As I was grumbling to myself about fitting in a blackboard post, I received this message in my email. I did not know Kim personally, but as a fellow traveler on the doctoral road I felt it was important to chronicle this tragedy. Positive thoughts and prayers to her family, friends and classmates. WIth hope, someone will be inspired to continue her work.Sad news….
Marie Gill and Michelle Collins inform me this morning that Kim Stewart, a 2nd year student in the PhD in Nursing program, died earlier this week at her home in Nashville after falling and hitting her head the preceding day. A subdural hematoma is the suspected cause of death.
Kim worked as a nurse practitioner at the Matthew Walker clinic in Nashville and was passionate about improving the health of African-American women. With her mentor, Dr. Mona Wicks, Kim planned to conduct research on depression in African-American female caregivers seen in primary care settings. Prior to entering the PhD program, Kim also taught at TSU, sharing her expertise with nursing students.
Kim leaves behind her son, Jimmie, (a senior in high school) and husband, Buddy, and her extended family. Kim often mentioned how supportive her family was of her decision to pursue doctoral education and their pride in her accomplishments.
Funeral services will take place in Jennings, Louisiana, her home town, on Saturday, January 8 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and the Funeral Mass will begin at 11:00 a.m. The arrangements were made through Kings Funeral Home in Lake Charles, Louisiana.
Kim’s classmates are devastated over this tragic loss, and sending an arrangement for the services tomorrow. The PhD program will also be sending flowers.
We will gather on Monday, Jan. 10th from 12:40pm-1pm, in room 601 LA, to hold a brief memorial service in honor of Kim.
Sometimes we need someone who is associated with our loss or situation to talk to. University Health and the Student Assistance Program are available if you would like that outside support.
We consider you to be this University’s most important asset. The health and well being of every student is of primary importance to us. Today’s society is increasingly complex and we know that you may face a variety of difficult personal situations as your education continues, such as the recent loss of one of your colleagues. If you would like to schedule an appointment for counseling, there are providers available through University Health Services.
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