By Kevin Dudley, WSU Spokane
SPOKANE, Wash. – Robbie Paul, director of Native American health sciences at Washington State University Spokane, is one of four recipients of the 2015 Enduring Spirit Award from the Seattle-based nonprofit Native Action Network.
The national award honors Native American women who have devoted their lives to creating positive outcomes for their communities.
During Paul’s time at WSU Spokane, 56 Native American nurses have graduated, including eight with master’s degrees. The first Native American student just completed the doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree. Three Native American undergraduates are in the nursing program, two at the DNP level and two pursuing their Ph.Ds.
Paul recruits Native American students to the health sciences through WSU’s Na-ha-shnee Health Science Institute summer camp. It has served more than 340 students; 70 percent have earned degrees in nursing, pharmacy and medicine.
A member of the Nez Perce tribe, Paul has been at WSU Spokane since 1995. She sits on the Native American Health Science Advisory Board to the chancellor of WSU Spokane.
Contact:
Kevin Dudley, WSU Spokane communications, 509-358-7528, kevin_dudley@wsu.edu