Remembering Linda D. Scott

“I join with so many nursing Badgers across Wisconsin and the world in mourning Dean Emerit Scott’s loss even as we mark her extraordinary impact, her dry sense of humor and her keen observation skills. She built creative partnerships across disciplines and across communities to advance health care and nourish new directions and collaborations in nursing education and research. The School of Nursing, the nursing profession, and all of UW–Madison are better because of her leadership, and she will be greatly missed.”

“One of my most cherished memories of Dean Scott is from the day I received my PhD. She flew from Madison to Chicago just to be there, standing beside me in one of the most meaningful moments of my life. As I continue my work in fatigue and sleep research in Korea, I carry her influence with me every day. Her pioneering contributions to nurse fatigue and patient safety laid the foundation for so much of our field, and I hope to honor her legacy by supporting future nurses and scholars as she supported me. I will always be grateful for her guidance, and her legacy will live on through the countless people she uplifted.” 

— Ari Min, Associate Professor, Chung-ang University, South Korea

“One memory that has stayed with me comes from a Homecoming tailgate at Union South, around 2016. During the event, someone experienced a medical emergency and fell. Before others fully realized what had happened, Dean Emerit Scott was already at the person’s side, calm, steady, and guiding the medical response. At that moment, I realized she was a nurse first, even as a leader.”

— Liz Collins, Retired Clinical Instructor

“I first met Dean Linda Scott on Zoom during COVID, when our UW School of Nursing Class of ’71 was planning our 50th reunion. Dean Scott was instrumental in supporting our committee and our class endowment gift. I had lost touch with the school, but with her support, my classmates and I reconnected with each other and with the school. 

Whenever I had the pleasure of meeting Dean Scott, she was always engaging, connected, and clear about the school’s mission. Her down-to-earth demeanor, personal touch, smile, and kindness fostered alumni engagement and supported initiatives like mentoring students and contributing to school events. She will be deeply missed personally and professionally, but her legacy and impact on the profession will continue to live on.”

— Linda Hurwitz, Alumni Class of ’71, ’73

“Dean Scott was always welcoming to alumni. We were all part of the Badger nursing family.”

— Natalee Berg ’78

“Linda was the best of the best. An exemplar from Grand Valley State University. She leaves with my deepest love and admiration.” 

— Thomas Haas, President Emeritus, Grand Valley State University

“My deepest condolences go out to the family of Dr. Linda Scott, Dean Emerit of the UW-Madison School of Nursing, and immediate past president of the American Academy of Nursing. This transition hits on so many levels, for the Academy, for the students at UW-Madison, for faculty and staff, for diverse and historically marginalized populations she uplifted, and for all who received her care, advocacy, and wisdom.

Dr. Scott was a guiding light. She mentored me both formally and informally, and her presence shaped the way I show-up in this work. Her leadership, compassion, and fierce commitment to equity have left an imprint that will guide us for years to come. Dr. Scott made us feel seen, valued, and empowered. Rest in power, Dr. Scott. Your words reverberate within my soul, and your legacy lives in all of us.”

— Dora Clayton Jones, PhD, APRN-BC, FAAN, Associate Professor, Marquette University

“Dean Scott started at UW-Madison at the same time I began teaching public and population health nursing for the UW-Madison School of Nursing. She was so personable and supported the rural nursing immersion program as I taught this summer course in rural northwestern Wisconsin. She listened intently to me speak about the healthcare and nursing workforce needs affecting rural population health outcomes. Her genuine interest and concern were obvious in recognizing there was a need to address this issue from a nursing education and workforce perspective. I was humbled and extremely lucky to have had the opportunity to teach under her tenure and leadership. She will be greatly missed as she leaves us as nurses a legacy to continue the nursing profession caring for all populations using science-based evidence to implement innovative interventions for improved health outcomes. We’ve truly lost a phenomenal nurse leader.”

— Pamela Guthman, Retired Faculty, UW-Madison School of Nursing

“Dr. Scott assumed the presidency of the American Academy of Nursing the year of my induction. She made an intentional effort to learn my name and remembered me at each conference we ran into each other. She was a humble, genuine, and thoughtful soul whose first impression was consistent with each encounter. Her leadership, grace, and kindness will continue to live in all of us she touched.”

— Leanne Fowler, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-New Orleans, School of Nursing

“Linda was more than a colleague; she was a dear friend and her wisdom, heart, and unwavering commitment to advancing nursing and nursing education were unmatched. I will deeply cherish our time together on the Big Ten Academic Alliance (BTAA), where her visionary leadership and passion for advancing the nursing profession truly shone. Linda was a fierce advocate for nurses, shaping generations of leaders and championing innovative approaches to nursing education and practice. She embodied a spirit of collaborative leadership and purpose that truly moved the profession forward. She leaves an indelible mark, and her legacy of excellence will continue to inspire us all to lead with both head and heart.”

— Connie Delaney, PhD, RN, FAAN, FACMI, Professor and Dean, University of Minnesota

“Dean Scott and I worked closely when I was an Associate Dean. Even though I left campus, we continued to stay connected. Last year, I was most pleased to partner with Dean Scott, Angela Byars Winston, and Ericka Bullock to host an African American women’s reception to welcome Dean Marcelle Haddix to Madison and the campus community. It was important to illustrate the connections and sisterhood that existed across campus and in the community. Dean Scott wanted to provide a supportive transition for Dean Haddix, her new Dean colleague. That was the kind of person and leader she was. She will be sorely missed.”

— Dawn Crim, Vice Chancellor, UW-Green Bay

“I will be forever grateful for Dean Emerit Scott’s wisdom and dedication to equity, diversity and inclusiveness. Countless underrepresented students have benefited from her leadership. She is deeply missed by many.”

— Audrey Tluczek, Retired Faculty, UW-Madison School of Nursing

“It is rare for a dean or someone in such a leadership position to be so involved with and adored by their students. We talked about how honored we were to be given our white coats by Dean Scott and how excited we were to shake her hand when we graduated. The collective mourning that the student body feels is a testament to her immeasurable impact.”

— Marion Sterk-Ciresi x’26, UW-Madison School of Nursing

“Dr. Linda Scott is an authentic icon of American Nursing. While her death is a profound loss to many, her life’s work in nursing and health care will exist far beyond her passing. The best tribute we can present is to honor and celebrate her life and legacy through scholarships and endowments, fellowships and organizational recognition that capture her mission and vision to bring healing and hope to our world. My promise of prayers is assured for her family, friends and close colleagues.”

— Bro. Ignatius Perkins, OP, Director, St. Martin De Porres OP Center for Health and Human Dignity

“I truly admired her ability to always portray calmness, yet you knew how intelligent she was. Articulate to the point of always choosing her words carefully. She shared many things with our membership in the Madison Links–working on a jazz brunch, student recognition program or helping to make our annual thanksgiving donation program a success. Her impact on our community is a true loss, and I will grieve her loss.”

— Karen Moser ’75, Friend and Colleague

“Our trip to Washington DC this past March at the National Academies of Practice (she nominated me to be a member) will be a memory I cherish always. There was a quiet moment after the awards ceremony, when the nurses in the ballroom were waiting to get a group picture taken. I thanked her for the nomination and asked her something to the effect of ‘was she proud’ of the event and recognition.She said that she didn’t necessarily need awards and recognition. She was most proud from a career perspective of keeping the School of Nursing functioning during the pandemic. She set high standards for herself and us all and made it a practice to always lift others so they could achieve them.

My second memory is brief, yet impactful! I was teaching my small group of 8 junior nursing students in a classroom. Dean Scott popped her head in and said a quick hello and asked if we needed anything. My students were all quite polite and smiled and said ‘no thank you’. I teased them and said that part of a nurse’s job is to become an expert at managing resources and reaching out for help when necessary. I then said that I would bet Dean Scott had some type of ready access to “chocolate or sweet resources”. She kindly chuckled and left, only to return about 5 minutes later with a handful of sweet treats for us all. I know it is something my students will always remember and appreciate, as I did.”

— Cassie Voge, Clinical Associate Professor, UW-Madison School of Nursing

“Dean Scott was a fearless leader and role model for students, faculty, and staff. My special memory of Dean Scott is when she and Lisa Bratzke were visiting as part of the School of Nursing, for an exploration of rural partners with the UW campus. Dean Scott celebrated the rural connection and partnership with a variety of rural organizations within the UW educational reach. Whether organizational or individual, Dean Scott promoted inclusion, education, and connection to further the mission of nursing.”

— Jennifer Fiegel-Newlon, Clinical Associate Professor, UW–Madison School of Nursing

“A photo with her during my graduation from the DNP program in 2020. She was present, kind and proud. May she rest in peace.”

— Edriss Drammeh, DNP’19

“As a Board of Visitors member, I had the pleasure of accompanying Linda Scott on her tour of Signe Skott Cooper Hall during interviews for our next Dean. I made a special point of taking all candidates to view the student research posters. Dean Scott was the only candidate who read the posters and engaged the students with questions. This was one of many examples of her others-centered approach to leadership and advocacy. She led by serving others with authentic compassion and concern for all patients and families and their access to healthcare and diversity of healthcare providers; for her family; faculty and staff; students at all levels; her Board and alumni. She led with confidence and humility, letting her intelligence, innovation, creativity, accomplishments, excellence in communication, and actions speak for her. She led by motivating others through her passion for nursing and commitment to our School, accepting changes and challenges with poise, positivity and grace as opportunities to move forward.

We respected all she accomplished for all patients and families, for our School and the profession. We are thankful for having known her. We loved her as our friend.”

— Peggy Zimdars ’73, Board of Visitors Emeritus Member, UW NAO Board Member

“Dean Scott’s leadership and generosity touched lives far beyond her own community—even reaching us in Taiwan. I first learned of her through our alumna, Dr. Wan-Chin Kuo, and was immediately impressed by her warmth and genuine support for collaboration. When I was inducted into the American Academy of Nursing in 2024, I finally met her in person. She was kind, wise, humble, and spirited. Under her leadership, even those of us far from the center—like our Fellows in Taiwan—felt welcomed and valued in the AAN community. Her influence inspired confidence, connection, and purpose. Dean Scott will be greatly missed, and her legacy will continue to inspire us.”

— Cheryl Chia-Hui Chen, Director and Professor, National Taiwan University School of Nursing

“Dean Scott will be forever remembered and forever missed. Her quiet determination not only left an indelible mark on the UW School of Nursing, but the entire nursing profession. Dr. Scott didn’t just lead, she inspired those around her whether they were faculty, students, colleagues, or those from afar. Because of this, her legacy will live on. As a member of the Board of Visitors, I thoroughly appreciated her ability to create space for growth, for confidence building, and for our ideas to flourish both as a Board and as individuals. I will always be grateful for her trust in me, the guidance she provided, the friendship she offered, and that beautiful quiet humor she blessed me with over the years.”

— Ann Brewer ’84, UW-Madison School of Nursing Board of Visitors Member, UW Nurses Alumni Organization Board Member

“I have been uplifted by these tributes from people that have known Dean Scott from a breadth of capacities. Dean Scott loved these kind of anecdotes—featuring time with those she worked with or connected with at conferences, commencements, inductions, etc. These moments were true highlights for her, just as they were for others.

Friends, you know how you left your time with her feeling like you just interacted with someone special? She felt that way, too. She was authentically impressed and delighted by the successes of those around her.

Dean Scott’s AIM was to prompt meaningful progress in the big picture, but her FOCUS was on the individuals who contribute to the big picture. Her ability to fathom aggregate impact while still seeing individuals was, in my opinion, her superpower. Of course, she was also equipped with the intellect for discovery and the courage to lead accordingly. Hmmm. Kind of seems like she got a little greedy while standing in line for superpowers, doesn’t it?

Personally, I am grateful that she accepted the range of my voice—which covers a spectrum of challenge on one end and silliness on the other. We found our way on both ends. I simply cannot believe that my Teams will no longer ding at me with her asking, “BB19, ears on?” to invite a call. Rest in peace, Linda D. Scott. You have done so much. Many are now prepared to do their part in their time.”

— Meredith Temple, Strategic Communication, Engagements, and Special Projects, UW-Madison School of Nursing

“Linda’s outstanding leadership in nursing education and research made a significant impact at UW–Madison and at the highest levels of the nursing profession. She will be remembered for her warmth and laughter, and for the strong sense of community she fostered at the School of Nursing, which has been especially evident since the news of her illness. The sense of connection and belonging she nurtured helped bring the school to a new level of excellence. We will miss her greatly, and we are extremely grateful for the legacy she leaves behind.”

— Interim Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs John Zumbrunnen

“I spent October 18–20 at the American Academy of Nursing meeting with Linda, where she did an extraordinary job leading an event with 1,000+ attendees. She was her usual self: composed, gracious, and friendly. We shared wonderful memories at hockey and basketball games, and the School of Nursing Centennial Kick-Off event held in the UW-Milwaukee Nursing Historical Galleries in 2023. I will miss her.”

— Laurie Glass ‘71, Professor Emerita and Director, Center for Nursing History, UW-Milwaukee

“One of my most meaningful memories of Dr. Scott was during my induction into the American Academy of Nursing. Her warmth and intentional leadership created a sense of belonging that I will never forget. Through our shared connections—NBNA, the University of Wisconsin, and colleagues who studied under her—I came to appreciate not only her brilliance, but also her profound kindness. She opened doors, encouraged excellence, and made others feel seen. I am grateful that our paths crossed.”

— Michelle Williams, PhD’19, UW-Milwaukee, B.W. Healthcare Education, Research & Innovation Hub, Inc.

“Dean Scott had a way of making everyone she met feel like a friend. You always knew she was there for you, cheering you on—and as a graduate student, that meant the world. She was an exceptional leader, nurse, and human being, and I feel privileged to have been a student during her tenure. She will be deeply missed.”

— Abby Hammes, PhD’23

“One of my favorite things about Dean Scott was her humility and the ease with which you could talk to her about anything, despite her impressive credentials and leadership. She truly listened to others and their ideas, which made her an exceptional educator, leader, and nurse. The world has lost a fierce advocate, UW has lost a legendary leader, and I have lost an irreplaceable mentor and friend.” 

— Emily Schumacher ’10, DNP’18

“Our paths first crossed during her pivotal studies at the University of Pennsylvania on nurses’ fatigue and working conditions. Research that has shaped decades of important patient safety work. Over the years, our paths continued to intersect in leadership activities, where Dean Scott always led with strength, integrity, and humility. We will greatly miss this distinguished scholar and leader.”

— Christopher R. Friese, Vice Provost, Elizabeth Tone Hosmer Professor of Nursing, Professor of Health Management & Policy, University of Michigan

“I first met Dr. Scott during my induction into the American Academy of Nursing in 2024, a moment made even more meaningful because it occurred under her leadership as President. Although I did not have the opportunity to get a photo with her at the 2025 Induction Ceremony, her leadership and presence remained a guiding force. She exemplified grace, wisdom, and purpose, and she carried the Academy forward with both strength and humility.

I have long been inspired by her leadership, her dedication to excellence, and her belief in the transformative power of nursing. As I reflect on her life, I feel deeply that she has passed the baton to all of us who follow in her footsteps. It is now our responsibility and our honor to continue the work she championed, to uplift the profession she loved, and to lead with the same integrity and courage she modeled every day.”

— Dr. Michael L. Jones, Associate Dean for Engagement and Professional Development & Executive Director for Advancement – East Carolina University College of Nursing

“Linda was a supportive colleague, strong leader, and thoughtful collaborator who cared deeply for the School of Nursing, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. I miss her both professionally and personally. I will always admire her strength of conviction, which was grounded in sound reasoning, and colored by her magnificent dry wit!”

— Steve Swanson, Dean and Professor, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy

“Dean Scott’s legacy will live on. She dramatically advanced the missions of our School of Nursing and our university through her passion, commitment to excellence, and collaborative spirit. Thank you, Linda, for all you have given us.”

— Robert N. Golden, MD, Dean Emeritus, School of Medicine and Public Health, Emeritus Vice Chancellor for Medicine

“The Wisconsin Nurses Association extends its sincere condolences to the UW-Madison School of Nursing faculty, staff, and students on the passing of Dean Scott. As exhibited in her many accomplishments, Dr. Scott was a role model for the nursing profession, stretching from the well-established to aspiring nursing students. She was a leader in policy, practice, and academia, and her passion for and commitment to professional nursing was immeasurable. A “cheerleader” of nursing for the ages, Dr. Scott’s knowledge, collegiality, and warmth will be missed by many.”

— Gina Dennik-Champion, Wisconsin Nurses Association

“Dean Scott’s legacy is without bounds.”

— Patricia Lasky, Professor Emerita, Board of Visitors Member, UW-Madison School of Nursing

“Dean Scott was so kind to me when I came back to school for a PhD. She was a great leader.”

— David Tucker, PhD Student, UW-Madison School of Nursing

“I had the privilege and pleasure of working with Dean Scott at the University of Illinois at Chicago in her role as Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. She was an outstanding and thoughtful academic leader, colleague and friend. I will never forget her hard-working ethic, vast knowledge of pedagogy and curriculum, and her wonderful sense of humor. I will miss her always.”

— Mariann Piano, Professor, Vanderbilt University School of Nursing

“Dr. Scott was a beacon for nursing in Wisconsin and beyond. I had the pleasure of working with her in our statewide Dean’s group (ANEW). She was an amazing trailblazer in nursing education.”

— Teresa Kaul, APRN-CNP, Chair of the Department of Nursing, Carroll University

“Dr. Linda Scott’s leadership for the nursing profession will be deeply missed. Her gracious concern for all, advocacy for students, promotion of excellence in programs, and enhancement of diversity will continue to have an impact. Her positive spirit and sense of humor made all feel comfortable. This loss is profound. May her family and all who know her achieve comfort and a sense of peace.”

— Judith Fitzgerald Miller ’66, Dean Emerita and Professor, University of Missouri

“I first met Dr. Scott when I was a PhD student at UIC Nursing, and she was serving as Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. She was someone whose presence conveyed both strength and possibility. Years later, when I stepped into the very role she once held, I often found myself reflecting on the legacy she left at UIC Nursing. I knew I had big shoes to fill, and I carried a deep respect for the foundation she built and the excellence she modeled. One of the most meaningful moments of my career came when I reconnected with her at the American Academy of Nursing, particularly during my induction in 2024. To be welcomed into the Academy by Dr. Scott herself (then serving as AAN President) was profoundly special. I will never forget the way she shook my hand, embraced me, and made the moment feel both historic and deeply personal.”

— Liz Aquino, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, University of Illinois-Chicago

“It was an honor and privilege to work with Dean Linda Scott for almost a decade, and to know her as a friend, mentor, and best-ever boss. She was a truly remarkable leader with an outstanding intellect and a generous soul. As a member of her team, when I needed something, I could always turn to Dean Scott for astute and spot-on feedback, direction, encouragement, new perspectives, and a good laugh. I watched her many times in leadership positions, addressing large audiences of students, colleagues, and nurses with confidence, authenticity, and respect. Linda Scott was the ultimate scientist, academic, leader, professional nurse, and genuine friend. I will miss her so very much.”

— Susan Zahner, DrPH, RN, FAAN, Professor Emerita, UW-Madison School of Nursing

“There are pioneers and there are leaders. Dean Scott was both. A rarity. Her accomplishments and impact will be visible at the UW-Madison School of Nursing for decades to come.”

— James Neupert, Retired Vice President, Guidant Corporation, Supporter of the UW-Madison School of Nursing

“Two of my daughters and I are proud Badger Nurse alumni. We treasured our time with Dean Linda Scott!”

— Kimberley Bizjak ’93

“Dean Scott was instrumental in the development of the New to Public Health (N2PH) Residency Program. She supported Dr. Susan Zahner in securing the initial grants that allowed our team to explore the concept of a public health residency program in Wisconsin and continued to support N2PH’s development and sustainability today at the national level. Dean Scott’s commitment to the N2PH Residency Program has provided 500+ early career public health professionals with the tools and resources they need to thrive, and will continue to impact the public health community for years to come. I have learned much from Dean Scott’s leadership, vision, and voice and hope to carry these values forward in the ways I interact with others. The world is a better place because of Dean Scott.”

— Julianna Manske, UW-Madison School of Nursing, New to Public Health Residency Program

“Dean Scott was a leader who understood the moral demands of our time. Her commitment to health equity and inclusive excellence guided her decisions, her priorities, and the way she showed up for students, staff, and faculty. She also recognized that planetary health, social justice, and nursing are inseparable. Long before it became widely discussed within our field, she championed this work and encouraged others to lead boldly in it. Her support for emerging nurse scholars was extraordinary. She created the postdoc-to-faculty program, which opened pathways and possibilities for so many of us. I was fortunate to be among those she lifted up. This photo from my PhD graduation reminds me of her steadiness, her encouragement, and her belief that nursing could—and must—rise to meet the challenges of our time. May her memory be a blessing, and may we honor her by carrying forward the values she lived so fully.”

— Jessica LeClair ’05, PhD’23, Assistant Professor, UW-Madison School of Nursing

“Dean Linda Scott served her school and the nursing profession with gentle kindness, exceptional wisdom, and unwavering advocacy. She was always a supportive colleague and a trusted mentor. At her core, she was a proud Spartan Nurse, and she leaves behind a remarkable legacy—one that inspires all of us who follow in her path. She will be deeply missed.”

— Leigh Small, Dean and Professor, Michigan State University College of Nursing

“I have wonderful memories of Dean Linda Scott. We met four years ago when I was inducted as a fellow in the National Academies of Practice. I attended the induction ceremony alone and found myself at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Nursing table. How fortunate was I that evening to have met both Linda Scott and Susan Zahner?! We even have this nice picture of us together. Linda graciously took pictures of me at the induction ceremony just as she did for her school faculty and I was so appreciative. We crossed paths again at the American Academy of Nursing where her leadership was profound and noted by so many. We will miss you, Linda. You will live on in all of us.”

— Sherry Greenberg, Evelyn Lauder Chair in Adult Gerontology and Professor, Hunter-Bellevue School of Nursing

“John Quincy Adams said ‘If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.’ Linda inspired us all to dream, learn, do and become more with her grace, kindness, wisdom, humor and respect. I am grateful to have known and worked with her. My caring thoughts and prayers to all who have been blessed to know her.”

— Deb Trautman, President and CEO, American Association of Colleges of Nursing