r By Nate BlackrMountain View Hospital surprised a long-time board member with a scholarship in her name.
Mary Williams, Ph.D, associate professor for the BYU College of Nursing, was emotional as she learned that a new BYU Signature Scholarship supported by Mountain View Hospital was named after her. Williams has served as a member of the Mountain View Hospital Board of Directors since 2000 and as chair since 2008. She has been a member of the faculty of the BYU College of Nursing for 40 years including 27 years as associate dean. Her other community and professional service includes the State Board of Nursing, the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, Utah Nurses Association and American Nurses Association.
Williams was born and raised in Payson. She worked at the hospital in Payson as a candy striper and then ward clerk. While she was in nursing school, she worked at the hospital as a nurse’s aide. It was about this time that she said “…[I] was mentored by some of the best nurses possible who were instrumental in teaching me the significant role a nurse can have in truly making a difference in the most tender, intimate, and difficult times of an individual and family’s life.”
At the close of a Hospital board meeting, held on October 17 at Magleby’s in Springville, special guests were ushered into the room. Dr. Patricia Ravert, Dean of the BYU College of Nursing, Analisa Dawson, the first recipient of the scholarship, Carol Kounanis, Donor Liaison from LDS Philanthropies and Mary’s family had come to be a part of the scholarship announcement.
Kevin Johnson, CEO of Mountain View Hospital said, “We are so grateful to Mary for her tireless service, support and the insights and inspiration she brings to our hospital and community.” As he declared that the new scholarship was named in her honor, Associate Dean Williams was visibly touched. She exclaimed, “I’m overwhelmed. Thank you!”
The Mary Williams BYU Signature Scholarship is a four-year program that is funded by the hospital and awarded annually by the College to a deserving senior nursing student. As the first recipient, Analisa Dawson expressed her deep appreciation and honor at being selected for the award.
Students interested in applying for the scholarship should approach BYU’s College of Nursing for details at nursing.byu.edu.
