Shirlee Kittleman Public Health Nursing Scholarship

The Shirlee Kittleman Public Health Nursing scholarship was created to honor Shirlee's life, work and memory. It is available to those University of Delaware senior or rising senior nursing students who demonstrate an interest in public health nursing, with priority going to accelerated program (second degree) and RN to BSN students, as well as to graduate students in maternal-child nursing.

Shirlee (1945-2001) will be remembered for her lifelong commitment to nursing, public health, and the well being of children. She received a baccalaureate in nursing from the University of Cincinnati and a Master of Public Health degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Shirlee joined the Delaware Division of Public Health in 1983, working as a public health nurse liaison and supervisor. In 1989 she created Northern Health Services, the Delaware Division of Public Health unit devoted to serving the people of New Castle County, and became its first non-physician county health administrator, a position she held until her death.

Shirlee was a visionary leader, anticipating and welcoming change. She advocated for decentralization and local responsibility for the health of communities. She was ever mindful of the need to stay abreast of emerging threats to the public’s health. On an ongoing basis Shirlee brought new ideas and novel approaches to public health issues in Delaware. She was instrumental in launching numerous collaborative initiatives. Shirlee welcomed innovative thinking and challenged those around her to think about the bigger picture.

Shirlee served as a public health nursing instructor at the University of Delaware from 1973-1977, providing clinical and classroom instruction to senior level nursing students. In keeping with Shirlee’s vision to prepare future public health leaders, her family and friends have established this scholarship fund.

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