Rhetaugh Graves Dumas facts for kids

Rhetaugh Etheldra Graves Dumas (born 1928, died 2007) was an amazing American nurse, teacher, and health leader. She made history as the first Black woman to become a dean at the University of Michigan. She led the University of Michigan Nursing School for many years.

Dumas was also a top leader at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). She was the first nurse, woman, or African-American person to hold that important job. People say she was the first nurse to use science to test and improve how nurses work. She passed away on July 22, 2007, after battling ovarian cancer.

Rhetaugh Dumas's Early Life and Schooling

Rhetaugh Etheldra Graves was born in Natchez, Mississippi. Her mother dreamed of being a nurse. But back then, nursing schools in their area didn't accept African-American students. Her family also couldn't afford to send her to college far away.

When Dumas spoke at a graduation ceremony in 2003, she shared something special. She said that from a very young age, she was told she would become a nurse. Not just any nurse, but one who would be admired. She was told she would help improve the lives of others.

She earned her nursing degree from Dillard University in New Orleans in 1951. After graduating, she worked as a substitute teacher in Natchez. She also became the Nurse Director at Dillard University's Student Health Center.

Rhetaugh Dumas's Important Work

Dumas continued her education and earned a master's degree in nursing in 1961. This degree was from Yale School of Nursing. After that, she joined the faculty at Yale. She eventually became a professor and led the psychiatric nursing department.

While at Yale, she helped mental health experts work with families. This was especially important during school riots in the 1960s in New Haven. At the same time, she was the Director of Nursing at the Connecticut Mental Health Center.

Leading at the National Institute of Mental Health

In the 1970s, Dumas took on leadership roles at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). This organization helps with mental health research and services. She was the chief of the Psychiatric Nursing Education Branch.

Between 1979 and 1981, she made history again. She became the deputy director of the NIMH. She was the first nurse, woman, or African-American person to hold this high position. During her time at NIMH, she helped change how professional training worked. She focused on making sure people who were not getting enough help could get it. This focus on helping everyone continues today. While at NIMH, Dumas also earned her doctoral degree.

Making History at the University of Michigan

Dumas worked at the University of Michigan for more than 20 years. She served three terms as the dean of the nursing school. She was the very first Black female dean at the University of Michigan. Later, she became the Vice Provost for Health and a special professor of nursing.

Awards and Recognition for Rhetaugh Dumas

Rhetaugh Dumas was a leader in many important nursing organizations. She was president of the American Academy of Nursing and the National League for Nursing. She was also a member of the Institute of Medicine.

She received a special appointment from the President of the United States. This was for the National Bioethics Advisory Committee. She also received the President's 21st Century Award from the National Women's Hall of Fame. In 2002, she was named a "Living Legend" by the American Academy of Nursing.

Many universities gave her honorary doctorates. These included the University of Cincinnati, University of San Diego, Yale University, and Dillard University. She also gave important speeches at nursing conferences.

Her published writings include "The Effect of Nursing Care on Postoperative Vomiting." She also wrote about "Dilemmas of Black Females in Leadership."

Rhetaugh Dumas's Lasting Legacy

Rhetaugh Dumas left a lasting impact on nursing and education. The University of Michigan has an award named after her. It's called the Rhetaugh G. Dumas Progress in Diversifying Award. This award recognizes university departments that make great progress in having diverse faculty.

Both the University of Michigan and Yale University have also created special teaching positions in her name. These positions help continue her work in nursing education.

See also

• List of Living Legends of the American Academy of Nursing