Cynthia Flynn Capers facts for kids

Cynthia Flynn Capers (born 3 January 1945) is an important American nurse, teacher, and researcher. She made history as the first Black student to earn a nursing PhD from the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Capers has held many leadership roles. She was the Dean of the University of Akron’s School of Nursing for many years. She also advises national nursing campaigns.

Early Life

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

Education and Learning

Cynthia Capers started her nursing journey at Freedmen’s Hospital School of Nursing. This was a special hospital in Washington, D.C. It was known for training Black nurses. She earned her first nursing diploma there in 1965.

She then went to the University of Maryland. She earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing in 1968. Later, she studied at the University of Pennsylvania. She received her master’s degree in nursing science in 1981. Her studies focused on family and children's nursing.

Dr. Capers returned to the University of Pennsylvania for her highest degree. She earned her PhD in nursing in 1986. She was the first Black student to graduate from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing’s PhD program. She also received a special fellowship from the American Nurses Association. This helped her continue her research after her PhD. She was the first minority person to get this post-doctoral fellowship at the university.

In 2001, Dr. Capers was chosen to attend a special program. It was at Harvard University for leaders in education. She is also a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. This is a historic organization for Black women.

Her Career in Nursing

While studying at the University of Maryland, Cynthia Capers worked as a nurse. She cared for children part-time. After getting her bachelor's degree, she moved to Philadelphia. There, she taught nursing at Philadelphia General Hospital. She taught about maternity nursing.

After earning her master's degree, she became an assistant professor. This was at La Salle University. She continued her studies and research there.

Dr. Capers has spent most of her career teaching nursing. She also taught at Thomas Jefferson University.

In 1997, she joined the University of Akron. She became the Dean of their College of Nursing. She led the college until 2012. While there, she helped create a center. This center focused on nursing care for older adults.

Research and Publications

For her PhD, Dr. Capers studied how people view certain behaviors. Her research looked at how different groups of people understand mental health. She explored how education and background can change these views.

She has also written articles on many other topics. These include health issues like obesity and adolescent health. She also wrote about psychiatric nursing and teaching about diversity.

Personal Life

Cynthia Capers is a proud mother. She has two sons.

Awards and Recognition

• 1995 Distinguished Nurse Award from the Pennsylvania Nurses Association
• 1995 Resolution from the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing for Outstanding Contributions
• 1997 Award for Outstanding Achievement, Leadership and Service from the Medical Society of Eastern Pennsylvania
• 2006 ATHENA Award for community service and helping women achieve professional success