Dr. Nola Pender

Biography

Nola J. Pender is a Professor Emerita at the University of Michigan School of Nursing, known for her significant contributions to health promotion research and education. She developed the Health Promotion Model, which is utilized internationally in clinical practice and academic settings. Throughout her active research career, Dr. Pender has conducted studies aimed at testing the model's effectiveness among adults and adolescents, including the development of the 'Girls Move' program to encourage physical activity among young girls. With over forty years of experience as a nurse educator, she has taught at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels, mentoring many postdoctoral fellows along the way. In recognition of her outstanding teaching, she received the Mae Edna Doyle Teacher of the Year Award in 1998. She continues to consult on health promotion research both nationally and internationally. Her leadership roles include co-founding the Midwest Nursing Research Society and serving on multiple task forces and boards to advance nursing research and practice.

Research Interests