Kathleen Potempa

Kathleen Potempa
Born	Michigan, US
Spouse	Wayne
Academic background
Education	RN, diploma, Providence Hospital School of Nursing BSc, psychology, 1974, University of Detroit MSN, 1978, DSN, 1986, Rush University
Thesis	A comparison of exercise performance and fatigue in hypertensive men over 50 years of age taking propranolol and pindolol (1986)
Academic work
Institutions	University of Michigan Oregon Health & Science University University of Illinois at Chicago Rush University

Kathleen Marie Potempa is an American nursing administrator. In 2014, Potempa was one of six University of Michigan faculty members elected to the Institute of Medicine (now the National Academy of Medicine).

Early life and education

Potempa was born and raised in Michigan alongside three sisters. Growing up, she was "raised to be an independent thinking person" by her parents, who also urged her to pursue career security.[1] Following high school, she received her R.N. diploma in 1970 from Providence Hospital School of Nursing and a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Detroit Mercy. She later earned both a master's degree in nursing and a doctor of nursing science degree from Rush University.[2]

During her career, Potempa was recognized with honorary degrees from Mahidol University[3] and the SUNY Downstate Medical Center.[4]

Career

Upon graduating from Rush University, Potempa joined the faculty at the University of Illinois at Chicago's College of Nursing and her alma mater, Rush.[5] Throughout her tenure at UIC, she was also director of their World Health Organization Collaborating Center for International Nursing Development in Primary Health Care. In 1994, Potempa was named the executive, associate dean of Oregon Health & Science University before being promoted to the rank of interim dean in 1995.[2] During her time in Oregon, she focused her research on the benefits of aerobic exercise after suffering a stroke.[6] As a result of her research, Potempa was elected secretary of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Board, having previously chaired their task force on distance technology in education.[7]

Potempa eventually left Oregon to become the dean of nursing at the University of Michigan (UMich) in July 2006.[5] While serving in this role, she was named AACN's President-Elect from 2008 to 2010[8] and President from 2010 to 2012.[9] Upon stepping down as president, Potempa also concluded her four-year term on the National Institute of Nursing Research Council.[10] In 2014, Potempa was one of six UMich faculty members elected to the Institute of Medicine (now the National Academy of Medicine).[11] After serving as UMich's dean of nursing for 10 years, Potempa stepped down in 2015.[12]

Personal life

Potempa is married to Wayne, an engineer, and they have two children together.[1]

References

1. "KATHLEEN POTEMPA: PROFILE OF A LEADER" (PDF). University of Michigan. 2016. pp. 19–21. Retrieved June 14, 2021.
2. "2nd candidate interviews for dean of nursing job". Iowa City Press-Citizen. March 13, 1996. Retrieved June 14, 2021 – via newspapers.com.
3. "September 2015 Highlights: From an Honor in Thailand to Executive Leadership in the U.S., UMSN Faculty Lead by Example". University of Michigan. 2015. Retrieved June 14, 2021.
4. "Two National Leaders in Medical and Nursing Education Deliver Keynotes at SUNY Downstate Commencement". SUNY Downstate Medical Center. May 28, 2010. Retrieved June 14, 2021.
5. Thomas Gnagey, Laurel (July 10, 2006). "Oregon's Potempa new dean of nursing". University of Michigan. Retrieved June 14, 2021.
6. "OHSU Announces Several Awards and Appointments". Oregon Health and Science University. December 29, 2003. Retrieved June 14, 2021.
7. "OHSU Announces Awards". Oregon Health and Science University. July 28, 2004. Retrieved June 14, 2021.
8. "Dr. Fay Raines From the University of Alabama in Huntsville Assumes Presidency of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing". FierceHealthcare. April 14, 2008. Retrieved June 14, 2021.
9. "U-M Nursing's Potempa elected president of national association". University of Michigan. March 23, 2010. Retrieved June 14, 2021.
10. "Dean Potempa Concludes 4-Year Role on National Institute of Nursing Research Council". University of Michigan. January 29, 2013. Retrieved June 14, 2021.
11. Swanbrow, Diane; Garvin, Kara (October 20, 2014). "Six from U-M faculty elected to prestigious Institute of Medicine". University of Michigan. Retrieved June 14, 2021.
12. Bogater, Jillian A. (July 29, 2015). "Search begins for new School of Nursing dean". University of Michigan. Retrieved June 14, 2021.