Sheridan native and Yale School of Nursing graduate Donna K. Diers, the Annie W. Goodrich Professor Emerita, sixth dean of the School and American Academy of Nursing Living Legend, died on February 24 at Yale-New Haven Hospital.

Professor Diers will be remembered for her many contributions to the Yale School of Nursing as a Teacher and Administrator, but also for her contributions to the nursing profession. She chronicled and advocated for the development of advanced practice nursing and engagement in public policy.

Born in Sheridan, Wyoming, May 11, 1938, to Don and Ilene Diers, she aspired to be a journalist, but then fell in love with nursing.

She graduated with a BSN from the University of Denver, an MSN from Yale University, and a PhD from the University of Technology, Sydney (Australia).

Dr. Diers served as the Dean of Yale-New Haven from 1972 to 1985. During this time she developed the first Graduate Entry Program for people without an undergraduate degree in nursing.

She received numerous honors for her work, including being named a Living Legend by the American Academy of Nursing and as an honorary doctorate from the University of Wyoming In 2012.

Her contributions to nursing are myriad and her writings are numerous.

Donna is survived by Her brother Jim and his wife Jan, their son Ted and his wife Kerrie, and their children, Nate and Ella.

Relatives in the Sheridan area include her cousins Rick Ball, Debbi Powell, and Sue Grant, and her Aunt Joanne Harvey.

The Sheridan Press - March 18, 2013.