Spring 2008 - UCLA School of Nursing

Commi
DR. FELICIA SCHANCHE HODGE
Professor and Director, CAIIRE
TIANNE LARSON
Master’s Entry Clinical Nurse Program,
Class of 2008
I had such admiration for her. She was such a stately woman, such a strong leader
for our school and amazingly generous. I was always impressed with the dean’s
drive and passion for nursing. She launched the MECN program and had such faith
in it. Last year we had to go into clinical during the summer, and because she knew
that we were financially strapped as students and many of us couldn’t get summer
loans, she decided to allocate a portion of her discretionary budget to pay for our
summer tuition. That really meant a lot to us. I was in the elevator with her not
long after that and I just said, “On behalf of all the MECN students, thank you.” I
get choked up just thinking about it.
In addition to her efforts to create a research-intensive nursing school, Dean Marie Cowan was instrumental in
bringing American Indians to UCLA, both as scholars and as students.
Through her efforts, the Center for American Indian/Indigenous Research and Education (CAIIRE) was
brought to the School of Nursing – with initial federal funding to conduct studies in such areas as cancer symptom
management (pain, depression, fatigue and loss of function), HPV vaccination, and diabetes education and
fatalism among American Indians. Further, a minority supplement is “in the works” to provide opportunities for
American Indian scholars.
It was not long before Dean Cowan began welcoming groups of American Indian students from the Navajo
Nation in Arizona and from local Southern California reservations. As a result, the school saw an increase in recruitment
and matriculation of American Indian students. Two American Indian doctoral students will continue
their studies at the School of Nursing this fall, bringing much-needed nursing diversity to UCLA and to our communities.
Other Native students are being recruited into the undergraduate and masters program.
The above efforts began when I was hired as professor and director of CAIIRE, a center dedicated to research
and education among indigenous populations. Reaching out across campus, Dean Cowan helped to coordinate
efforts to allow me to teach in American Indian Studies and to chair the American Indian Studies Interdepartmental
Program.
Dean Cowan saw the potential for expanded research and for increasing diversity by supporting efforts for
American Indian research and education. Her efforts were not lost.
DR. SALLY MALISKI
Assistant Professor
Dean Cowan was an inspiring presence, professionally and personally. The insight
she gave me into the research process will always be helpful as I strive to emulate
Dean Cowan's standards. I am grateful that the school has done such amazing
things under her leadership, showcasing the place that nursing rightfully holds in
the academic setting. In addition, Dean Cowan showed me much kindness and understanding
during my husband’s illness and the personal challenges that have presented
themselves. My life is so enriched by Marie Cowan’s presence in it.
12 UCLA NURSING