name. The Barbara Black Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to two nursing students each year who display an interest in working in the field of mental health.

Black was a professor and psychiatric nurse educator at SDSU's School of Nursing from 1970 to 1992, and a board member at the Community Research Foundation from 1977 until she passed away in 2003. The foundation serves individuals with, or at serious risk for, mental illness.

"Barbara was a tireless advocate for the mentally ill and worked diligently throughout her entire career," remembers William Hawthorne, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Community Research Foundation. "She was the most giving and selfless person, and we wanted to give something back to her," says Hawthorne of his motivation to establish the scholarship.

Black was also known as an enthusiastic contributor to the mission of the School of Nursing and the entire university, and is best remembered here for her devotion to student learning and gentle mentoring of junior faculty. The Community Research Foundation is honored to support the nursing students at SDSU who aim to carry on Barbara Black's commitment to the mentally ill.