Award Winner
Dr. Susan Marie Perry graduated from FIU with her BSN in 1989. Following her graduation, Dr. Perry was commissioned in the US Air Force Nurse Corps, attaining the rank of Colonel. She completed her MSN (Anesthesia) and PhD at the Uniformed Services University serving in multiple leadership, consultant, practice, and educational roles during her 25 years of military service.
During deployments, Dr. Perry assisted in setting up remote military hospitals in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, providing anesthesia care to critically wounded service members. She also commanded a humanitarian mission at a clinic in the mountains of Peru, a region targeted by terrorist groups. After military retirement, Dr. Perry joined the USF College of Nursing rising to the position of Vice Dean prior to retirement.
Dr. Perry remains actively engaged as an emerita faculty member, advisor to the Dean at the USF College of Nursing and adjunct faculty at Barry University. Dr. Perry has received numerous honors for her military service, including the Joint Meritorious Service Medal (2013) from the Department of Defense.
Dr. Perry is a Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing (2018) and American Association of Nurse Anesthesiologists (2021). Most recently, she received the Outstanding Community Service Award (2021) from the Tampa Police Department for her initiation of a partnership between pediatric nursing students and the police department. As her nominator states, "Her leadership and policy advocacy has improved the health and lives of those who serve in harm's way and supported the education of countless CRNAs."
Criteria
An alumna/alumnus who has demonstrated an esteemed career in leadership, practice and advocacy by making a significant effect on improving the health of consumers (individuals, families, communities, and/or populations).
For a Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing & Health Sciences graduate that has:
- Participated in the implementation of health policy and practices at the local, regional, tribal, or national level.
- Promoted the public recognition of nursing as a scholarly discipline when developing legislative and regulatory processes and policies.
- Fostered the political and legislative effectiveness of nurses.