For press information, contact Gabrielle Maxey, 901/678-2843

Dr. Paula Dycus

Dycus (BSN ’97) is administrative director of professional practice and research at Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare Inc. She has had a varied nursing career since 1977. Dycus received her BSN degree from the U of M 20 years after graduating from Methodist Hospital School of Nursing. She received her MSN degree in nursing administration from Union University and doctorate in nursing practice from the University of Tennessee, where she has been recognized as an outstanding alumna.

 Dycus’ current position at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital allows her to focus on her passions – improving the quality of nursing care and improving the work environment for nurses. Prior to this, she held a variety of management positions at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Baptist Memorial Health Care.She has presented at local, national and international conferences on the subjects of quality and patient safety. Dycus is a Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality and is a Board Certified Nurse Executive-Advanced.

Spears (BSN ’81) has held various clinical, faculty and management roles during her 30 years of professional nursing practice. As executive director for the Nursing Institute of the Mid South Inc. (NIMS), a nonprofit organization of local hospitals and nurse education institutions, Spears works with member organizations to facilitate a quality nursing workforce.

Dr. Paula Spears

Spears earned her bachelor of science degree in nursing at the U of M and holds master of science in nursing and doctor of nursing science degrees from the University of Tennessee. She completed her original nursing education at the Methodist Hospital School of Nursing.

Tickets for the luncheon are $25 per person. To make reservations, call 901-678-5016 or email smcarter@memphis.edu  by April 20.