Educational innovator to present Solberg Smith lecture









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Joanne Disch, Ph.D.

Joanne Disch, Ph.D., of the University of Minnesota, will present the second annual Audrey Solberg Smith Distinguished Lectureship for Teaching Excellence on Friday, Aug. 21.

Dr. Disch is the the Katherine R. and C. Walton Lillehei Chair in Nursing Leadership and is director of the Katharine J. Densford International Center for Nursing Leadership at the University of Minnesota School of Nursing.

Her lecture — which starts at 9:30 a.m. in the Sorrell Center, Room 3002 — is titled “Embracing Paradox and Ambiguity in Nursing.”

“Dr. Disch is known nationally for her provocative and timely perspectives on the challenges faculty face as they create healthy learning environments,” said Virginia Tilden, D.N.Sc., dean of the UNMC College of Nursing. “As traditional teaching gives way to an emphasis on student learning, paradoxes arise.












Broadcast sites



Dr. Disch’s lecture will be broadcast to the following sites:

  • College of Nursing-Lincoln, Room 343;
  • College of Nursing-Kearney, Room 144W; and
  • College of Nursing-Scottsbluff, Room 204.




“For example, faculty embrace simulation and virtual patient cases to replace, in many instances, usual bedside and classroom teaching. This brings new questions about student learning. While there is no blueprint to guide us, Dr. Disch will help us think through the paradoxes and ambiguities.”

The Audrey Solberg Smith Distinguished Lectureship for Teaching Excellence promotes learning skills and outstanding teaching at the UNMC College of Nursing.

The lecture is made possible by a generous endowment from Audrey Solberg “Solly” Smith. She graduated with a degree in nursing from the University of Nebraska School of Nursing in 1947, and a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the UNMC College of Nursing in 1965.

Pre-registration for the lecture is required and must be completed by Aug. 14.

Registration forms can be found here. Fill out the form, click on “Submit by Email”, or send registration information to concne@unmc.edu.

Registration can also be completed by leaving a message at 559-6731 with your name, organization, address, phone number and e-mail address.

Continuing education credits will be available.