Mary Botter, PhD, RN, Chair and Associate Professor of the Division of Nursing at Southern Vermont College (SVC), has been appointed to serve on the Vermont Board of Nursing Education Committee for a three-year term. Dr. Botter, a former Executive Director of the Board, was selected for her expertise in nursing education.
“I am honored by this appointment and look forward to serving,” said Dr. Botter. “The Vermont Board of Nursing, supported by the Education Committee, provides a vital service to the citizens of Vermont in regard to the regulation of nursing education and preparation of nursing graduates for practice.”
The Nursing Education Committee studies nursing education issues and standards for the purpose of making recommendations to the Board. The Committee proposes guidelines for use in implementing rules on nursing education, reviews new and existing nursing education programs, and addresses other nursing education issues. Also, the Committee consults with and obtains input from nursing professionals, agencies, organizations, associations, and regulatory bodies including health care professionals and institutions. Literature and research are reviewed to determine state, regional, and national trends.
Prior to SVC, Dr. Botter was the Associate Dean of the College of Nursing and Associate Professor of Nursing at Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL. From 2007- 2011, Dr. Botter was Executive Director of the Vermont Board of Nursing in the Office of the Secretary of State in Montpelier. Earlier in her career, she was a consultant and coach for senior health care executives in the consulting group of Global Health Solutions, Computer Sciences Corporation; served as Chief Nursing Officer at Fletcher Allen Health Care; and was on the faculty and served as the Associate Dean at the School of Nursing at the University of Vermont.
Dr. Botter is a distinguished author and presenter. She has many publications in various trade and clinical publications and has presented more than 40 times at various conferences and groups, nationally and internationally.
From 1997-2000, Dr. Botter was the Project Director of a federal grant from the Health and Resources Services Administration-Bureau of Health Professions. She has also been the recipient of numerous awards and honors for her research, professional contributions and visionary leadership in the field of nursing.
In addition to her prestigious career, Dr. Botter is very active in her professional community, serving as a board member on more than ten boards of directors since 1984. She is also an active member on various committees and organizations – ranging from president and chairman to secretary and is currently an active member in five professional organizations and associations.
Dr. Botter began her education at Duke University where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. She continued her education at the University of Pennsylvania, obtaining a Master of Science in Nursing and a PhD with a focus on nursing administration.
Founded in 1926, Southern Vermont College offers a career-enhancing liberal arts education with 15 academic degree programs for approximately 500 students. SVC recognizes the importance of educating students for the workplace of the twenty-first century and as successful leaders in their communities. SVC’s athletic teams are part of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III and the New England Collegiate Conference (NECC). The College is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and has been designated by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching as a Community-Engagement Classification institution.