Donna Murnaghan

MN (1992)

Leader in nursing education
Dr. Donna Murnaghan is Professor and Dean of Nursing at Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops British Columbia starting in September 2013. She was a founding faculty member of the School of Nursing at the University of Prince Edward Island from 1992- 2013. She holds a PhD from the University of Helsinki in Finland in addition to her MN from Dalhousie.

Contributions to community
Dr. Murhaghan’s professional and community contributions include: member of the Health Advisory Council that developed the framework for Health PEI and then as Chair and member of the Board for Health PEI from 2010-2013; member of the National Canadian Cancer Society Board; the Board of the National Cancer Institute of Canada; founding Board member for the National Advisory Board of the National Collaborating Center on the Determinants of Health; President of the PEI Division of the Canadian Cancer Society; and President of the PEI Nurses’ Union.

Contributions in research
Her research contributions include serving as the Director of the PEI Health Research Institute; co-founder of the National Alliance of Provincial Health Research Organizations; senior scientist for the Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Center; and lead investigator for the Comprehensive School Health Research team at the University of Prince Edward Island with colleagues across Canada.

Diamond Jubilee recipient
Dr. Murnaghan has been recognized for her achievements by being awarded the 2013 Commemorative Medal for the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth 11 (one of only 30 Canadian nurses) and the 2002 Commemorative Medal for the Golden Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth 11 in recognition of her contribution and leadership in efforts to support cancer control.