Cynthia Flynn Capers facts for kids

Cynthia Flynn Capers (born January 3, 1945) is an American nurse, teacher, and researcher. She has had a major impact on the field of nursing. Capers served as the Dean of the University of Akron's School of Nursing. She also advised national groups like the Johnson & Johnson Campaign for Nursing's Future.

Early Life and Family

Cynthia Flynn Capers was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, on January 3, 1945. Her parents were Charles E. Flynn and Lucy Gibbs Flynn.

A Lifelong Learner in Nursing

Capers dedicated many years to her education to become a top expert in nursing.

First Steps in Nursing

Capers started her nursing education at Freedmen's Hospital School of Nursing. This was a historically Black hospital and nursing school in Washington, D.C. She earned her nursing diploma in 1965.

Earning Higher Degrees

After becoming a registered nurse, Capers wanted to learn more. She went to the University of Maryland and earned her bachelor's degree in nursing in 1968.

Later, she attended the University of Pennsylvania. She studied how to care for children and teenagers with mental health needs. She graduated with a master's degree in nursing science in 1981.

Reaching the Highest Level of Education

Capers returned to the University of Pennsylvania to earn her PhD, the highest academic degree. She was supported by a special program for minority students from the American Nurses Association.

In 1986, she became the first Black student to graduate from the University of Pennsylvania's PhD program in nursing. She also became the first minority person to receive a post-doctoral fellowship there. This allowed her to continue her research after earning her PhD.

In 2001, she was chosen to attend a special leadership program at Harvard University.

Capers is also a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, an organization for Black college women.

A Leader in Nursing Education

Capers used her knowledge to teach and lead others throughout her career.

While studying for her bachelor's degree, she worked part-time as a clinical nurse in pediatrics (child healthcare). After moving to Philadelphia, she taught maternity nursing at the Philadelphia General Hospital School of Nursing.

After earning her master's degree, she became an assistant professor at La Salle University. She has also taught at other schools, including Thomas Jefferson University.

In 1997, Capers joined the University of Akron. In 2002, she was named Dean of the College of Nursing. As dean, she was the head of the entire nursing school. She held this important job until 2012. While there, she helped create a center focused on the health of older adults.

Important Discoveries in Healthcare

As a researcher, Capers studied important health topics to help improve patient care.

Understanding Mental Health

For her PhD, Capers wrote a long research paper called a dissertation. Her research explored how people from different backgrounds think about mental health. She studied how things like race and education can change how someone defines a "mental illness."

Helping Young Families

For her later research, Capers studied the families of teenage mothers. She focused on families whose babies were born prematurely (too early). Her work aimed to understand who helps these young mothers the most. This information helps doctors and nurses give better support to these families.

Capers has also written articles about other health issues. These include obesity, the health of teenagers, and how to teach nursing students about diversity.

Awards and Recognition

Cynthia Flynn Capers has received many awards for her leadership and service in nursing.

• 1995: Distinguished Nurse Award from the Pennsylvania Nurses Association
• 1995: A special resolution from the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing for her amazing contributions
• 1997: Award for Outstanding Achievement, Leadership and Service from the Medical Society of Eastern Pennsylvania
• 2006: ATHENA Award for helping her community and supporting women in becoming leaders