Linda Amos, longtime dean of nursing at the University of Utah, passed away on August 9. She was 85 years old.
Raised in Van Buren, Ohio, Dr. Amos earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing and her master’s degree in medical-surgical nursing from Ohio State University. After several years working as a nurse in Ohio and New Mexio, Dr. Amos went on to receive her doctorate in systems development and adaptations from Boston University.
In 1980, Dr. Amos was appointed dean of the College of Nursing at the University of Utah. During Dr. Amos’ tenure, the college launched several new graduate speciality programs, established a Gerontology Center, developed a distance learning program for students in rural communities, and created a Women’s Health and Birthing Services program. In 1998, Dr. Amos took on additional responsibilities as associate vice president for health sciences. She helped coordinate the construction of multiple new health sciences facilities and served as founding chair of the Presidential Commission on the Status of Women. Dr. Amos stepped down from her deanship in 2000 and continued in her administrative role until 2005.
A broader leader in her field, Dr. Amos served two years as president of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing from 1984 to 1986. From 1998 to 2001, she chaired the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, developing accreditation standards for undergraduate and graduate nursing education.