The College of Nursing turns 90 — Looking back with Larry Hewitt

EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is a story from the spring 2007 edition of the College of Nursing publication, Advances. This and other stories from the publication will run in UNMC Today in commemoration of the college’s 90th anniversary. Click here to see the entire Advances newsletter online.

When Larry Hewitt was hired to succeed Sybil Sawinsky Sedivy in 1990 as the College of Nursing Director of Student Services, he already had completed military service as a Green Beret medic, obtained a master’s degree in education and sports medicine and served a stint as director of education at a health careers college.

His hiring arrangement allowed him to shadow Sedivy for six months before her retirement, a period he describes as invaluable.

“Not only did she show me the ropes, she taught me to stay focused — on students, their needs, their success,” Hewitt said. “The rest is details and I try to keep it simple on a day-to-day basis. I concentrate on the mission and the resources.”

Larry Hewitt

On a typical day, Larry visits with pre-nursing students about required coursework. He also introduces prospective students and their families to the College of Nursing.

“One adage guides me,” he said. “We don’t get a second chance to make a first impression. We present the college on two levels — what students want to know, and what parents want to know. As a father and grandfather myself, I know what concerns families. Whether it’s a student or parent, I try to anticipate questions and make them feel comfortable. I treat them like family.”

While blocks of his day are spent analyzing data and preparing reports, Hewitt said his other primary work is to plan, arrange and coordinate services.

“Needs change with each wave of students,” he said. “The college serves a student population from diverse ethnicities and cultures, and more and more male students are drawn to nursing. Our key role is as liaison. We provide a support network and we’re problem solvers. Where some see obstacles, I see opportunities.”

Hewitt started a leadership academy for students who want to engage in personal development. He also served on the committee that developed induction ceremonies for new students similar to the white coat ceremony for medical students. As part of their induction, new classes hear a special message from the dean, receive a nursing pin and sign an ethics pledge.

Like Sedivy before him, Hewitt finds graduations memorable. After the initial visit, he often doesn’t see the whole family together again until graduation.

Then, he said, “We’re all beaming — the graduate, the family and me. It’s rewarding to be part of the process that got them to that day.”