PSU mourns loss of Nursing pioneer

  Monday, February 10, 2014 2:00 AM
  News

Pittsburg, KS

Pittsburg State University President Steve Scott said Monday that news that former faculty member and administrator Cecilia Waggoner died on Sunday, Feb. 9, has touched the entire campus. Ms. Waggoner turned 101 in January.

“The news that Cecilia Waggoner has died saddens everyone at Pittsburg State University,” Scott said. “Ms. Waggoner was a tireless advocate for the university and for the nursing program, which she helped establish. We celebrate the impact that this remarkable woman had on the university, health care in the region and on uncounted nursing professionals who are proud members of the Pittsburg State family.”

Mary Carol Pomatto, director of the Irene Ransom Bradley School of Nursing, said Waggoner’s legacy will live on at PSU.

“Ms. Waggoner will always remain an integral part of the PSU nursing program’s legacy, having served as the first chair of the Department of Nursing and the writer of the grants that helped to build McPherson Hall, which still serves as home to the nursing program.” Pomatto said. “Ms. Waggoner was a strong leader and visionary, believing in the positive difference that nurses make in the lives of others. She served as a mentor to many area nurses including members of the current PSU nursing faculty. Her physical presence will be missed but her mark on the nursing profession, PSU and the southeast Kansas region will live on forever.”

The Cecilia Waggoner Historical Collection is housed in McPherson Hall. It contains many items belonging to Ms. Waggoner and her family as well as items donated by others on her behalf depicting the history of nursing and health care.

Waggoner joined students, faculty and alumni in McPherson Hall in 2013 for a celebration of her 100th birthday.