Dean Emerita Marion Broome Honored at Duke School of Nursing Memorial Service

On September 19, 2025, the Duke University School of Nursing held a memorial service and reception to honor the memory of Dean Emerita Marion Broome, who passed away peacefully on June 17 in Peachtree City, Georgia.

The service opened with a welcome from School of Nursing Dean Michael Relf and professional remarks from Dr. Bridgit Carter; these were followed by personal remarks by Broome’s husband, Carroll Broome, who was presented with an encased United States flag in recognition of Marion Broome’s service in the Army Nurse Corps. Several colleagues and friends also shared their reflections before Dean Relf’s closing remarks.

All those who spoke highlighted Marion Broome’s dedication to her work at the School and to the advancement of the nursing profession, emphasizing her integrity, commitment to excellence, mentorship, and generosity. They also affirmed her unwavering devotion to her family, including her husband, two children, and four beloved grandchildren.

Remembering Dean Emerita Marion E. Broome

Dr. Brigit Carter currently serves as the Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Dr. Carter previously held numerous positions at Duke University School of Nursing, including Program Director of the Accelerated BSN Program and Associate Dean for Diversity and Inclusion. Dr. Carter delivered this eulogy at Dr. Broome’s memorial service earlier this fall. It has been lightly edited for space.

“I am so grateful to have the honor of speaking on behalf of our nursing community to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Marion Broome—a pioneering nurse leader, scholar, mentor, and friend whose influence on the profession of nursing and the lives of so many is both profound and enduring.

Dr. Broome was a woman of exceptional intellect, compassion, and courage.

Her career was defined by a relentless pursuit of excellence in nursing practice, education, research, and leadership. From her early days as a nurse in the Army Nurse Corps, where she rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, to her years as Dean of the Indiana University and Duke University School of Nursing, Marion served with distinction, always guided by a belief that nursing can—and must—be a force for positive change in the world.

While Marion was never one to highlight her achievements, I want to briefly acknowledge her impact as a nurse, researcher, educator, leader, and mentor.

As a nationally recognized expert in pediatric nursing, Dr. Broome devoted her research to improving the lives of children and families, developing innovative interventions to help children cope with pain and advocating for ethical standards in clinical research. She authored more than 129 peer-reviewed publications, seven books, and numerous chapters—scholarly contributions that will continue to shape our understanding of child health and nursing leadership for generations to come.

But what I want to leave you with is Marion’s legacy, which extends far beyond her research. As a leader, she transformed every institution she touched. At Duke, she led the School of Nursing to national prominence, securing top rankings, increasing research funding, and building a culture rooted in excellence, equity, and belonging. She founded the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging—not simply as an administrative gesture, but as a reflection of her belief that every voice matters, and every person deserves dignity. She exemplified that true leadership is about lifting others up.

I was a part of her vision for that office and was mentored (heavily) by her as we worked together to enhance the DUSON environment to one that supported a sense of belonging for all. Marion worked closely with me on a nursing workforce diversity grant and insisted that she have time with each group of students so she could get to know them and mentor them as they entered into our school. We developed conversations with the dean where students, staff, and faculty had the opportunity to use their voices to discuss concerns or just to check in. These could be challenging conversations, and we made mistakes, but Marion (and I) only grew from those experiences, and I watched her grow and stretch herself in an area that was not completely known to her.

We held what is known as groundwater trainings to learn more about the history of our country and the issues of structural racism. She tearfully reflected on how important this historical perspective was and how the wisdom she gained there then translated into the town halls and collaborative learning with a diverse community. Other leaders within the school developed antiracism strategic plans because now they had a leader who embraced equity.

I mention these things so you understand that she did not put me in a position, but she walked with me as I led our community. Her mentorship and belief in my passion have led to where I am today, heading access, connection, and engagement at our national nursing organization. I mattered, we ALL mattered, to her.

Throughout her life, Dr. Broome remained committed to developing the next generation of nurse leaders. Whether through her bestselling leadership texts, her guidance as Editor-in-Chief of Nursing Outlook, or her mentorship of students and colleagues, she inspired others to think boldly, lead ethically, and act with integrity.

She was a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, recipient of the National League for Nursing’s Award for Outstanding Leadership in Nursing Education, and was most recently honored as a Duke Health Nursing Living Legend. And yet, for all her accolades, those who knew Marion best will remember her not just for what she achieved—but for how she achieved it: with humility, warmth, and an unwavering belief in the power of nursing to heal, to advocate, and to transform.

Dr. Broome’s voice, presence, and leadership will be deeply missed. But her spirit lives on—in the students she mentored, the colleagues she inspired, the patients whose lives were touched by her work, and the many nurse leaders who will carry her vision forward.

As we remember Dean Emerita Marion English Broome today, let us recommit ourselves to the values she held dear: compassion, excellence, equity, and courage. In doing so, we honor not only her legacy—but the profession she so dearly loved.

On behalf of a grateful nursing community, thank you for your honorable and faithful service. Rest in peace, Marion. Your light will continue to guide us.”