The University of Vermont community honored Patricia Prelock on May 8, marking her 10 years as dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences and transition to UVM Interim Provost and Senior Vice President. Prelock’s colleagues, co-faculty, staff, friends and family members gathered for a breakfast celebration in the Davis Center to share memories from her time as dean and wish her success in her new post.
“As a voice of the college, thanks to Patty for 10 years of friendship and service. May your journey as interim provost be challenging and rewarding,” said Rosemary Dale, chair of the Department of Nursing.
Recognized worldwide for her scholarly achievements and persistent positive approach, Dr. Prelock served as CNHS dean from 2009-2019. During that period, the college established eight new health sciences degrees and three new minors and certificates, and increased faculty by 47%. Prelock established a health sciences research agenda including strategic recruitments and funding mechanisms that raised $15 million to support CNHS faculty, students and programs and $5.5 million in grants for research. Under Prelock’s leadership, CNHS consistently met goals for research grant submissions, peer-reviewed publications and presentations, and national exam pass rates.
“Under Patty's leadership, the College of Nursing and Health Sciences expanded in many critical areas. She has brought in new and needed programs, created collaborative research and scholarship possibilities and energized staff,” said Brian Harwood, a member of the CNHS Board of Advisors. “Her enthusiasm and forward-looking approach have given UVM extra sheen.”
From the podium, President Tom Sullivan praised Prelock’s strategic thinking, noting that the interim provost is a key partner with the president. Prelock will serve as chief academic officer to President-Designate Suresh Garimella, who will assume his position on July 1.
“Patty has been one of the most effective deans in the modern history of the university. She is a mentor, advisor and one of the most collaborative colleagues I have ever worked with,” Sullivan said. “She has a deep appreciation for the development of young minds in the classroom and the research lab. She is a teacher’s teacher, as well as a dedicated mentor and a sponsor to junior faculty, inspiring them to be successful teacher-scholars and community leaders.”
Mentor and ally
Prelock has been a popular professor, working closely with students in the classroom and on research projects. She established undergraduate and graduate student leadership groups and the Student Interprofessional Education Leadership Committee to steer educational opportunities. Each fall, she gave a presentation to first-year students to share her experiences as a health care recipient and how it informed her career. Some of her former students sent notes of appreciation.
“When I began with CNHS as a wildly anxious 17-year-old, I remember Dean Prelock's presentation on her connection to communication sciences and the background that guides her into caring professions. I was inspired from that day to bring deeper love into the work I was planning to do in healthcare,” said Alicia Gusan, Nursing '18, a general medicine nurse at Hartford Hospital in Connecticut. “A year out of my undergraduate career at UVM, I regard Patty as one of my greatest role models. I hope to bring a little bit of Patty's enthusiasm and kindness to each of my patient interactions and wish to emulate her radiance constantly.”
During Prelock’s time as dean, CNHS doubled clinical and service-learning offerings and added study abroad programs to help students advance their skills, develop cultural competency and gain global perspective. Through Prelock’s collaborative efforts, CNHS now works closely with colleagues at Larner College of Medicine (LCOM), University of Vermont Medical Center (UVMMC), local practitioners, sports clubs, senior residence homes and other community allies. A strong proponent of integrative health care, Prelock has championed UVM Integrative Health’s reputation as an interprofessional, patient- and family-centered service and training site that inspires students in health care majors.
“Patty opened doors and made what seemed impossible, possible. I will be forever grateful to her for stepping up and trying something new that so many other leaders were either afraid of or not interested in,” said Cara Feldman-Hunt, program manager for Integrative Health Care at UVM.
Prelock research fund established
The College of Nursing and Health Sciences Advisory Board has established an endowed fund to honor Prelock’s decade of service to the and mark her transition to UVM Interim Provost and Senior Vice President. Named the Patricia A. Prelock Nursing and Health Sciences Research Fund, the endowment will encourage and support early career investigators to develop and pursue high quality and competitive research projects. Qualifying research projects can be basic, clinical, translational or public health related.
The fund will continue in perpetuity, serving as a lasting legacy to Prelock’s leadership and an important resource for the College’s most promising scientists.
In announcing the fund on May 8 at the tenth annual Zeigler Research Forum, Advisory Board Chair Jane Kaufman said, “Patty has been a champion for expanding the research program at the College and advancing the research partnerships across the College and with the UVM Health Network. Her energy, enthusiasm and dedication have benefited the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, the Academic Health Sciences, and the entire University.”
During her time as CNHS dean, Prelock established a health sciences research agenda including strategic recruitments and funding mechanisms, raising $15 million to support CNHS faculty, students and programs and $5.5 million in grants for research. Under her leadership, CNHS consistently met goals for research grant submissions, peer-reviewed publications and presentations.
Clearly moved by the establishment of a research fund named in her honor, announced at the research forum she championed, Prelock responded with thanks to the advisory board members, faculty and staff. She vowed to continue her own research and keep a special place in her heart for the college she led for 10 years.
“CNHS will always hold a special place in my heart,” Prelock said. “It’s important to have someone at the provost level who really understands the work of this college to support the incredible work that you do.”