In Memoriam
Guardian of the Discipline

October 29, 1925 – June 24, 2025

On June 30, 2025, Dean Eun-Ok Im, Dean of The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing announced that Dean Emerita Billye J. Brown, EdD, RN, FAAN, the inaugural dean of The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing, died on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. She would have celebrated her 100th birthday on Oct. 29, 2025.

Continuing, Dean Im wrote:

As founding dean from 1972 to 1989, [Billye] laid the foundation for what our School has become today—an institution known for academic excellence, pioneering research, and a profound commitment to advancing health for all. Under [Billye’s] leadership, the School launched and expanded both undergraduate and graduate programs, developed a growing research enterprise, and established a continuing education program that extended the School’s impact across Texas and beyond. Her influence helped shape not only the School’s future, but also the field of nursing education nationwide. Billye earned her BSN from The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, her MSN from Saint Louis University, and her EdD from Baylor University. She was an immensely respected national leader and served as president of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, the Texas Nurses Association, and Sigma Theta Tau International, where she held numerous leadership roles. She was assistant editor of the Journal of Professional Nursing and a lifelong contributor to the advancement of the profession. In recognition of her extraordinary contributions, Billye was named the La Quinta Motor Inns, Inc. Centennial Professor in 1988. She was inducted into the American Academy of Nursing in 1984 and honored as an AAN Living Legend in 2010.

An announcement from Sigma Theta Tau International (Sigma) stated:

We owe much of Sigma’s enduring legacy to Dr. Brown. She often described being elected Sigma President as one of the proudest moments of her life, and her love for the organization was evident in every aspect of her life. Dr. Brown played a crucial role in Sigma’s successful capital campaign for the headquarters building and helped establish the Sigma Foundation for Nursing as a true, incorporated fundraising body. Post-presidency, Dr. Brown was a passionate advocate for the Sigma Foundation for Nursing and a distinguished role model in nursing philanthropy. . . . During her career as an educator and dean at The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing, Dr. Brown’s influence shaped nursing education worldwide, making her a lifelong contributor to the advancement of the profession. . . . Dr. Brown’s legacy lives on in the countless nurse leaders around the world whose journeys were shaped by her vision and dedication to Sigma. Her pioneering spirit continues to guide our mission, and her impact will always be a part of who we are. There aren’t adequate words to express our gratitude for the impact she made on this organization and the greater nursing and healthcare communities. (https://www.sigmanursing.org/connect-engage/news-detail/2025/07/01/past-sigma-president-billye-brown-passes-away)

On July 28 2025, Dr. Patricia Yoder-Wise, a Dean Emerita at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Nursing, and Editor-in-Chief, The Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing, wrote in an INANE (International Association of Nurse Editors) email:

“Although Billye was not an editor, many of you [other nursing journal editors] knew her either as your dean at the University of Texas or through Sigma where she served as President. Those certainly aren’t her only accomplishments.” The same day, Beth Ulrich, Editor-in-Chief, Nephrology Nursing Journal, wrote of Billye, “Great Lady! Great Nurse! Great Leader!”

James Fain, Editor-in-Chief, The Science of Diabetes Self-Management and Care, who knew Billye through interactions at Sigma Board meetings, wrote:

Reflecting on my time at Sigma . . , when I was elected to the Board of Directors and appointed to the [Sigma] Building Corporation, I clearly remember Dr. Billye Brown’s presidency at Sigma. She worked diligently to complete the capital campaign for the [Sigma] headquarters building, along with instituting Friends of Nursing to assist with the establishment of the Sigma Foundation for Nursing as an incorporated fundraising body. Billye taught us the importance of leveraging one’s influences and resources to advance nursing professionalism, expanding the list of professional skills for nurses to include fundraising. Her message was clear. The core of fundraising lies in building relationships, fostering a sense of community, and inspiring people to support a cause. It was not about raising money; rather, it was about being able to connect people with a shared vision. Billye believed that connecting people helped their career development along with strengthening bonds for a thriving and resilient organization like [Sigma]. While Billye shared her political savvy and encouraged a philanthropic sense, she always reminded us to nurture our young, take responsibility for recruiting the brightest in the profession, and collaborate with others. She reminded us that with the help of philanthropy, we can create fellowships that allow nurses to become future leaders. With support and resources, Billye believed nurses would create a system to advance their ideas. Her involvement became a challenge for others to see their capabilities. Billye helped shape the direction of the nursing profession, making [Sigma] an image of unity and strength. Like so many others, I was honored when Billye indicated she would be one of my sponsors to the American Academy of Nursing. I was so grateful knowing she played a major part in connecting me with others, helping my career in nursing.

As we mourn Billye’s transition, we celebrate a life of substantial contributions as an outstanding Guardian of the Discipline.