What 24 Years at UofL Taught Rosalie Mainous

Few people know the UofL School of Nursing from as many perspectives as Dr. Rosalie Mainous. After earning her BSN as a working nurse, she went on to serve as a faculty member, administrator, researcher and mentor before being named emerita professor. Along the way, she helped shape nursing education, led groundbreaking research and built a career that would take her to some of the nation's top nursing leadership roles. 

In this Q&A, Mainous reflects on the experiences that shaped her journey, the lessons she carried with her and what excites her most about the future of nursing.

UofL: What is your connection to the UofL School of Nursing? 

R.M.: I enrolled in the RN-to-BSN nursing program in 1980 (then called the 2+2 BSN program), as an undergraduate student and working registered nurse. I graduated with my BSN in 1983 and later became an active alumna, faculty member, and served as the Director of the NNP program, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and the Associate Dean for Graduate Programs and Research. When I left UofL in 2011, I was awarded the designation of Emeritus Professor. 

UofL: If you could describe your experience at the School of Nursing in three words, what would they be and why? 

R.M.: Transformative, connected, and supported. I developed lifelong friendships, was provided the infrastructure to obtain and implement an NIH grant on neonatal cerebral blood flow, worked with the Dean to establish the second in the state PhD program, developed innovative curricula and leaned into leadership. UofL allowed me to be me. I am very proud of my 24 years at UofL. 

UofL: What is one unique lesson from your time at the UofL School of Nursing that has stayed with you throughout your career? 

R.M.: My time at UofL taught me the value of being a collaborative leader. Those lessons helped prepare me for later appointments as Dean of the College of Nursing and Health at Wright State University, Dean of the College of Nursing at Texas Woman’s University, and Dean and Warwick Professor of Nursing at the University of Kentucky. I also served the American Association of Colleges of Nursing in Washington, DC. 

UofL: What is something you are excited about that is new or changing in the field of nursing? 

R.M.: Nothing is as it was in 1977 when I entered nursing. Today, the movement of AI into health care and higher education, breakthroughs in Alzheimer’s treatment, cancer-preventing vaccines, new models of nursing practice make this an especially exciting period in our history.

UofL: What advice would you give to current students who are pursuing nursing as their future career? 

R.M.:  The high standards required for a BSN, MSN, PhD, or DNP prepare students to navigate a complex, challenging, and ever-changing profession. There will be obstacles and disappointments, emotional highs and lows, a sense of fulfillment, excitement, joy and great rewards. Stick it out and follow your bliss—be open to what comes your way. 

UofL: Outside of your nursing profession, what are some of your hobbies or interests? 

R.M.: I have many interests and hobbies, and my biggest decision these days is which one to do first. I am an avid needlepointer and gardener. I scuba dive with my partner Laird, ride my bicycle, do Pilates, ride horseback, kayak, and love to travel.