With profound sadness, 鶹ý College of Nursing shares the news of the passing of former Dean Davina Gosnell, Ph.D., RN, FAAN. She passed away peacefully on March 28, 2024, at the age of 81. Dr. Gosnell’s academic career at Kent State spanned 26 years, having joined the nursing faculty in 1978. She served as Dean from 1989 – 2004.
During a 2018 interview with 鶹ý Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement, Dr. Gosnell shared she had planned to stay at the university for only a few years but there were many opportunities at Kent State. Throughout her tenure, Dr. Gosnell witnessed the college expand to include a master’s program, a doctoral program and lengthen the regional campus nursing programs from two years to four.
Additionally, Dr. Gosnell was present for milestone celebrations including the 25th anniversary of the College of Nursing and the dedication of The Olga A. Mural Nursing Simulation Lab in Henderson Hall on the Kent Campus. In 2017, Dr. Gosnell returned to Henderson Hall as a guest speaker for the college’s 50th anniversary celebration, which was held during the university’s Homecoming festivities. To watch Dr. Gosnell’s full remarks, please .
Dr. Gosnell’s students admired her guidance and wisdom. Diana L. Fleming, Ph.D., MSN, RN, 鶹ý College of Nursing RN-to-BSN program director and professor, shared the following:
“Dean Gosnell was the Dean at 鶹ý College of Nursing when I started my nursing education. She always made her presence known to students. She was willing to listen and had a compassion for people and nursing. Years after graduation, I ran into her at a variety of conferences. She will definitely be missed.”
Having once benefited from a college scholarship herself, Dr. Gosnell believed in strongly in paying it forward for the next generation of nursing students. She established the Dean Davina J. Gosnell Endowed Nursing Scholarship to benefit nursing students enrolled in clinical courses who demonstrate both academic merit and financial need.
Preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Thomas D. Gosnell, Dr. Gosnell is survived by cousins, Scott Gosnell (Becky), Janet Grafton and Jack Jardine (Sue); and nephew, Alan Welch (Hope).
The funeral service was held on Friday, April 5th in Kent, OH.
To read Dr. Gosnell’s obituary or share your condolences, please visit .
