In Memoriam: Remembering Dr. Sharon Reeder

Sharon Reeder, PhD, RN, FAAN, a UCLA Nursing professor emerita, former acting dean, and distinguished academic leader has passed away. 

Dr. Reeder first came to UCLA in 1958 to pursue a master’s degree. She would later join the school of nursing’s faculty as an instructor, before completing her PhD in 1974 and progressing to full professor.

Throughout her more than 30 years as a UCLA faculty member, Dr. Reeder tirelessly advocated for innovation in nursing education and health care equality for women. She made significant contributions to the field of maternity nursing, co-authoring textbooks that became foundational resources for generations of nursing students. 

Throughout the 1980s, Dr. Reeder was extremely active on campus-wide committees. She served in roles on the Academic Senate, the Senate Executive Committee, the Chancellor’s Advisory Committee, and more. As the school’s acting dean from 1985 to 1986, Dr. Reeder played a critical role in obtaining state funding for the school’s operations – an integral step in the creation and development of UCLA’s nursing program. 

Along with these accomplishments, Dr. Reeder counseled and mentored countless nursing faculty and students – leaving a permanent mark on the future of the UCLA Joe C. Wen School of Nursing. 

Dr. Reeder is survived by her son, Andrew, her step-children, Susan & Glenn, and countless other family and friends.