Fay W. Whitney School of Nursing
University of Wyoming
Dept. 3065; 1000 E. University Avenue
Laramie, WY 82071
Phone: (307) 766-4312
Fax: (307) 766-4294
Email: uwnursing@uwyo.edu
Dorothy Tupper, RN, BS, MS, was the first full-time faculty member employed for teaching nursing at the University of Wyoming, starting in March of 1952. In September 1968, she became acting dean, staying in that capacity until February 1971, when she was made dean. Tupper made it clear that administration was not her first love, and she resigned the position of dean in 1973 and returned to full time teaching.
St. Catherine's Hospital School of Nursing in Omaha, Nebraska, provided Tupper's basic education. She earned a BS from the University of Wyoming in Zoology and another BS in education from the University of Minnesota. Her master's degree was from Teacher's College Columbia University.
Tupper was a strong student advocate. She taught fundamentals of nursing, medical-surgical nursing, and advised students through the program. Her commitment to caring, communication, and compassion was instilled in each student with whom she had contact. Many students role modeled their development as a nurse after Tupper. She was the epitome of what a nurse should be.
The state relied on Tupper's leadership. She was active in all of the nursing organizations and served on the Wyoming State Board of Nursing for five years. She was known as the expert in disaster nursing and was the instructor for the Wyoming Civil Defense Agency. Her first love was working with students and developing their passion for nursing. Tupper died in 1994.
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Page updated 2/15/2018
Fay W. Whitney School of Nursing
University of Wyoming
Dept. 3065; 1000 E. University Avenue
Laramie, WY 82071
Phone: (307) 766-4312
Fax: (307) 766-4294
Email: uwnursing@uwyo.edu