This permanent scholarship, initiated in 2026, honors Bea (Beatrice) Goodwin, a nursing leader who was passionate about excellence in nursing education. Dr. Goodwin earned her BSN from Vanderbilt University and her Master's and PhD from New York University. Her illustrious career includes roles as professor at NYU Division of Nursing and Chair and Professor, Lehman College, City University of New York. She was a founding member of Sigma Theta Tau, Upsilon Chapter (NYU) and held influential positions with the National League for Nursing. Dr. Goodwin was a flight nurse and Chief Nurse of the Air Evacuation Unit in the United States Air Force Nurse Corps and Air National Guard.

Dr. Goodwin’s exemplary commitment to nursing in Latin America began with her consultant role at the Pan American Health Organization. She helped establish the first nursing and midwifery program in Catholic University, Chile, S.A. and led an NYU project to enhance nursing education in eight countries of Latin America. She exerted efforts to create the International Nursing Research Center at the Chilean Association of Nursing Education (ACHIEN). From 2006 to 2018, as a member and of the NGO Health Committee, which holds special consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations, Dr. Goodwin addressed the imperative for students and practicing health professionals to become aware of the health needs of developing and least developed countries and the inter-connectedness of all nations.

Reflecting Dr. Goodwin’s lifelong commitment to excellence in nursing education, this scholarship gives preference to a master’s or doctoral candidate whose work emulates Dr. Goodwin’s passion for nursing education and commitment to preparing exemplary future nurse educators.

Bea Goodwin Scholarship Recipients

This scholarship was first awarded in 2026 to:

Colleen McGauley, MSN, RN

2026-2027 Winner | Doctoral Degree

• Worked on an adult cardiac floor at Tufts Medical Center, in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Massachusetts General Hospital, and in a pediatric orthopedic and trauma outpatient practice
• Educates future nurse leaders as part-time faculty at Boston College
• Serves on the Mass General Brigham (MGH) Women in Leadership Committee, and as a regional director and board member of the Massachusetts Coalition of Nurse Practitioners
• Plans to expand her leadership in healthcare systems improvement, continue advocating for high-quality patient care, and help prepare the next generation of nurses and nurse practitioners

Like Colleen, future recipients of the Bea Goodwin Scholarship will be committed to a career of excellence in nursing education, elevating the next generation of nurses and nurse educators. Your support of NEF advances nursing educators. Donate to the Bea Goodwin Scholarship today.