The Marian K. Shaughnessy Nurse Leadership Academy launched from a bold vision: that nurses must lead the transformation of health care.
In 2013, Marian K. Shaughnessy, DNP, MSN, RN, articulated this vision in a “future of nursing” letter written for a course taught by Joyce J. Fitzpatrick, the Elizabeth Brooks Ford Professor of Nursing, and former dean of the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing.
She wrote:
“Now, more than ever, nurses must seize the opportunity to be, not just facilitators of health care, but rather leaders in their own right.”
That declaration became a call to action.
Together, Drs. Shaughnessy and Fitzpatrick transformed this powerful idea into what is now a game-changing leadership initiative in the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing at Case Western Reserve University—an academy dedicated to preparing nurses to lead boldly, strategically, and innovatively across health care nationally and globally.
A Legacy of Leadership
Dr. Shaughnessy was more than a visionary—she was a builder of pathways.
She helped launch the Nurses on Boards Coalition through the American Nurses Foundation, ensuring that nurses’ expertise had a voice in boardrooms. She served in leadership roles across numerous Cleveland nonprofits and held board positions at University Hospitals of Cleveland and the Advisory Committee for the Notre Dame School of Nursing.
Her distinguished clinical and leadership career included perioperative leadership at the Cleveland Clinic, Lakewood Hospital, and critical care leadership at Cleveland Metropolitan General Hospital. She was an active member of leading professional organizations, including:
- American Nurses Association
- Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses
- American Organization for Nursing Leadership
- Sigma Theta Tau
Her influence extended far beyond titles. She inspired faculty, students, alumni, and colleagues nationwide to step forward as architects of a redesigned health care system.
Continuing Marian's Dream
Dr. Shaughnessy passed away on February 24, 2020; her vision continues to guide the Academy’s mission.
The Marian K. Shaughnessy Nurse Leadership Academy is committed to:
- Developing nurses as confident, strategic leaders
- Preparing nurses for service on governing boards
- Advancing innovative health care redesign
- Elevating the voice of nursing in policy and executive decision-making
We believe—just as Marian did—that all nurses, in addition to providing expert clinical care, also can serve as innovators and transformational leaders.
About the Shaughnessys
Marian K. Shaughnessy, DNP, MSN, RN was a visionary educator, respected administrator, and dedicated community leader whose life’s work centered on advancing nursing education and strengthening the healthcare profession. A proud double alumna of the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing at Case Western Reserve University, Marian devoted her career to elevating standards of excellence in nursing practice and leadership.
Throughout her distinguished career, Marian served on the Board of Directors of University Hospitals of Cleveland and as a Trustee of the American Nurse Foundation. Her leadership reflected a deep commitment not only to academic rigor and professional development, and also to compassionate service and community impact. Until her passing in February 2020, she remained a steadfast advocate for empowering nurses and preparing future generations of healthcare leaders.
Her husband, Michael, founder and former president of Color Matrix, has continued Marian’s legacy with extraordinary dedication. A respected business leader and community advocate, Michael served as a trustee and board member for Notre Dame College, the Western Reserve Land Conservancy, and the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland, among other organizations. Since Marian’s passing, he has been instrumental in guiding the strategic direction of the Academy, ensuring that its mission remains aligned with Marian’s vision of leadership, integrity, and service. His thoughtful stewardship and active involvement have strengthened the Academy’s foundation and expanded its long-term impact.
Marian and Michael’s daughters, Anne and Kate, are also actively involved in carrying forward their mother’s legacy. Their commitment reflects the family’s shared dedication to leadership development, education, and community service.
In a powerful demonstration of that commitment, the Shaughnessy family recently made an $8 million lead gift to the Academy’s Leadership Campaign, which seeks to raise a $25 million endowment to sustain the Academy in perpetuity. Their generosity sets the pace for the campaign and underscores their enduring dedication to ensuring that Marian’s vision continues to inspire and support leaders for generations to come.
Advisory Boards
Learn more about out Advisory Boards.
Contact Us
Dr. Joyce Fitzpatrick, Inaugural Director, Marian K. Shaughnessy Nurse Leadership Academy
jjf4@case.edu
Kerianne Marston, Director of Program Strategy
kxm913@case.edu
Christa Rubbelke, Director of the Global Nurse Leadership Program
cxr436@case.edu
Lara Hamo, Department Assistant
lxh639@case.edu
Nancy Clare Hovan, Director of Development
nxh305@case.edu