USF Nursing Assistant Professor Lauded for Outstanding Global Engagement
A popular USF College of Nursing assistant professor credited with expanding the college’s international health initiatives was recently recognized for his work in raising the university’s global outreach and reputation.
Stephen McGhee, director of global programs, received a Global Achievement Award acknowledging his outstanding global engagement during the 2017-18 academic year. The annual honor was given at a Nov. 20 breakfast hosted by USF World.
Supporters noted Dr. McGhee’s efforts in broadening the worldwide reputation of USF nursing through expanded partnerships in Europe and Central America while bolstering the local outreach by attracting globally minded nursing students to study at USF through the Coverdell Fellowship program.
McGhee, DNP, MSc, PGCE, RNT, RN, VR, oversees the college’s global health programs in Scotland, St. Croix, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, and Panama. Those study abroad programs attracted more than 70 nursing students in the 2017-18 academic year. The Scotland trip has grown so popular that two trips are planned in Spring 2019.
He also brokered new agreements with the University of Exeter, the University of the West of Scotland, and the University of Stirling — all in the United Kingdom; Gifu University in Japan; and Universidad CES in Colombia.
“The USF College of Nursing has well-established global clinical practicum sites for its students and has formed research and programmatic partnerships with institutions across Central America, the Caribbean, and Europe,” he said. “Its Global Health Program aims to contribute to global health equity by addressing health disparities through service, practice, education, research, and leadership.”
Dr. Stephen McGhee listens to a presentation during a visit to the Gorgas Memorial Institute for Health Studies in August.
In August, McGhee was part of a contingent from USF Health that visited Panama to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the Gorgas Memorial Institute for Health Studies and, while in Panama, helped establish a collaborative relationship with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), a regional subset of the World Health Organization.
Victoria L. Rich, PhD, RN, FAAN, dean of the College of Nursing, was also part of the Panama trip. “Dr. McGhee’s leadership in Panama, Scotland, and other regions is a testament to our college’s commitment to preparing our students to be effective health providers for patients all over the world.”
Drs. Stephen McGhee and Victoria L. Rich met with representatives of the Pan American Health Organization in August.
Under McGhee’s oversight, the College of Nursing began offering the Coverdell Fellowship, which recruits returning Peace Corps volunteers to pursue nursing at USF. The program connects fellows to the local non-profit organization Pinellas Hope, while also having them work as research assistants for PAHO-supported outreach programs in Panama.
In May, the college also became certified within USF as a global pathways program. The distinction gives upper division students the opportunity to earn a degree that includes significant global content with an emphasis on developing global citizens.
McGhee recently developed the online class Introduction to Global Health that will be offered as an interdisciplinary elective course and allow for the development of a second global pathway for RN to BS students.
His accomplishments were praised by nursing faculty.
“We are very proud of Dr. McGhee’s work and dedication to improving the health of the global community,” wrote Denise Maguire, vice dean of graduate programs at the College of Nursing. “He has clearly made significant contributions, and they are sustainable. His relationships and impact continue to grow.”
Elizabeth Jordan, vice dean of undergraduate and global programs at the College of Nursing, said McGhee oversees the international nursing programs with a “student-centric approach.”
“Dr. McGhee demonstrates a steadfast commitment to global education and programs aligning with USF’s mission and goals. His practice, scholarly contribution, and impact make him an outstanding candidate for this highly prestigious award,” wrote Dr. Jordan.
Story by Elizabeth L. Brown, USF College of Nursing
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