Hello Sigma Members,

Please join me in congratulating the following new board members for the Epsilon Phi Chapter:

1.     Treasurer: Renee Shacklock

Renee Shacklock is a soon-to-be Duquesne University School of Nursing Alumna with an anticipated graduation in August 2026 with an MSN in Nursing Education. Her primary nursing background includes critical care and coordinator for an outpatient testing lab. Academically, she graduated from Clarion University summa cum laude with both her associate and bachelor's degrees, while tutoring other undergraduate students. She was in the Army National Guard for 12 years, first as an enlisted soldier in a medic role and advancing to sergeant of her medical squad, then as a commissioned officer in a nursing role. During her time in the Army National Guard, she held several leadership positions to include squad leader, management of the aid station, and a joint leadership role on the Homeland Response Force Team. She was a combat lifesaver course instructor, along with teaching CEU classes to medics in the unit. She was on the shared governance committee and ran unit staff meetings for part of her nursing career. As the outpatient coordinator, she has been involved with financial planning, budget meetings, and management of the testing lab’s yearly budget. She is eager to apply for the treasurer position and become an active, engaged member of the Epsilon Phi chapter of Sigma Theta Tau.

2.     Leadership Succession Committee Chair Member 1: Maggie Blake

My name is Maggie Blake, and I have been a registered nurse for nearly six years. Throughout my nursing career, I have worked in several roles that have shaped my interests in leadership, education, and quality improvement.

In the beginning of my career, I worked in inpatient oncology care, as an oncology collaborative practice nurse, and in hospice care. For the past three years, I have primarily worked as an adjunct nursing instructor while maintaining a casual position on a geriatric medical-surgical unit. The mix of academia, quality improvement, and patient care perfectly reflects my various professional passions. Throughout my career, I have been involved in policy development and quality improvement initiatives, including updating hospital policies, and developing new policies based on research I conducted on oncology patients with COVID-19 in the outpatient setting. I have also assisted with and led quality improvement projects and have some grant writing experience.

I will graduate with my Doctor of Nursing Practice in Clinical Leadership in August and look forward to continuing my involvement with Sigma, an organization that has inspired my professional growth and commitment to lifelong learning. I believe my skills and experiences will complement the Leadership Succession Committee Chair member role of the Epsilon Phi Chapter, and I hope to contribute to making Sigma an even stronger resource for current and future nurses as they pursue their professional goals, build meaningful connections, and expand their professional networks.

On a personal note, I live in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with my husband and our two cats. In my spare time, I volunteer at a senior center, enjoy walking and hiking, and playing games with friends and family. 

3.     Leadership Succession Committee Chair Member 2: Ami O’Brien

Ami O'Brien is a registered nurse and Spring ’26 Duquesne University School of Nursing MSN graduate with a focus in Nursing Education. Her primary nursing background is in critical care, and her professional experience also includes adjunct clinical instruction and academic coordination within the School of Nursing. Through these roles, she has supported student learning, faculty collaboration, and clinical partnership development across a variety of settings. As a member of Sigma Theta Tau, she values mentorship, leadership development, and service to the nursing profession. She is eager to apply for the Leadership Succession Committee Chair Member position and would be honored to contribute to the growth of future nurse leaders and the ongoing work of the chapter. 

Thank you,

Julia Ciotti McMurdy MSN, RN

Leadership Succession Chair

Dear Sigma Members,

I am reaching out to all of you as the Chair of the Leadership Succession Committee for Sigma Theta Tau, Epsilon Phi Chapter. We are in search of candidates for the 2026-2027 election of officers and committee members.  Please consider the leadership positions within our chapter to engage with other nurses and to develop your professional and leadership skills.

The openings and a summary of responsibilities are listed below:

Treasurer: (1 vacancy)

·       Serve on the chapter’s board of directors:

o   Prepare and present a current fiscal report to the board of directors at each meeting.

o   Prepare and submit an annual budget to the board of directors with appropriate committee advisory council or task force.

o   Develop and maintain fiscal policies and procedures in collaboration with the appropriate committee. Submit new policies or modifications of existing policies to the board of directors for approval.

o   Prepare an annual report to the chapter membership regarding the treasurer’s responsibilities and activities.

·       Be custodian of the chapter funds:

o   Prepare and submit the financial section of the chapter annual report.

o   Work with an accountant on a biennial audit.

o   Obtain and complete necessary tax forms for the Internal Revenue Service or other governing agencies.

o   Manage the investment plan of the chapter with support from the board of directors.

o   Be aware of Sigma’s policies and timelines regarding chapter checks and communicate how your chapter would like them delivered.

o   May be bonded in an amount equal to three0fourths of the worth of the chapter.

·       Skills gained through service:

o   Serve on a non-profit/ non-governmental organization board of directors

o   Team communication

o   Leadership of committee

o   Financial accountability and accounting standards

o   Budgeting

Leadership Succession Committee Chair Members 1 & 2: (2 vacancies)

·       Reports to the board of directors

o   Prepare an annual report to the chapter membership regarding the leadership succession committee responsibilities and activities.

o   Develop and maintain policies and procedures related to the leadership succession committee.

o   Submit modifications or new policies and procedures to the board of directors for approval.

·       Member development:

o   Develop members in organizational leadership roles across the span of their careers.

o   Mentor members to assume positions at all levels of the organization.

·       Elections:

o   Oversee the selection of members who can provide the necessary leadership to achieve chapter goals and to meet the needs of the members.

o   Manage the preparation, distribution, and tallying of election ballots.

o   Notify all candidates (elected and non-elected) of the election results.

·       Skills gained through service:

o   Serving on a committee

o   Team communication

o   Organizational governance

o   Leadership development

Please consider submitting your name to the ballot. We would greatly appreciate your service and welcome your expertise. If you are interested, please contact me directly at ciottij@duq.edu by March 23rd with a short bio and why you wish to serve in the respective position.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Thank you,

Julia Ciotti McMurdy MSN, RN

Leadership Succession Chair

Good Morning, Epsilon Phi Members:

Please find attached the information for The Dr. Linda Garand Annual Scholarship Awards for the 2025-2026 academic year! 

The first round of scholarship awards are for those enrolled in DNP or PhD courses and/or those general members who may benefit from monies aiding in a project or research. Information for the BSN/Undergraduate scholarship opportunities will be shared toward the beginning of the fall semester. 

The deadline for submission is Friday July 25th at midnight. All information regarding the scholarship application can be found in the attachment below.

We're looking forward to hearing about the great work our Sigma Chapter members and students are doing! 

All the best,

Cara