Posted: Tuesday, April 15, 2025

The University of Evansville (UE) College of Education and Health Sciences held an investiture ceremony on Friday, April 11, 2025, in Neu Chapel, honoring two distinguished nursing faculty members with endowed positions.

Katie Thomas, DNP candidate, was named the Nancy McFadin Mueller Endowed Chair in Nursing, and Melissa Rea, MSN, was named the White Family Endowed Professor in Nursing.

Nancy McFadin Mueller Endowed Chair in Nursing

The Nancy McFadin Mueller Endowed Chair in Nursing was established in 2018 through a generous gift from Edward J. Mueller, M.D., in honor of his wife, Colonel (Ret.) Nancy McFadin Mueller, a 1970 alumna of the University of Evansville.

Nancy's legacy is marked by exceptional service, trailblazing leadership, and deep compassion. After beginning her studies at UE, she joined the Army Student Nurse Program, embarking on a distinguished military career that culminated in her retirement as a Colonel in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps. After retirement Nancy joined her husband, Dr. Edward J. Mueller, in his practice and became the first board-certified urology nurse in San Antonio, Texas. She also served as President of the Society of Urologic Nurses and Associates. A dedicated educator and advocate, she was recognized as an Outstanding Graduate of Mount Vernon High School and left a lasting impact on her field and the lives she touched. Nancy passed away in 2023 after facing ALS with remarkable courage and resilience.

Katie Thomas '00, DNP candidate and Clinical Assistant Professor, currently serves as Chair of the Dunigan Family School of Nursing. With over a decade of clinical experience as a Perinatal Clinical Nurse Specialist, she has focused on high-risk obstetrics at Tri-State Perinatology. In 2018, Thomas returned to UE as a full-time faculty member. She is pursuing her Doctorate of Nursing Practice with a focus on Educational Leadership and continues to lead with innovation, compassion, and a commitment to excellence.

White Family Endowed Professorship in Nursing

The White Family Endowed Professorship in Nursing was established to promote excellence in undergraduate nursing education and recognize faculty who demonstrate exceptional teaching and mentorship.

Linda E. White, a 1976 nursing alumna of UE, has had a transformative impact on the healthcare landscape and the Evansville community. She began her professional journey with the Deaconess School of Nursing, followed by a BSN and MBA from UE. In 2002, she became the first female president of Deaconess Hospital and served as chair of the UE Board of Trustees. Her commitment to service is reflected in her involvement with organizations such as the Ark Crisis Nursery, Junior League, United Way of Southern Indiana, and Leadership Evansville. White has been honored with numerous accolades, including the Evansville Athena Award and the Delta Sigma Pi Business Leader of the Year Award.

Melissa Rea '93, MSN and Clinical Assistant Professor, brings over 12 years of experience in geriatric primary care and specializes in medical-surgical nursing and community health. A UE alumna herself, she has served the University since 2009. Rea is known for her work in interdisciplinary research and public health education, as well as her leadership as president of UE's Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing chapter. She has received the Daisy Faculty Award twice, voted on by UE nursing students, recognizing her dedication to student success and excellence in the classroom.