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Katherine L. Esterly Nursing Education Scholarship

The University of Delaware established the Katherine L. Esterly Nursing Education Scholarship endowment in the College of Health Sciences in 2006. Katherine L. Esterly, M.D. is a 1997 recipient of the University of Delaware's Medal of Distinction for her work in building the premier Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Christiana Hospital. This scholarship is established in honor of both her tireless commitment to serving the needs of Delaware's sickest newborns and her outstanding contributions to the field of nursing.

Dr. Esterly has worked with her colleagues, legislators, government officials and members of the College of Health Sciences on behalf of the nursing profession. As a result of her efforts, the State now recognizes the professional qualifications of nurse practitioners to treat patients and write prescriptions. Dr. Esterly has also fostered the professional development opportunities for nurses including a neonatal nurse practitioner program offered at the University in cooperation with Thomas Jefferson University and the College of New Jersey.

Among Dr. Esterly’s recognitions: The Children and Families First Lifetime Achievement Award; James Tilton Distinguished Service Award, State of Delaware Healthy Delaware Hero Award; The 2002 Commendation for Excellence Award from Christiana Care Health System; The 2002 Exploring Pioneer Award; Medical Society of Delaware’s Daniel S. Alvarez, MD, Distinguished Service Award; The Delaware Association for the Education of Young Children, Inc.; University of Delaware Medal of Distinction; the Medal of Honor from the Delaware Public Health Association and the Nightingale Award from the Visiting Nursing Association.

A native of Norristown, Pennsylvania, Dr. Esterly is a graduate of Ursinus College and Temple University School of Medicine.

Recipients of the Katherine L. Esterly Nursing Education Scholarship must be declared majors in the School of Nursing. The scholarship will be based on academic merit. Eligible recipients will be identified by the School of Nursing. Students committed to a career in pediatrics will be given preference over other, equally qualified candidates.

Spring application deadline: December 1st
Fall application deadline: May 1st


  • College of Health Sciences  •   School of Nursing  •   25 North College  •   Newark, DE 19716
    Phone: 302-831-1253   •   Fax: 302-831-2382  •  ud-nursing@udel.edu   •  © 2014
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