IU School of Nursing Distinguished Professor Appointed to the Edward W. and Sarah Stam Cullipher Chair

Edward W. and Sarah Stam Cullipher Chair, Victoria Champion, DNS, RN, FAAN

INDIANAPOLIS – The IU School of Nursing (IUSON) is pleased to announce that Victoria Champion, DNS, RN, FAAN has been appointed to the Edward W. and Sarah Stam Cullipher Chair. The official announcement will be made at a reception on Wednesday, December 13, 2006, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the School.

A Distinguished Professor of Nursing and Associate Dean for research at IUSON, Dr. Champion is also Scientific Director of the Mary Margaret Walther Program for Cancer Care Research and Program Leader for cancer control for the Indiana University Cancer Center NCI-designated cancer center. In addition, Champion serves as one of the co-directors of the National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded IUSON Center for Enhancing the Quality of Life in Chronic Illness leading the research development and dissemination core of the Center. Her national appointments include being a member of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) study section for Community-Level Health Promotion, a member of the President’s Executive Committee for the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Breast and Cervical Cancer Committee, and a member of the Governor’s Executive Committee for tobacco monies for the state of Indiana. Currently, Champion is President of the Executive board for the American Cancer Society Great Lakes Division.

Recognized nationally and internationally for creating tailored interventions for women, Champion has set the standard for reaching beyond the boundaries of IUSON to collaborate with other groups and disciplines and is considered a true pioneer and pathfinder in the field of behavioral oncology. A testament to this exemplary work was the formation of the Behavioral Cooperative Oncology Group that encompasses many universities (e.g., Duke, Washington University, Michigan State, Ohio State, Indiana State) and many disciplines (e.g., nursing, psychology, informatics, medicine, and economics).

Her sustained program of research over the last 23 years serves as a model for all nurse researchers; her work has contributed immeasurably to not only extending the science but improving care for all women at risk for breast cancer. Champion has received over 20 million dollars for her research work and has significantly influenced nursing professionals and behavioral research scientists. Since 1984, her research in early detection, cancer survivorship and quality of life has been funded by the National Institutes of Health. In addition, she has received many national and international awards for her exemplary achievements.

Dr. Champion, who earned her bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate at IUSON, began her career as a staff nurse at the IU Medical Center in 1970. She joined the School of Nursing as part-time faculty in 1981 and moved up the ranks to become a full professor in 1990 and Distinguished Professor in 2001.

“Vickie is one of our most innovative leaders who has articulated and shaped the field of behavioral oncology research. She has devoted her career to applying knowledge to improve the quality of life for individuals with cancer and their families, thereby meeting a vital need for so many in our state and beyond. Her research findings have been ground-breaking and have provided revolutionary cancer interventions that have led to the discovery and diagnosis of cancer at earlier and more curable stages. Thus, the School is extremely pleased to have Dr. Champion appointed to the Edward W. and Sarah Stam Cullipher Chair that was made possible through a very generous gift from the estate of the Culliphers,” said Marion E. Broome, university dean and distinguished professor, IU School of Nursing.

Edward W. and Sarah Stam Cullipher bequeathed a gift of $1.5 M through their trust that established a chair to support a senior-level scholar who has a well-developed program in nursing research and committed to mentoring students and junior faculty.

Dr. Cullipher received all his degrees from IU--BS in Chemistry (1928), MD (1332), and residency in Orthopedic Surgery (1935). Mrs. Cullipher received her GN in 1930. Dr. Cullipher died in March 2001 a few days before his 96th birthday; his wife predeceased him in 1997. A long-time supporter of Indiana University, Cullipher was a Fellow of the IU Foundation President’s Circle, a Claude Rich Potential Patron Member, and Varsity Club Regular and Loyalty members. Edward Cullipher followed all IU athletics, but was an especially avid IU basketball fan. He also enjoyed deep-sea fishing well into his nineties.

Dr. Cullipher practiced at Variety Children’s Hospital (now Miami Children’s Hospital) (1950-1990) and was a teaching professor for the University of Miami School of Medicine. He was president of the Dade County Medical Association in 1955, and was chief of orthopedic surgery at General Hospital in 1962, while in the Army.

To learn more about the IU School of Nursing, visit http://nursing.iupui.edu/.