Linda D. Scott, dean of the UW–Madison School of Nursing, died Monday at the age of 69, the University of Wisconsin-Madison announced Tuesday.
“She dedicated herself — and the school — to making the world a better place by reducing health disparities and addressing complex healthcare needs. She knew (and made sure we also knew) just how important excellence in nursing is to our entire health care ecosystem,” Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin and Interim Provost John Zumbrunnen wrote in a message to the Nursing School. “She shaped and improved so many lives, and we all felt that. Both of us are better for having known her. So is the School of Nursing, and so is UW–Madison as a whole. We will miss her very much, and we join you in deeply mourning this terrible and sudden loss.”
Scott began her tenure as the eighth dean of the School of Nursing in July 2016. During her nearly decade-long tenure as dean, Scott was credited with multiple accomplishments, including working to address the state’s nursing shortage, celebrating the school’s centennial anniversary with a successful fundraising campaign and growing the number of tenure-track positions, according to the UW.
In the days to come, the School of Nursing will share additional tributes, as well as plans for an on-campus memorial.
