Background
Woody, Mary Florence was born on March 31, 1926 in Chambers County, Alabama, United States. Daughter of Hugh Ernest and May Lillie (Gilliland) Woody.
nursing educator university administrator
Woody, Mary Florence was born on March 31, 1926 in Chambers County, Alabama, United States. Daughter of Hugh Ernest and May Lillie (Gilliland) Woody.
DiplomaCharity Hospital School Nursing, 1947. Bachelor of Science, Columbia University, 1953, Master of Arts, 1955.Staff nurse Wheeler Hospital, Lafayette, Alabama, 1947-1948. Polio nurse Willard Parker Hospital, New York City, 1949.
Staff nurse, supervisor Veterans Administration Hospital., Montgomery, Alabama, 1950-1953.
Faculty member, field supervisor, nursing department Teachers College, Columbia University, New York City, 1955-1956. Assistant director nursing Emory University Hospital, clinical assistant professor Emory University School Nursing, Atlanta, 1956-1968.
Assistant director, director nursing Grady Memorial Hospital, Atlanta, 1968-1979. Founding dean, professor School Nursing, Auburn (Alabama) University, 1979-1984.
Associate director, director nursing Emory University Hospital, Atlanta, 1984-1993.
Interim dean School Nursing, Emory University, 1992-1993. Chairman Georgia Statewide Master Planning Committee for Nursing and Nursing Education, 1971-1975. Faculty preceptor patient care administration School Public Health, University of Minnesota, 1977-1979.
Member board directors Wesley Woods Foundation & Long Term Hospital, 1994.
She worked as a director of nursing at two large hospitals and was a nursing school dean or associate dean at Auburn University and Emory University. She was designated a Living Legend of the American Academy of Nursing. She had with five older siblings.
She earned an undergraduate degree and a master"s degree from Columbia University.
Woody was a nurse at hospitals in Montgomery, Alabama and New York City before moving to Emory University Hospital. At Grady Memorial Hospital, Woody spent several years as the director of nursing
In 1979, she became the founding nursing school dean at Auburn University. From 1984 to 1993, she came back to Emory University Hospital as director of nursing and she was the associate dean of the university"s nursing school.
Woody advocated for the integration of professional associations in nursing
She led the integration of the American Nurses Association. In 1997, the American Academy of Nursing recognized Woody as a Living Legend, its highest honor. She was inducted into the Alabama Healthcare Hall of Fame in 2008.
Woody died in 2010 of congestive heart failure at an assisted living facility in Decatur, Georgia.
Fellow American Academy Nursing (charter, Living Legend 1997). Member American Nurses Association, National League Nursing, American Heart Association, Emory University Nell Hodgson Woodruff School Nursing Alumni Association (honorary), Sigma Theta Tau (Marie Hippensteel Lingemald award for excellence in nursing 1999). Member Nursing Teacher's College Columbia University of Hall of Fame (charter).