Marilyn Prasun, Ph.D., CCNS, CNL, CHFN, FAHA, is the newest holder of the Endowed Professorship in Nursing at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center. Prasun joined Illinois State University’s Mennonite College of Nursing in 2019 as faculty and a researcher. A recipient of the 2019 American Association of Heart Failure Nurses (AAHFN) Distinguished Member Award and the 2002 American Heart Association Martha N. Hill New Investigator of the Year Award, Prasun has worked with hospitalized cardiac patients and outpatients for more than 20 years as an advanced practice nurse and researcher.

On Wednesday, December 11, Mennonite College of Nursing students, staff, and friends gathered at a reception in Prasun’s honor.

“Dr. Prasun’s experience as a researcher and educator will be a wonderful asset to Mennonite College of Nursing and Advocate BroMenn,” said Dean Judy Neubrander. “The level of research she brings will not only benefit our two organizations but most importantly, improve patient care and patient outcomes.”

Marilyn Prasun Ph.D., CCNS, CNL, CHFN, FAHA

Marilyn Prasun Ph.D., CCNS, CNL, CHFN, FAHA

Prasun’s research focuses on atrial fibrillation, heart failure, biomarkers, symptom management, and quality of life. She holds a B.S.N. from the University of Illinois Springfield, an M.S. from Southern Illinois University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

“I view this as a great opportunity to combine clinical practice and research with the goal of improving outcomes and promoting the nursing profession,” said Prasun. “I am very honored to have been selected as the Advocate BroMenn Endowed Professor.”

The Advocate BroMenn Endowed Professorship, established in 2001, fosters collaboration between Advocate BroMenn and Illinois State. Advocate BroMenn is part of Advocate Aurora Health, one of the top 10 largest not-for-profit, integrated health systems in the United States. Mennonite Hospital School of Nursing operated through BroMenn Medical Center until 1999 when BroMenn’s Board of Trustees saw the college’s potential for growth as a college of Illinois State University. Mennonite College of Nursing became Illinois State’s sixth and only professional college.

Prasun is the fourth professor to hold the BroMenn Endowed Professorship in Nursing. Other BroMenn Endowed Professors include Sandra Burke, Ph.D., ANP, BC-ADN; Michele Malin, Ph.D., MSN, BSN; and Wendy Woith, Ph.D., RN, FAAN.

The endowment was significantly enhanced by Advocate BroMenn Medical Center with a gift of $125,000 as part of Redbirds Rising: The Campaign for Illinois State.

The Advocate BroMenn Endowed Professorship in Nursing represents valued corporate investment in Illinois State during the Redbirds Rising campaign. To learn more about funding Illinois State’s critical priorities during the final months of the campaign, visit RedbirdsRising.IllinoisState.edu.