Edna Mae Menke, PhD, RN (September 26, 1941- July 30, 2022) graduated from the University of Cincinnati College of Nursing with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in 1963. She was a proud member of Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority. She went on to acquire from The Ohio State University a Master of Science in nursing in 1968 and a PhD in Counseling and Quantitative Psychology in 1972.
Menke had an illustrious career in higher education at The Ohio State University College of Nursing spanning several decades. Her career in higher education included service as an Associate Dean, Program Director of the Doctoral Program in Nursing (1984-2012) and Acting Assistant Director for Graduate Education (1973-1976) in addition to achievement of her academic rank of Associate Professor in 1978. Her research focused on children with chronic illness and mothers and children who are homeless. She retired from OSU as an Associate Professor with Emeritus status.
Menke was a quintessential academician. She inspired scores of graduate nursing students to complete research projects to promote the health of vulnerable children and their families. She also embraced her role as a mentor to junior faculty members and was unselfish in sharing her wisdom to help develop the next generation of nurse educators.
In retirement, Menke worked tirelessly to assist elderly persons in German Village to be able to stay in their homes through her volunteer service with the Village Connections, where she served as a member of their board of directors. She also remained steadfast in her loyalty to her alma maters at the University of Cincinnati and The Ohio State University and was an avid fan of the Bearcats and Buckeyes sports teams.
Menke was married to her husband, Michael Bender. Through her marriage she had four stepchildren.
The Edna M. Menke, PhD, RN Papers (8.5 linear feet) contains materials related to her education and career.
The collection is open to the public and is available for viewing in the Medical Heritage Center. Materials do not circulate and must be used in the supervised reading room. Restrictions, including copyright, may exist and some materials may be too fragile to photocopy or digitize. The MHC charges for duplication services, which must be performed by staff.
[Identification of item], Edna M. Menke, PhD, MD Papers, SPEC.202237.MENKE, Medical Heritage Center, Health Sciences Library, The Ohio State University.