Rebecca’s Story

Interior Content

​​​​​​​​Dr. Rebecca Thomas Markel was truly passionate about nursing education...


 

After graduating from the College in 1956, Markel worked at Major Hospital in Shelbyville, Indiana for a short time before accepting a position at Indiana University as a nursing instructor.     

     

While at IU, Markel's passion for nursing education grew stronger, and it wasn't long before she decided to pursue a Doctorate in Higher Education Administration. In 1964, Markel was appointed Dean of the IU School of Nursing, where she worked with IU's School of Medicine to develop courses that involved collaborative education and training for medical and nursing students. In addition, Markel and her colleagues became advocates for the nursing profession at a national level, leading seminars across the country and lobbying in Washington, D.C. for accessible public healthcare.      

     

Markel's tireless commitment to nursing education has made a tremendous impact on the nursing profession, and on the lives of countless students. In 2011, she was honored by the College as commencement speaker, and accepted an Honorary Doctorate of Applied Science in Nursing for her outstanding achievements.    


 

Dr. Rebecca Thomas Markel passed away in 2014, naming the College as a beneficiary of her retirement assets, which will be used to fund scholarships for nursing students.      


 

Markel's legacy will not only live on at The Christ College of Nursing and Health Sciences, it will also advance the College's mission to prepare individuals both for delivery of healthcare that promotes the well-being of a dynamic society and for life-long learning.     


 

Help students pursue and achieve their dreams of becoming a nurse and advance clinical excellence in our region by clicking Donate Online at the top of the page. ​