Faculty Document No. 3591, April 16, 2026
Professor of Nursing Julia A. Snethen, PhD, RN, FAAN, passed away on March 6, 2026. Born in Smithville, Missouri, on October 29, 1959, she was a proud alumna of the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, where she completed her PhD in 1998 and postdoctoral fellowship in 2000. Dr. Snethen joined the UWM School of Nursing as an assistant professor in Fall 2002 and served at the University with distinction for more than 25 years.
Dr. Snethen taught and mentored students across undergraduate, master’s, DNP, and PhD programs and ultimately served as PhD Program Director from 2017 until her retirement on February 27, 2026, right before her untimely death. Her scholarship focused on pediatric and family nursing, health equity, and evidence‑based practice. A prolific scholar, she authored voluminous peer‑reviewed publications and led multiple federally and foundation‑funded projects addressing childhood obesity, pediatric chronic illness, family decision‑making, diabetes self‑management, and palliative and family‑centered care. Her work, cited more than 1,500 times, appeared in leading nursing journals and enhanced UWM’s national and international reputation including being a longtime associate editor for Nursing Outlook.
Beyond her scholarship, Dr. Snethen was a generous mentor and respected leader. She guided doctoral dissertations, fostered a culture of collaboration and scholarly writing, and contributed extensively to faculty and student development. Her professional service included leadership roles in Sigma Theta Tau International as the President for Eta Nu, local chapter and the Society of Pediatric Nursing, as well as election as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing—an honor reflecting her standing in the profession.
Dr. Snethen’s commitment to service extended into the broader community. Her philanthropic efforts included founding Camp Chimer, a dialysis camp for children, supporting an on‑campus food pantry, and as a stout advocate for social justice. She is remembered by colleagues and students for her intellectual rigor, generosity, and unwavering dedication to student and faculty success.
Let us honor Dr. Snethen’s legacy through our continued commitment to mentorship, scholarship, health equity, and shared governance—values she embodied throughout her career.
Submitted by: The faculty of the School of Nursing, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee.