Alumna Gail Parker Honors Former Professor Nancy Fugate Woods with Scholarship Endowment
Duke University School of Nursing alumna Gail Parker, BSN’78, FNP, has committed to endow a $1 million scholarship in honor of her mentor, Nancy Fugate Woods, BSN, PhD, FAAN.
“Duke gave me an opportunity, an education, and helped me achieve my goal of becoming a nurse,” said Parker. “Having a Duke degree has opened a zillion doors for me, giving me opportunities that I am grateful for.”
Parker’s support will establish the Nancy Fugate Woods Endowed Scholarship with an initial gift of $300,000, which will provide vital support to School of Nursing students. Additionally, she has included the School of Nursing in her estate plans with a planned gift of $700,000 to significantly enhance this fund.
“Gail embodies the very spirit of service that we strive to instill in our students and this gift exemplifies how our faculty can make a difference in a student’s trajectory,” said Interim Dean Michael V. Relf, PhD, RN, AACRN, ANEF, CNE, FAAN. “This remarkable contribution will not only enhance our programs but also inspire future generations of nurses to make a profound impact in communities near and far.”
When Parker arrived at Duke in 1974 for her undergraduate studies, she met a young faculty member named Nancy Fugate Woods, BSN, PhD, FAAN, whom she describes as the most inspiring professor and best mentor she ever had. Parker’s scholarship will honor Woods for her inspiration, dedication, and legacy of mentorship to thousands of nursing students, and for the impact she made in the field of health care, nursing, and leadership development.
Woods left Duke in 1978 for the University of Washington, where she became a leading expert on women’s health and served as dean of the nursing school until her retirement in 2017.
With her first contribution of $20 to the Florence K. Wilson Scholarship Fund in 1979, Parker has been a steadfast supporter of the School of Nursing. A diligent saver, Parker believes strongly in giving back for the opportunities she’s been given.
This latest gift continues Parker’s philanthropic work and will have a lasting impact on students at Duke University School of Nursing for decades to come.
About Duke University School of Nursing
Duke University School of Nursing is a globally recognized leader in nursing education, research, and clinical practice. Established in 1931, the School is committed to advancing health equity and improving health outcomes through innovative education, clinical practice, and nursing science. The school offers a range of programs, including a Master of Nursing (MN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and PhD in Nursing, all designed to prepare the next generation of nursing leaders. With an inclusive community, state-of-the-art facilities, and a strong emphasis on interprofessional collaboration, the School is dedicated to shaping the future of nursing and healthcare. For more information, visit nursing.duke.edu.
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