Jennifer Leeman named Jane Sox Monroe Distinguished Professor in Nursing

Carolina Nursing is thrilled to announce that Senior Associate Dean and Professor Jennifer Leeman, DrPH, MPH, MDiv, has been named the Jane Sox Monroe Distinguished Professor in Nursing, effective February 1, 2024, and approved by the Board of Trustees in September.

Endowed by W. Paul Monroe to honor his late wife, a Carolina Nursing alumna, the Jane Sox Monroe Professorship in Nursing was established to recognize a distinguished teacher and scholar at the School who upholds the work ethic and altruistic ideals Jane possessed.  

Jennifer has been pivotal in her role as the Associate Dean for Research, demonstrating exceptional leadership and advocacy for our research mission. Her grant projects, funded by NIH and CDC, focus on implementing health promotion interventions for populations at the highest risk for health disparities, significantly improving access to healthcare for underserved North Carolinians and beyond.  

Her teaching, mentorship, and expertise have been crucial in building the capacity of the next generation of nurse scientists to conduct research and incorporate implementation science into their intervention studies. As a national expert in her field, Jennifer is truly deserving of this distinguished professorship. 

Jane Sox Monroe, a member of the second graduating class of the School of Nursing in 1956, used her nursing education in many impactful ways. She began her career as a public health nurse, helped establish the nursing program at Lenoir Rhyne University, served as Chairman of the Catawba County Board of Health, and worked in geriatric nursing, a patient population dear to her heart. 

Jane and Paul Monroe have generously supported the School over the years. In 1994, Paul honored his wife by creating the Jane Sox Monroe Endowed Scholarship, and in 2002, they donated $250,000 to fund the W. Paul and Jane Sox Monroe Human Patient Simulator Laboratory for Clinical Care Skill Development. 

This professorship aims to further Jane’s legacy by supporting the teaching and research of a distinguished professor who will impact future generations of nursing students. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Paul Monroe for making this professorship possible and offer our warmest congratulations to Jennifer on this well-deserved honor.