Retired faculty member creates fund to support nursing research

Ann Mabe Newman ’78 dedicated much of her 34-year teaching career to nursing research. Now in retirement, her devotion to that effort and to the School of Nursing continues through a $25,000 gift established in her name.

The Ann Mabe Newman Research Support Fund will help faculty members write grants. It is a significant step in support of a long-term goal to establish a Ph.D. program in nursing.

During her 30 years as an associate professor, Newman participated in grant writing and knows the difficulties involved.

“I remember how lonely it was to do grant writing when I was a faculty member,” said Newman. “It is my hope that my gift could be used to help secure the service of a dedicated faculty or staff person specifically for the School of Nursing to nurture and energize faculty toward increased grant writing and publication.”

Newman hopes to encourage research focus in several topics, including how to increase diversity in nursing, self-efficacy in chronic illness and vulnerable populations in psychiatric nursing.

A clinical specialist in psychiatric nursing, Newman received a diploma in nursing from the University of Virginia, Bachelor of Science in Nursing from UNC Charlotte in 1978 and went on to obtain a master’s in nursing from UNC Chapel Hill and a doctorate in nursing from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Since that time, she has dedicated her career to serving the Charlotte community through her research, teaching and volunteer efforts.

Before retiring from UNC Charlotte in 2012, Newman spent three decades teaching courses on psychiatric/mental health nursing and health policy. She also developed the University’s online graduate program in nursing education. Newman has volunteered in local elementary, middle and high schools and now provides pro bono health care services, including grief counseling.

For her dedication and service, Newman has received numerous honors, including the Bank of America Award for Teaching Excellence, recognition among the “50 Most Influential Women in Charlotte” and being named to the UNC Charlotte Hall of Fame

“One of my (s)heroes, Eleanor Roosevelt, said. ‘Since you get more joy out of giving to others, you should put a good deal of thought into the happiness you are able to give,’” said Newman. “A small gift goes a long way at the UNC Charlotte School of Nursing.”