Friends of Dr. Bridget Nettleton
The Dr. Bridget Nettleton Memorial Healthcare Scholarship was established by alumni David ’13, ‘17 and Susan ‘16 Theobald, in tribute to Dr. Nettleton’s impact on themselves, their company Davin Healthcare, and the greater field of Nursing. David Theobald stated, “My wife, Susan, and I are delighted to contribute to the establishment of a scholarship in memory of Dr. Bridget Nettleton. These scholarships aim to support students pursuing advanced degrees in nursing and allied health sciences through SUNY Empire State University programs. Dr. Nettleton played a pivotal role as my mentor, guiding me from the inception of my academic journey in obtaining my BSN in ’13 to my MSN in ’17 during her tenure as the dean of the School of Nursing and Allied Health.
She was not only a mentor to me but also a beacon of light for many others, offering guidance with kindness and compassion throughout their educational and professional endeavors. We believe that investing in the education and development of aspiring healthcare professionals is crucial for the betterment of our communities and the advancement of the healthcare industry. Dr. Nettleton’s dedication to nurturing talent and fostering excellence in the field serves as a shining example for us all. Through these scholarships, we honor her memory by empowering students to follow their dreams and make a positive impact in the world of nursing and allied health sciences.”
Dr. Nettleton passed away passed away Friday, January 12, 2024. Bridget was born on December 6, 1954, in Troy, N.Y. to the late Thomas and Margaret (Herbert) McMahon. Bridget obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University at Albany, a Master of Science in Nursing from Russell Sage College, and a Doctorate in Educational Administration and Policy Studies from the University at Albany. Her career started in nursing as a Staff Nurse at St. Clare’s Hospital. She began her journey as a nurse educator and became the Assistant Director at Albany Medical Center and then a Director for the School of Nursing at Samaritan Hospital. From there, she held several positions at Excelsior University in the School of Nursing: Nurse Educator, Associate Dean, Interim Dean, and her greatest accomplishment, Dean. She then took a position at Empire State University as Dean for the School of Nursing and Allied Health. Upon retirement, she served as an adjunct for several colleges and was a consultant for Davin Healthcare Workforce Solutions. Throughout her nursing educational career, she served as a member and held leadership positions for numerous organizations. She married the love of her life, Bill Nettleton, on August 20, 1977, and they raised beautiful twin boys. Bridget was a communicant of St. Michael’s the Archangel Church, Troy, N.Y. She loved to travel, read, spend time with family and friends, and go on lunch dates. Her family and friends described her as caring, generous, compassionate, and a kind soul. She was a leader, mentor, and an angel to many.
Impact
Established in 2024 as a memorial tribute to founding Dean of the School of Nursing, Dr. Bridget Nettleton, through the generosity of her friends, former students, and colleagues. The scholarship is intended to honor Dr. Nettleton’s tremendous work on behalf of the field of nursing, by bridging the gap between healthcare and academia through supporting nursing education, building a pipeline for new nurses, promoting nurse retention and advancement in the field, and providing opportunities for diversity in the population of nurses. The Nettleton Scholarship is available to students in the school of Nursing and Allied Health who meet the Empire State University Foundation’s scholarship eligibility criteria, and may be automatically renewed for eligible recipients until completion of their degrees. The submission of a FAFSA and 8 credit pre-requisite may be waived for nursing students. Preference is given to students who have completed an associate degree through the Joint Nursing Degree Program at Nassau Community College, or other programs that build the pipeline for new nurses, and students who enhance diversity within the field of nursing. Both undergraduate and graduate students are eligible.