KU School of Nursing recognizes dedicated alumna

Oct 26, 2009

On Oct. 12, 2009, University of Kansas School of Nursing faculty and staff recognized Mary Anne Eisenbise, RN, MA, for her long-time commitment and dedication to the School and the Continuing Education Program.

Eisenbise was born in Morrill, Kan., 100 miles northwest of Kansas City. She received her bachelor of science in nursing degree from KU in 1953 and received her master of arts degree in hospital nursing services administration from the Teacher's College, Columbia University in 1969.

Eisenbise served 20 years as director of nursing services at The University of Kansas Hospital and was the first KU graduate to lead nursing services at the Hospital, where she managed a staff of 1,200. While assistant professor of medical-surgical nursing at KU, Eisenbise worked on a narrative history of the School, and for 12 years she also served as assistant director of inservice education for the department of nursing services.

In 1994, Eisenbise made a financial contribution to the KU School of Nursing, which established the Eisenbise Executive Development Institute to promote a smooth transition from nurse manager to chief nurse executive through continuing education programs. These funds now allow for the Eisenbise Executive Development Series, which offers programs supporting leadership programs for individuals in nursing management through 2014.

“People from across KUMC have benefitted from the speakers and presentations of this5- year series,” said Karen L. Miller, RN, PhD, FAAN, dean of the KU School of Nursing and senior vice chancellor for academic and student affairs at the KU Medical Center.“The reception marked our gratitude for Mary Anne'sremarkable years of service and her generosity to the KU School of Nursing,” Miller added.

During her 41 years of service to the KU Medical Center, Eisenbise was appointed to eight different positions, five of which were administrative; participated in the 1979 move to the current hospital location; and was involved in the mission to remove nurses from the Civil Service system.

Eisenbise also was awarded the KUMC Employee of the Year in 1965, Distinguished and Devoted Service Award (EVC award) in 1976, Alumnus of the Year (1980) and in 1982 received a proclamation from John E. Reardon, then mayor of Kansas City, Kansas, for (29 years of) outstanding service to KUMC.