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Penny Davis was a much-beloved instructor and colleague in the College of Nursing for 15 years, retiring in 2009. Students loved and respected Davis for her exemplary teaching in the classroom and in the clinical setting.
Upon hearing of her passing, former bachelor of nursing student Tyla Turman said, “I reflected back on her infectious energy and passion for teaching the next generation of nurses. Little did I know my nursing career would bring me full circle back to the College of Nursing where I aspire to emulate Penny’s energy and passion for nursing education in the work that I do within the college.”
Students and colleagues alike remember Davis for her impact on the undergraduate nursing program. As the undergraduate program coordinator, she promoted excellence in clinical practice for students and clinical instructors. She also fostered relationships with clinical partners to optimize nursing students’ experiences.
Former colleague and friend, Carol Enns reflected, “Penny was an excellent mentor, in particular with students facing challenges in clinical practice. She guided students and faculty to work together and come up with solutions to ensure success; I learned so much from her.”
Dr. Christine Ateah recalls, “When I was associate dean, undergraduate programs in the College of Nursing from 2004 to 2009, I worked closely with Penny. She had an amazing way of managing difficult situations so that everyone felt their concerns were heard and handled them in a manner that ensured high standards of patient care were upheld, and both students and faculty felt supported. She had a wonderful sense of humor; she was a deeply caring person, and her professionalism was unparalleled. These qualities guided her each and every day.”
Friend and former colleague, Dr. Jo-Ann Sawatzky addd, “She loved to laugh, she had this great twinkle in her eye; you could always count on Penny to see the glass as more than half full, especially if it was a Pinot Grigio.”
Sadly, Davis passed away on Feb. 1, 2022. She is deeply missed by her husband Wally, son Andy, daughters Launi (Cam), and Jessi (Gerri), six grandchildren, extended family, and many friends, as well as former colleagues and students.