CU Nursing - Spring/Summer 2020 - 14

COLLEGE

In her trademark Elton John-like glasses Paula Meek listens while Heather
Coats regales faculty, staff and students with stories about Meek.

Comparison to the famed Harry Potter
wizard aside, many of Meek's protégés
found some magic in the PhD program
director's genuine dedication to nursing science.

A CONTAGIOUS PASSION
"Her support and encouragement allowed me to become the first interdisciplinary PhD student at the College of
Nursing," said student Rachel Johnson,
LCSW. "As a social worker, I would have
never known about the program if she
hadn't taught me about it and encouraged me to apply," Johnson said.
Meek's encouragement was a theme
among students and colleagues.
Without it: "I would have never
pursued a PhD," said current student
Colleen McILvennan, (DNP, '12). "She
has a passion for bridging the clinical
and research sides of nursing."

As CU Nursing's Paula
Meek Retires, Students
Recall Powerful Influence
By Debra Melani

sk students what made University of Colorado
College of Nursing Professor Paula Meek,
PhD, stand out, and the memories flow with
striking intensity:
"She changed my life." "She believed in me."
"She made me believe in myself."

Yet one answer explaining why Meek's announcement of a
Dec. 31 retirement created such sadness might sum it up best:
"It's like Dumbledore leaving Hogwarts," said student Jessica
Schaefer, MSN. "The College of Nursing will not be the same
without Dr. Meek. She is such a great leader."

CU College of Nursing | Spring/Summer 2020

Meek joined CU's College of Nursing
in 2007 as a professor, after serving as
senior associate dean for research and
scholarship at the University of New
Mexico College of Nursing.
Elected as vice-chair to the University
of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
Faculty Assembly in 2012, faculty and
staff have long recognized Meek for
her passion and leadership.
Assistant Professor Heather Coats,
PhD, has known Meek since she first
came to campus from New Mexico.
"She has been a trusted career mentor
ever since," Coats said.
"Her love for future researchers was
in everything she did," said Jodi
Cropper, CU Nursing director of the
Office of Academic Programs. "She
was a mentor to everyone and was
always encouraging faculty, students
and staff to consider how a PhD could
better their future."

A 'NO-NONSENSE' TEACHER
"Dr. Meek wasn't afraid to challenge

CU Nursing - Spring/Summer 2020

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