The University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee School of Nursing mourns the loss of Dr. Julia Snethen, Professor of Nursing, who passed away on March 6, 2026, after a brief illness. She was 67.
Dr. Snethen dedicated more than 23 years of service to UWM, leaving a lasting impact on the School of Nursing, the university community, and the nursing profession. Most recently, she served as the PhD Program Director and Executive Committee Vice Chair, where she played a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of nurse scholars.
As PhD Program Director, Dr. Snethen demonstrated extraordinary commitment to advancing nursing science and cultivating rigorous scholarship. She led important initiatives in curriculum reform and championed the expectation that doctoral students pursue scholarly work beyond their dissertations. Through her leadership, she fostered an environment that encouraged intellectual curiosity, academic excellence, and a deep commitment to evidence-based practice.
Dr. Snethen was deeply dedicated to mentoring students and supporting their success. Her thoughtful guidance and genuine care left a profound impact on many students, particularly international students who found in her a strong advocate and mentor. Her encouragement helped countless scholars develop the confidence and skills needed to contribute meaningfully to nursing research and education.
Her influence extended well beyond UWM. Nationally and internationally respected, Dr. Snethen served as an editor for Nursing Outlook, where she contributed to elevating the quality and visibility of nursing scholarship that informs health policy and improves patient care. Through her professional network, she also connected UWM faculty and PhD students with prominent scholars and speakers from across the country.
Dr. Snethen’s service to the university community was extensive. Over the years, she contributed her leadership to numerous committees, including the University Committee, Faculty Senate, Admissions and Records Policy Committee, Faculty Appeals and Grievance Committee, University Relations Committee, Academic Planning and Budget Committee, and the Zilber Dean Search Committee. Her commitment to shared governance reflected her dedication to strengthening the university and supporting faculty and student success.
She was also deeply engaged in the broader nursing profession. Dr. Snethen was a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, an honor recognizing her national and international contributions to improving the health of children and families. She was also an active leader in the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, particularly through the Eta Nu Chapter, where she promoted professional integrity, compassionate leadership, and lifelong learning among nurses across Wisconsin and beyond.
Dr. Snethen’s legacy will be remembered through the many students she mentored, the colleagues she supported, and the scholarship she helped bring into the world. Her dedication, warmth, and commitment to advancing nursing science have left an enduring mark on the School of Nursing and the profession she cared for so deeply.
A celebration of life and memorial gathering will be held at the UWM School of Nursing in mid-April. Additional details will be shared as they become available.