SPOKANE, Wash. – Anne Hirsch, senior associate dean of academic affairs at the WSU College of Nursing, has accepted the role of interim associate dean for graduate nursing education in the College of Nursing at Seattle University.
She has served with distinction since 1998, helping to shape the college into a prestigious program that graduates thousands of prepared students and helping to establish new programs and campus locations.
“Her contributions at WSU are too numerous to give justice to. Anne is not only a leader at the university level but also within the community and internationally,” said Patricia Butterfield, dean of the college.
During her tenure, accomplishments included growing the baccalaureate programs in terms of student numbers and accessibility; expanding the college’s campuses statewide; developing the nursing Ph.D. program and laying the framework for the doctor of nursing practice program; guiding the college through the transition to the Riverpoint campus; and revising program curricula to best prepare students.
“Her commitment to serving students, the community and underserved populations is admirable,” Butterfield said. “Anne has served on several boards and foundations, including the Group Health Foundation, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Empire Health Services, Empire Health Foundation and the Empire Health grants committee.”
Additionally, Hirsch has had the opportunity to travel with faculty colleagues and students, providing primary care to communities in Peru, Ecuador and India.
While working at the college, she continued to care for patients as a part-time family nurse practitioner at the People’s Clinic and the health center at Spokane Community College.
“Anne loves being a nurse educator and a family nurse practitioner. Her work addressing health disparities in Spokane has saved lives,” said Butterfield.
Her new position in Seattle will give her and her husband the opportunity to be closer to her children, who are attending college in the Seattle area, and to her mother. Hirsch is looking forward to the new challenges of the job, broadening friendships and relationships with colleagues, and mentoring new faculty.
“For many years, I have stood on others’ shoulders and benefitted from the faculty before me. I want to be those shoulders now,” Hirsch said.
When asked what she will miss most, she doesn’t hesitate.
“The wonderful people – the faculty, staff and students.”
Hirsch’s last day at WSU will be Sept. 1. A reception is planned in her honor in mid-August. In lieu of retirement gifts, she has requested that donations be given to the WSU College of Nursing on her behalf.
Gifts will jointly benefit the Dorothy Detlor Graduate Fellowship Fund and the Clark Simulation and Practice Center Fund. These funds honor two of Hirsch’s closest mentors, Dorothy Detlor and Charlene Clark.
Donations can be given online at http://nursing.wsu.edu/alumni/giving.html by directing your gift to “Development Director’s Fund” and noting “Honoring Dr. Anne Hirsch” in the comments & special request field.