Get to know Dr. Cindy Witte (’90, ’02), Professor of Nursing at CUW!
We have a lot of wonderful professors here at CUW, but only the very best are named Faculty Laureate for the year. Dr. Cindy Witte, DNP, RN, FNP, CNE was given this high honor at the 2024 commencement ceremony in May. But there’s more to Cindy than just educational and professional excellence. Read on to learn more about this “model of Christian life, excelling in teaching and scholarship, supporting the cocurricular and community life of campus, and/or demonstrating involvement in church and community affairs”!
Years at Concordia?
25
What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?
While pursuing my undergraduate Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at Concordia University Wisconsin, I was the starting point guard for those four years for the Concordia University Wisconsin’s Women’s Basketball Team. I have many wonderful memories of those years and all of the friendships that were made along the way.
What has kept you at Concordia all these years?
The quality of our nursing program and the opportunity to serve our students. I pray that I may have an impact to help our new generation of nurses grow and develop to be the best that they can be. I am blessed to be able to work with our students and my colleagues.
What was your least favorite food as a kid?
Liver!
Do you have a Bible verse or piece of advice you keep close to your heart?
I have several favorite Bible verses that I keep close to my heart but my most frequent go to is from Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength.”
What is something you used to do/teach in the nursing profession when you first started that demonstrates how much ‘times have changed’?
When I started my professional nursing career 34 years ago, a patient that needed a new joint replacement (total hip or total knee replacement) was in the hospital for approximately 7 days. I was fortunate to be a part of a practice team that developed a “Joint Camp” for this patient population and we were able to decrease the length of stay for these patients down to three to four days and then down to two to three days. Now, some patients with total joint replacements are same day surgery or home within 24-48 hours. Amazing!
Are there any books, movies, or music you’ve been into lately?
I love to watch movies but struggle to find the time to sit down and watch them. I also like to listen to country music.
What is a common misconception you’d love to “debunk” about the nursing profession?
I think the nursing profession is much more than what some may think. Nurses interact with patients and family members more than many of the other professions. In other words, nurses have the most direct patient contact time and support the interprofessional team in a variety of ways but mostly through their advocacy for the patient. The critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and clinical decision making that is needed by nurses is demonstrated through patient outcomes. As a Nurse Educator, it is so rewarding to see our nursing students grow and develop in their nursing practice as they learn throughout their educational journey.
Want in?
Concordia University Wisconsin is a Lutheran higher education community committed to helping students develop in mind, body, and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and the world. To learn more or apply today, click on the link below.