The nursing community, the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and countless colleagues across the nation are mourning the loss of Dr. Linda D. Scott, who passed away today at the age of 69. Though many outside the field may not have known her name, Dr. Scott was a towering figure in nursing education, research, and national health policy — and her work quietly shaped the care and well-being of innumerable patients and practitioners.
A registered nurse, scholar, educator, and visionary leader, Dr. Scott served as the eighth dean of the UW–Madison School of Nursing from 2016 to 2025. During her tenure, she elevated the school’s academic standing, strengthened its research mission, expanded pathways for students, and championed initiatives that supported both faculty and staff. Her leadership was defined by clarity, compassion, and a steadfast belief in the power of nursing to improve communities.
In a time when education and public institutions are too often undervalued or politicized, Dr. Scott stood as a steady light — a reminder of what true leadership rooted in service, integrity, and evidence-based practice looks like.
Her influence reached far beyond Wisconsin. As Immediate Past President of the American Academy of Nursing, Dr. Scott helped advance national nursing priorities, including workforce well-being, health equity, and the integration of research into clinical practice. Colleagues remember her as a courageous advocate, a thoughtful mentor, and a brilliant thinker whose work will continue to reverberate through the profession for generations.
The American Nurses Association (ANA) expressed deep sorrow at her passing, highlighting her exceptional contributions to elevating academic excellence, championing equity, and supporting nurses at every stage of their careers. To many, she was not only a leader but a role model—someone who balanced rigor with compassion and vision with humility.
Dr. Scott’s legacy is one of empowerment, inspiration, and unwavering dedication to the profession she loved. She leaves behind colleagues, students, friends, and family who will carry forward her passion for strengthening nursing and improving the lives of those served by it.
Those who wish to honor her memory may do so through the Linda D. Scott Inspiration Scholarship Fund, established by the University of Wisconsin Foundation to support future nursing students who have overcome significant barriers on their educational journeys. It is a fitting tribute to a woman who devoted her life to opening doors for others.
