Marilyn Henry, MSN 1982, is recently retired from a 40-year career in health care —a career she credits to her nursing background, but never thought would be possible when she began nursing school.
“I held every position in my career because I was a nurse,” said Henry. “When I started out I had no idea so many doors would be open to me because of my nursing background.”
Marilyn HenryHenry had a long and distinguished career. Following a few years at the bedside, she worked at Baptist Princeton for 15 years where she held positions in Inservice Education and Nursing Administration. She then joined the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), where she spent 25 years in a variety of roles, including Special Projects for Hospital Administration, Administrative Director of Cardiology, Associate Executive Director in Hospital Administration, and Service Line Director for Cardiology and Pulmonary. “During that time, most individuals in hospital administration had master’s degrees in Health Administration. However, when I was hired as an Associate Executive Director it was based on my nursing background and management experience,” she said.
“Looking back, I also realize that my consistent willingness to say ‘yes’ to new opportunities also was key to the various opportunities I was offered.”
Henry enjoys giving back to the UAB School of Nursing, where she earned her master’s degree, by supporting the Annual Fund. “My education had such a positive impact on my career and life,” she said. “It is important for me to support the future generation of nurses. They are unlimited in what they can accomplish through practice, research and service.”
The Annual Fund provides critical financial support to ensure that UAB School of Nursing students receive the best education possible. It is funded by alumni like Henry—who, collectively, provide scholarships, opportunities, and experiences that would otherwise be unavailable to today’s students.
“It is great to see so many nurses giving back to our own community and also communities throughout the world,” said Henry. “Together, we are making an impact on health by investing in the future of nursing.”
Besides supporting the Annual Fund, Henry also encourages young nurses by counseling them on their career goals. “I always encourage nurses to be open to all opportunities that might come their way, and to be willing to say ‘yes’ to opportunities they may not have thought about,” she said. “I feel so blessed to have been able to take advantage of the wonderful opportunities afforded to me because I was a nurse.”
To support the UAB School of Nursing Annual Fund, please click here.
