With over thirty-three of service to the University, Grace Gueydan, dean of the College of Life Sciences and Technology, has decided to retire as of Sept. 4, 2003.
“What I will miss about Gueydan is her pleasantness and that she is so student focused. You can never have enough pleasantness or student focus in the world,” Tom Smith, associate professor of nursing, said.
After Gueydan finished graduate school in Florida, she and her husband, decided to return to a school in Louisiana, where both wanted to teach in the nursing program. Opportunities were available at Nicholls, and they were both hired to teach in the fall of 1970.
“Because the nursing program was new at Nicholls, I was looking forward to the challenge of teaching nursing education,” Gueydan said.
Throughout her stay at Nicholls she has been an instructor, assistant professor, director of nursing bachelor’s program, nursing department head. Her final position at Nicholls was serving as the dean of the College of Life Sciences and Technology.
“Gueydan’s establishment of the nursing program, which has grown and become very successful, is her greatest accomplishment,” Pamela Kirkley, the department head for family, consumer and agricultural sciences, said.” I have had an excellent relationship with her because she is a supportive, understanding and easy person to talk to. Gueydan will be greatly missed but I am glad she will be able to begin a new part of her life.”
Gueydan said starting the four-year bachelor’s program for the nursing department is her greatest accomplishment.
“Through the years it became more evident that Nicholls needed a four year nursing program with a four year degree status. The students needed more nursing science, clinical experience and education in nursing on a professional level,” Gueydan said.
All together Gueydan has been teaching higher education for 35 years, has been a faculty member for 33 years and prior to that was in general nursing for eight years. Gueydan said she loves nursing education.
“Dr. Gueydan and I have known each other for 30 years. I will miss her kind, happy demeanor and compassionate way. I feel blessed to have such a positive relationship with her and I will cherish our years together,” Sue Westbrook, the nursing department head, said.
Of all her experiences at Nicholls, Gueydan said being the dean of the College of Life Sciences and Technology has been a wonderful experience which broadened her knowledge of the five different departments included in the college, and has professionalized her leadership abilities.
“Perhaps one of the greatest thing about being the dean of the College of Life Sciences and Technology was to be able to work in the new Betsy Cheramie Ayo building which was constructed for the nursing department. Being around long enough to move out of Gouaux Hall into the new facilities was exciting, and was one of the goals of the nursing department to have more space,” Gueydan said.
Once Gueydan retires she said there are projects she wants to complete and a number of things she would like to do. She plans to do some traveling and volunteer work. However, she does “not expect to fade into the woodwork” but still plans to be a part of cultural events held at Nicholls.
“For 33 years Nicholls has been my life. The faculty, staff, students and the nursing program I have loved. Retirement is always bittersweet because it is time to do something different, but I will miss the people and work routine. It will clearly be a transition,” Gueydan said.