School of Nursing Visionary Dr. Linda D. Oakley Recognized with 2024 UW–Madison School of Nursing Canary Savage Girardeau Award for Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Linda Denise (LD) Oakley

Linda D. Oakley, PhD, RN, the Louis J. and Phyllis Clark Jacobs Professor in Mental Health at the University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Nursing, has been recognized with the Canary Savage Girardeau Award for Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. This honor highlights Dr. Oakley’s transformative contributions to nursing, education, and community-based research that addresses health disparities in marginalized communities. Dr. Oakley’s visionary work not only addresses immediate health disparities but also cultivates systemic change through empowerment, education, and policy reform. Whether mentoring students, partnering with community organizations, or advocating for equity in Wisconsin and beyond, Dr. Oakley exemplifies compassionate leadership and dedicated service.

A Legacy of Advocacy and Impact

Dr. Oakley, who first came to the UW–Madison School of Nursing in August 1990 as an assistant professor, has spent decades dedicating herself to understanding and addressing the systemic barriers to care that contribute to health inequities, particularly in Black communities. Her groundbreaking research focuses on the social determinants of health, exploring the intersection of systemic racism, stress, and mental health. Through innovative studies, such as testing mind-body stress regulation strategies to improve health outcomes, she has advanced knowledge on how to mitigate the effects of structural inequities.

Dr. Oakley’s commitment to community-based research exemplifies her driving philosophy of inclusion and empowerment. Her partnerships with local organizations, communities, and public health nurses have fostered trust and collaboration, ensuring that research is not only for but with the communities it serves. Most recently, her “Nurses 4 Black Wellbeing” initiative exemplifies this approach, engaging hundreds of Black adults to address heart health and build community-tailored wellness strategies.

Recent Research Efforts and Future Directions

Dr. Oakley’s current research, rooted in her commitment to community health, focuses on addressing cardiovascular disparities in Black populations through heart health education. “The aim of my health equity research is to inform health promotion strategies used with marginalized Black communities coping with chronic stress and high rates of morbidity and mortality associated with hypertension,” Dr. Oakley notes about her research, adding, “If health equity means everyone can seek optimal health, health equity research requires authentic inquiry and community engagement.”

The importance of community partnerships and engagement in the success of her “Nurses 4 Black Wellbeing” initiative is integral to her research, and Dr. Oakley and her team have engaged local organizations to create welcoming spaces where Black adults can receive heart health education and support while also contributing their lived experiences to enrich nursing education.

“My research goal is to inform the ‘Heart Health’ promotion strategies designed to promote well-being, psychological health, and social health in Black communities that must cope with marginalizing social structures and social systems and high rates of hypertension. Our ‘Nurses for Black Wellbeing (N4BW)’ study seeks to authentically engage community nurses, nurse educators, and population health nurse researchers with marginalized communities through partnership. Our work is guided by research findings showing that the deficit model of health that links more community risk factors with poor individual outcomes does not promote health or health equity.”

Looking ahead, Dr. Oakley plans to integrate initiatives that will foster deeper interpersonal connections and mutual learning between nursing students and community members, strengthening trust and addressing long-standing health inequities. Her commitment to building sustainable and respectful relationships underscores the innovative and inclusive nature of her research​.

Mentorship and Education

As an educator and mentor, Dr. Oakley has played a pivotal role in shaping future generations of nurses and health researchers. Her emphasis on experiential learning immerses students in real-world contexts, bridging classroom theory with community impact. From involving students in urban mental health initiatives to guiding them in co-developing research projects, she equips them with the skills and cultural competencies necessary to address health disparities effectively.

Under her guidance, students not only learn to navigate the complexities of healthcare systems but also to challenge biases and inequities within these systems. Her work on unlearning urban mental health bias and promoting equity-informed clinical practices has been transformative for her students and the broader nursing field.

Leadership Beyond the Classroom

Dr. Oakley’s influence extends into institutional governance and policy advocacy. As a leader on the Campus Diversity and Climate Committee at UW-Madison, she spearheaded initiatives that prioritized inclusivity and representation across campus. Her work has laid the groundwork for systemic changes in university governance, student engagement, and mental health services.

Her dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion also permeates her service to the broader Madison community. She has developed and supported programs addressing the health needs of underserved populations, such as shelter-seeking women impacted by intimate partner violence. Her commitment to using nursing as a tool for social justice has garnered numerous accolades, including the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s Outstanding Woman of Color Award in 2005, and recognition as a recipient of the Wisconsin Women’s Health Foundation’s Champion for Women’s Health award in 2003.

Transforming Nursing Through Equity

Dr. Oakley’s achievements reflect her vision of transforming health equity from a lofty ideal into actionable practice. Her innovative approach integrates the voices of marginalized populations, reshaping the landscape of nursing research and practice. As the inaugural Louis J. and Phyllis Clark Jacobs Professor in Mental Health, she continues to advocate for mental health education and research that address the unique challenges faced by disadvantaged communities.

Dr. Oakley was recently awarded the Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award at the 2024 Midwest Nursing Research Society (MNRS) Annual Research Conference in February 2024. The award recognizes the contribution of an MNRS member who has demonstrated outstanding commitment and made significant contributions to advance equitable health outcomes and reduce health disparities through research, which has enhanced science and the practice of nursing in the MNRS region.

To further emphasize Dr. Oakley’s impact, the Canary Savage Girardeau Award is a testament to her unwavering commitment to fostering health equity, diversity, and inclusion. Her exemplary work in health equity research, particularly within marginalized Black communities affected by chronic stress and hypertension, has been instrumental in identifying barriers to health equity and implementing effective solutions. Her legacy is one of advancing health equity, fostering inclusion, and creating sustainable frameworks for addressing the social determinants of health, ensuring that her work will resonate for generations to come. Her work inspires a future where nursing leads the way in addressing systemic health disparities.

Dr. Oakley will be formally recognized during the UW-Madison School of Nursing Doctoral Hooding Ceremony on May 9, 2025, and invited to additional programming throughout the academic year.

About the Award

Named in honor of the first African American graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Nursing, the Canary Savage Girardeau Award for Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion is presented to a graduate, current student, current or former faculty or staff member, or community partner of the School of Nursing for their notable work or responsive advocacy that reflects the School’s commitment to health equity, diversity, and inclusion. For more information on Canary Savage Girardeau and the Canary Savage Girardeau Award for Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, visit go.wisc.edu/530no5