Deb Stenger ’73, B.S.N. ’01, M.S.N. ’06, will retire from Illinois State University Mennonite College of Nursing (MCN) in December. The college is having a celebration for her during a college meeting in December.
Stenger’s career with MCN began in the 1970s, when she enrolled into the Mennonite School of Nursing and received her diploma in 1973. She continued her education and received her B.S.N. and M.S.N. from MCN, and also received a Clinical Nurse Leader certificate. Stenger was also part of the very first transcultural group to travel to Berlin, Germany.
Stenger accepted a position at MCN as an instructional assistant professor in 2006. She taught in the Health Assessment Lab, Adult Med/Surg II (course and clinical), and was the course leader for Leadership Dimensions in Professional Nursing.
She served on the Prelicensure Curriculum and RN to B.S.N. committees. She was also part of two research teams: the Civility Research Team and the Reflective Journaling Research Team.
In 2014, Stenger received the MNAO Distinguished Alumni Award—the highest award the college bestows upon its graduates. She is also a member of Sigma Theta Tau International, the Honor Society of Nursing, and served as president for the Xi Pi Chapter.
When asked what her favorite memory was at MCN, Stenger replied, “There are many, but the main one is being the Course Leader for Leadership Dimensions. I had the opportunity to expose the student to all aspects of the nursing profession and watched as they grew from a student into the MCN preferred graduate. The ability to assist in this transformation is so humbling and exciting.”
Stenger looks at her upcoming retirement as a transition time—not as a retirement. She plans to just “listen” for about six months to find her fit for the next stage. She has four children who live in four different states, five active grandchildren and a very supportive husband to spend her time with. Mission and church are and will be part of her plan.
“To be selected to teach at Mennonite College of Nursing at Illinois State University was an honor,” said Stenger. “The staff and faculty have provided me with professional growth and opportunity. I am proud to be both an alumni and member of the teaching staff at MCN. Continue to keep the flame burning!”
