Tribute to Nursing Education Advocate Mary Jo Arndt

The College of Nursing pays tribute to Director of Undergraduate Programs, Mary Jo Arndt, EdD, RN, who passed away on January 2, 2010, after a brief illness.

Two passions guided her life's purpose, a love for her nursing career and a love for her family. For Dr. Arndt, nursing defined what is truly important in life – a deep calling of service and care for people.

Her compassionate dedication to nursing education was inspiring. With high standards for success and sound ethics behind every decision, Dr. Arndt helped hundreds of Spartan nurses matriculate to baccalaureate degrees at MSU throughout her 16 year career in the College. She led curriculum design and evaluation while mentoring new faculty in teaching and learning strategies.

Dr. Arndt began her career with the College of Nursing in 1993 as an Associate Professor before taking on the additional role of Assistant to the Dean in 1998. In 2005, Dr. Arndt was appointed Director of Undergraduate Programs. Prior to joining the faculty at MSU, Dr. Arndt served as Director of the School of Nursing at Ball State University.

Her knowledge and skills gained through years of clinical nursing practice as a pediatric nurse as well as several teaching experiences and administrative positions made Dr. Arndt a vital asset to the College. In addition to her work with students and program development, Dr. Arndt engaged in collaborative work to advance nursing research with a focus on infants and toddlers. Her commitment to undergraduate student research experiences was demonstrated through her great pride in the student poster presentations.

After receiving her BSN from Loyola University of Chicago in 1966, Dr. Arndt further advanced her education by receiving her MA Ed in Guidance and Counseling, and an MA in Parent-Child Nursing, from Murray State University and Ball State University respectively. She continued at Ball State University to receive her EdD in Educational Administration.

"Dr. Arndt's commitment to excellence in leadership was admired by all she encountered,” said Dean Mary Mundt. "She will forever be a part of the nursing legacy at Michigan State University and will truly be missed by all.”

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 6, 2010 from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home, 1730 E. Grand River, East Lansing. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 7, 2010, at St. John Student Parish, 327 MAC Avenue, East Lansing.