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News and Announcements for: Janaury 2007 to August 2007 Dr. Mary E. Evans is named Distinguished University Health Professor  Dr. Evans is professor and associate dean for Research and Doctoral Study, College of Nursing. She has been instrumental in substantially increasing external funding for the College of Nursing. An internationally recognized expert in children’s psychiatric problems, Dr. Evans has received funding of more than $13 million over her career, primarily from the National Institute of Mental Health.USF Nursing Graduate Program Ranked Among Nation’s Best  Tampa, FL (April 3, 2007) — The University of South Florida College of Nursing jumped significantly in its latest rating by U.S News & World Report, published April 2 in the “America’s Best Graduate Schools” issue.
The Master’s Program in Nursing at USF ranked 72 – up from a rank of 115 when nursing graduate programs were last rated by the magazine in 2003. “The college’s success shows the strength of following a strategic plan aimed at true excellence,” said Stephen K. Klasko, MD, MBA, vice president for USF Health. “Congratulations to Dr. Burns and the faculty for this recognition–it’s remarkable to jump ahead that fast.” “The faculty and students of the College of Nursing can take great pride in this achievement,” said Patricia Burns, PhD, dean of the USF College of Nursing. “Their hard work in cutting-edge programs such as the Doctor of Nursing Practice, the Clinical Nurse Leader, and the Nurse Anesthesia (CRNA) Programs have gained USF the national recognition evidenced by the recent U.S. World and News Report rankings.” USF was rated second only to the University of Florida in the ranking of public and private nursing master’s programs across Florida. USF was among 285 schools surveyed for the graduate nursing program rankings, which were based on peer assessments from deans, other administrators and faculty at accredited master’s programs in nursing. The surveys were conducted in fall 2006 for the 2007 rankings. The College of Nursing, which aspires to be in the country’s Top 20 for federal research funding by 2010, more than doubled its extramural funding to $3.9 million in 2005-06 — up from $1.7 million in 2004-05. Research teams are focusing on palliative and end-of-life care, cardiac rehabilitation, complementary therapies for chronic illness and cancer, systems of care and health care informatics. Nursing Faculty named as spokeswomen for new coalition  USF College of Nursing’s Dr. Versie Johnson-Mallard is the spokeswoman for a new national coalition, ISIS (Intimate Sessions for Informed Sexuality), whose mission it is to educate and empower Black women about cervical cancer and HPV (Human Papillomavirus) by providing information on the need for regular screening to ensure early diagnosis and treatment. As spokeswoman for the project Mallard will travel to various locations in the Tampa/Miami area and spread information about HPV and cervical cancer. Mallard’s interest in women’s health came naturally, but was propelled by her experience with a pregnant patient who was infected with a sexually transmitted disease (STD), and unaware that the infection could harm and endanger her child. The fact that the woman “just didn’t know” about the dangers of her STDs compelled Mallard to educate women about their health by disseminating information through nursing. Mallard said, “The health of a woman is an important gauge to the health of our nation”. Mallard currently is a member of the board of directors of the National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health (NPWH), and was recruited for the ISIS position by Pernessa C. Steele, Founder and CEO of the Balm of Gilead, a not-for-profit, non-governmental organization with goals to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS through ethnic faith communities, education and support networks. With the ISIS project the mission has expanded to include education on cervical cancer. The risks of cervical cancer are considerably higher in African American women. ISIS stresses the importance of routine screening, early diagnosis and treatment of HPV and cervical cancer. Recently, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approved Gardasil, a new vaccine to help prevent HPV, but urges that it is important to continue regular cervical cancer screenings. Mallard said that women between the ages of 9-26 should receive the Gardasil vaccine, and women 30 years old and above should continue routine pap tests as well as ask for the specific test for HPV. “Women need to know about cervical cancer, and that it is 100% preventable”, said Mallard.
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