Celebrating 50 Years of Nursing Research Excellence

Advancing nursing research across the Midwest and beyond

In 1975, a handful of nurses came together to collaborate on a research initiative through the Department of Health and Human Services.

Through that work, they recognized the need for an organization dedicated to advancing nursing research. What began as a small collaboration grew into what is now the Midwest Nursing Research Society.

Today, MNRS is more than 1,400 members strong and recognized as a leading voice in nursing research.

Founding Members

Honoring those who laid the foundation in 1975

Nancy Lackey
Carol Deets
Barbara Given
Betty Pearson
Harriett Werley (P)
Ellen Egan
Pauline Komnenich
Rosalie Yeaworth
Barbara Valanis*
Rozella Scholtfeldt
Beverly J. McElmurry* (P)
Barbara Minckley
Elizabeth Grossman
Helen Grace
Justine Speer
Edna Menke
Joyce Fitzpatrick*
Angela Barron McBride
Nola Pender*
Joanne Sabol Stevenson* (P)
Norma Lang

*= Past President | (P) = Passed Away

Past Presidents

Leadership that shaped MNRS over time

2017-2019
2015-2017
2013-2015
2011-2013
2009-2011
2007-2009
2005-2007
2003-2005
2001-2003
1999-2001
1997-1999
1995-1997
1993-1995
1991-1993
1989-1991
1987-1989
1985-1987
1983-1985
1981-1983
1980-1981		 Janean Holden
Susan Rawl
Linda Herrick
Janet Larson
Jean Wyman
Donna Algase
Sally Lusk
Marilyn Sommers
Lauren Aaronson
Diana Biordi
Carol Farran
Mary Wierenga
Nancy Bergstrom
Joanne Sabol Stevenson
Mara Baun
Mariah Snyder
Nola Pender
Barbara Valanis
Beverly McElmurry
Joyce Fitzpatrick