Dr. Deidre Wipke-Tevis has been a driving force in both nursing education and research since joining the faculty in 1996. Serving now as the associate dean for research and the PhD program and postdoctoral affairs director, Wipke-Tevis has influenced nursing in areas ranging from microvascular research to nursing education and postdoctoral training. But for Wipke-Tevis, her contributions go far beyond her professional achievements—they are deeply rooted in a personal commitment to giving back, a value that has guided her throughout her life. 

Reflecting on her upbringing, Wipke-Tevis recalls her father’s words: “In this world, there are two types of people. There are lifters and there are leaners. Which one are you going to be?” Those words became a guiding principle for her. From the start of her career, she knew that lifting others through education, mentorship and giving was the path she wanted to take. 

Her journey in giving back and leadership development started early. After earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in 1985 from the MU School of Nursing, Wipke-Tevis used her very first paycheck to join professional organizations like the American Nurses Association and the National League for Nursing. This commitment was driven by the lessons instilled in her by mentors such as Mary Ann Clark BSN’58, PNP and Caroline Davis, BSN ‘65, MS(N)‘90 who emphasized the responsibility of a BSN prepared nurse joining professional organizations and helping lead the advancement of the nursing profession. Wipke-Tevis explains, “There is a passage in the Bible that says, ‘To whom much is given, much will be required.’ In other words, if we are blessed with knowledge, talents, time or wealth, we should be using these gifts to benefit others.” This is a personal philosophy that continues to drive her in life and career. 

It was in those early days of her career that Wipke-Tevis began her commitment to philanthropy, contributing to various initiatives whenever she was able. In 2017, she decided to focus more on giving to the Toni and Jim Sullivan Endowed Research Fund for PhD Students, which supports research grants for PhD students to use to complete their dissertation.  Through her relationship with Toni Sullivan—the dean who initially hired her and established the endowment—Wipke-Tevis chose to concentrate her giving on one fund at the School of Nursing to make a greater impact, rather than spreading smaller amounts across various initiatives. This strategic focus has helped grow the Toni and Jim Sullivan Endowed Research Fund into a sustainable resource that continues to support nursing PhD students, reflecting her desire to make a lasting difference in the lives of future nurse scientists. 

Wipke-Tevis’ commitment to giving is also inspired by her daughter’s experience attending Harvard. Thanks to scholarships and endowments established by others, her daughter’s dream of attending an Ivy League school became a reality. “Each dollar given to her was by people wanting to educate. They made the dream possible, and I value that so much,” she said. This personal experience reaffirmed her belief in the importance of giving.  

Throughout her life, Wipke-Tevis has been driven by the philosophy, “If not us, who?”—a belief that continues to fuel her giving today. As a member of the Nightingale Society at Sinclair School of Nursing, she encourages others to embrace this mindset as well. “It doesn’t matter if you can give $25 or $125, every bit counts, and you know you are giving back,” she emphasized. This spirit of generosity is something she has instilled in her own children, who, like their parents, have chosen to give back whenever possible. 

Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Wipke-Tevis family exemplified their commitment to others by donating their federal relief checks to those in need. “We didn’t lose our jobs and wanted to give the money to help others,” she explained. For Wipke-Tevis, giving is not just about financial contributions—it’s about leading by example and creating a lasting impact in her community. 

In addition to her support of the School of Nursing, Wipke-Tevis has been active in a local chapter of the Philanthropic Education Organization (PEO), which has been supporting women’s educational goals since 1907 starting with proceeds from their booth at the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis, MO.  Her involvement in PEO reflects her lifelong commitment to empowering women through education. She has seen firsthand how even small contributions can add up to millions in educational funding, changing lives forever. 

Wipke-Tevis also found inspiration in unexpected places, such as her time as a Girl Scout leader. What began as a temporary role, filling in for a deployed leader, turned into years of leadership and fundraising efforts. Her dedication helped fund Girl Scout activities and developed young women of courage, confidence and character, some of whom went on to pursue health-related careers.  

Wipke-Tevis’ journey as a nurse, nurse scientist, educator, leader and philanthropist has inspired many. Her father’s challenge to “be a lifter” shines brightly through her dedication to nursing education, research and her commitment to giving back.  Her involvement with the Nightingale Society reflects her passion for uplifting the next generation of nursing leaders and ensuring the continued growth and success of the nursing profession. 

On November 8, 2024, Dr. Wipke-Tevis will be honored with the prestigious Mizzou Alumni Association’s Distinguished Faculty Award. The Mizzou Alumni Association began giving this award in 1968 to recognize the achievements of extraordinary faculty and alumni. Faculty are selected for accomplishments in their chosen field, excellence in fulfilling their academic responsibilities and exemplary relationships with students. Read more about Wipke-Tevis’ career and achievements at the MU Sinclair School of Nursing here.