When Jill Guttormson, Ph.D., MS, RN, was named permanent dean of the College of Nursing in November, she took over leadership of the 29th ranked nursing school in the nation, according to U.S. News and World Report.
Though she’s tasked with leading on the college’s ambitious strategic plan, which aspires to prepare 5,000 nurses over the next decade and beyond, grow Ph.D.-prepared faculty and lead in emerging areas, including telehealth education and the mitigation of health care disparities with a more diverse workforce, Jill took a few moments to talk with Marquette Today about family game night, why her mom is her hero and her unique childhood home.
Hometown: Mellen, Wisconsin (northern Wisconsin town of fewer than 1,000 residents)
Family: Spouse, Eric; daughters Lea (19) and Claire (17)
Hobbies and interests: Biking, backpacking, hiking, game night with family. There is a Guttormson family Catan champion medal that passes to the winner.
Favorite movies: The Lord of the Rings (extended versions); almost any Wes Anderson film
Heroes: My mother, who has shown what it means to live fully with grace and humor with a chronic illness
Favorite quotes/mottos: So many, but I will choose two:
“When it comes to human dignity, we cannot make compromises.” —Angela Merkel
“People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did. But they will never forget how you made them feel” —Maya Angelou
Currently reading: Three books at once — one is “Think Again,” by Adam Grant
Favorite vacation spots: Anywhere there are mountains
Biggest career learning experience: Be open to new opportunities and paths in your career.
Never be afraid to ask questions; it is the questions you don’t ask that you will regret.
Fun facts: I graduated high school with a class of 32 students. We lived in a log cabin in a state park when I was growing up.
