Interview by Greta A. Green RN, BSN, MS, USC Nursing alumna and 2006 Cockcroft Leadership Fellow Graduate

Early Life and Schooling

I was one of eight children. We went to school in New York near Cornell University. We walked to school every morning—something that amazes me now, considering how common school buses are today. In the winter, we sledded down the hills. It was very cold, and I remember walking to school with snow piled high on both sides of the ditches.

There was a little red schoolhouse about a half mile from our home where we went until 6th grade. After that, we attended a school downtown, where I also graduated.

Delayed Nursing Dreams

After high school, I knew I wanted to go to nursing school. I had always wanted to be a nurse. My mother didn’t react, but my father was afraid I’d have to care for men—so I stayed home for four years.

During that time, I helped at my father’s restaurant, which catered to older customers. It had white tablecloths, fresh flowers, and a chef I adored. I made pies—apple, cherry, anything you wanted—for 10¢ a slice. I also waited tables.

Eventually, Dad relented when a friend of mine went off to school. He drove me about 90 miles to Rochester, a big city compared to our little town.

Starting Nursing School

We arrived for the student-family meeting, where Ms. Morris, the director of nursing, made a lasting impression. Tall, stately, and charming—Dad was smitten. She gave us a campus tour, and I finally started nursing school.

It was a three-year program, one of only three degree schools in the country at the time. It was a very good school. We worked long hours. When we got sleepy at night, the Supervisor would say, “Wash your face and hands.” We’d line up as nurses used flashlights to check on patients—so different from today.

Our graduation was held at Eastman Kodak’s Community Center. Each graduate received a bouquet of roses.

Early Clinical Experience

In my final nine months, I was assigned as head nurse of the Private Duty Ward—mostly private rooms, many filled with tuberculosis patients. The treatments were traumatic. I’ll never forget a 16-year-old girl who had her ribs removed and later died. It deeply affected me.

Later, I was unexpectedly asked to lead the Pediatric Department after the director left. I didn’t feel ready, but I taught myself as I taught the students—often on my hands and knees.

Columbia University and Beyond

Ms. Briggs, our superintendent, encouraged me to get my bachelor’s at Columbia. She even offered to pay for it. After graduating, I worked in pediatrics at Syracuse for a few years. There, I stood up to the nursing director who prioritized neat beds over patient care. I insisted the children came first.

Later, I returned to Columbia to complete my degree. During a final interview, a faculty member criticized my clothing—a skirt and sweater—as “juvenile.” The head of the school dismissed the comment, saying it was ridiculous. Shortly after, Vanderbilt called to request a pediatric instructor. I was recommended and flew to Nashville.

First Time in the South

It was my first flight and first trip out of New York. They gave me a lovely apartment. I watched a woman pick magnolias outside—it turns out, she became one of my lifelong mentors.

As the only non-southerner, everything felt new. I earned $5 more a month for being from so far away. During holidays, I traveled home by train.

Recruiting During the War

When WWII began, my friend Marie Farrow, now an OR supervisor, recruited me to represent Vanderbilt in nurse recruiting. I traveled across the South—Virginia, Mary Baldwin College, and beyond—recruiting for the entire university.

One memorable moment was learning about Pearl Harbor over the radio while eating sukiyaki at a colleague’s apartment. None of us could finish the meal.

After discussing with my family, I enlisted in the service as a non-commissioned officer. Dr. Parron from U.S. Health Services assured us that support would always be available.

Military and Government Service

I spent seven years in New England and rose to Commander. Later, I was loaned to the U.S. Department of Education to help standardize nursing education across the country—from New York to Washington State to Albuquerque, which I loved.

I spent three years in Kansas City working with engineers and public health leaders to assess hospitals and recommend upgrades necessary for nursing programs.

Helping Shape Nursing in South Carolina

Eventually, I was recruited to help establish a nursing school in South Carolina. I visited schools and hospitals, including one where the administrator opposed education for nurses. I reviewed the University of South Carolina’s program and noted major gaps—especially in credit tracking and structure.

I recommended establishing a new school—if specific requirements were met. My report laid out exactly what needed to be done.

Founding USC’s School of Nursing

Soon after, Dr. Russell from USC recruited me to Columbia. I accepted and began preparing: hiring faculty, building curriculum, and planning.

Charleston wasn’t pleased. When I visited to pay respects, one official said, “We didn’t invite you here.” Regardless, I continued. The men on the Columbia campus—deans and department heads—were incredibly supportive. When the yellow student uniforms arrived, everyone loved them.

The report I wrote on the school’s founding is still archived at the corner of Sumter and Pendleton Streets.