Kathleen "Kathy" K. Blais, EdD

I already had a diploma in nursing, but the writing was already on the wall that if I wanted to get more leadership positions in nursing, then I needed to get a bachelor's degree. I was employed by Jackson Memorial Hospital, and the hospital provided tuition reimbursement to me at the state level. FIU Nursing allowed me to do the things I wanted to do and accept the opportunities that were offered to me. My work opportunities improved in terms of leadership positions. I knew I needed to get my degree, and I got it. I had been given opportunities to teach in the hospital to do in-service education, and as time went on, I realized that I wanted to teach students. FIU was the school that said yes to me, so I came back to the university as a faculty member in 1983 and enjoyed working with students.