Frandsen Reaches
11/14/07
ST. LOUIS — Geralyn Frandsen, Ed.D., associate professor of nursing at Maryville University, has been elected to the governance committee of Sigma Theta Tau, the international nursing honor society, an achievement which she says represents “the pinnacle of [her] career.” Frandsen’s election was announced at the Society’s 39th biennial convention in Baltimore, Md., which she also chaired. The convention drew more than 2,000 nurses from around the world.
During her two years on the governance committee, Frandsen will be involved in everything from making recommendations for changes in the bylaws, to upholding the Society’s presidential call-to-action. Sigma Theta Tau promotes health and nursing research within a global arena, said Frandsen. Its mission is to provide leadership and scholarship in practice, education and research, enhancing the health of all people. The organization recently “applied for observer status at the United Nations,” said Frandsen, “which will give us the ability to advise the U.N. on health-related issues.”
“To be elected to a position at Sigma Theta Tau governance is to me the pinnacle of my career,” said Frandsen, who became a Society member in 1985. “I love the mission and vision of Sigma Theta Tau; every aspect of the organization is truly what I believe in for nursing.” Frandsen previously has worked with the organization on a taskforce to advance educational mentor programs for nurses worldwide, and believes the nursing profession has an international role to fulfill. “We must lead globally in addressing the health care needs of the world,” she said. “We must partner with other organizations like the World Health Organization and the International Council of Nursing.”
Liz Buck, Ph.D., director of Maryville’s nursing program, said Frandsen’s election is a testament to her contributions to nursing through the years. “I’m happy for Geralyn, both personally and professionally,” Buck said. “She epitomizes the ideals of nursing: selfless service to others, total dedication to her profession and an unending willingness to enhance her knowledge of nursing. Maryville is proud and privileged to have Geralyn as an alum of its nursing program and as a faculty member.” Buck added that Frandsen has demonstrated her dedication to Sigma Theta Tau by attending every convention since 1993.
Maryville University is a private institution offering approximately 50 undergraduate, seven master’s and two doctoral degree programs to 3,422 students. Ranked by U.S. News and World Report as one of America’s Best Colleges, Maryville University prepares its students for successful and meaningful careers. Among Maryville’s most recent graduates, 94 percent are employed or attending graduate school. Approximately 15,000 alumni work and live in the St. Louis region.