University of Rochester Names First Female Wilson Professors in Nursing History
The University of Rochester's School of Nursing has appointed two remarkable women, Kathi Heffner and Vankee Lin, as the first recipients of the Marie C. Wilson and Joseph C. Wilson Professorship in its 50-year history. The virtual ceremony, held due to the global pandemic, marked a significant milestone for the university and the nursing field.
Dr. Heffner will hold the title from January 2022 until July 2023, while Dr. Lin, the current recipient since July 2020, will continue until January 2022. They are the first faculty members from the School of Nursing to receive this prestigious honor.
Dr. Heffner's research delves into the influence of social, psychological, and behavioral factors on physiological stress adaptation and immune/inflammatory regulation. Dr. Lin, a nationally recognized leader, focuses on cognitive aging and dementia among older adults. The Wilson Professorship, established in 1961, supports several endowed professorships across various disciplines.
The University of Rochester's decision to appoint Heffner and Lin as Wilson Professors not only recognizes their exceptional contributions to the field of nursing but also paves the way for future female leaders in academia. Their appointments reflect the university's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education.
