Two faculty in the School of Nursing are among the three local honorees to be inducted into the Central San Joaquin Valley Nursing Hall of Fame. Dr. Ndidi Griffin-Myers, professor, and Dr. Terea Giannetta, professor emerita, will be formally inducted at the Nursing Leadership Coalition of the Central San Joaquin Valley’s 15th annual dinner and induction ceremony, Sept. 19 at Fresno State’s Smittcamp Alumni House.
Giannetta has over 42 years of professional nursing experience, including 34 years of teaching experience at Fresno State. During those four decades, she taught students from all levels of nursing and proudly served as the graduate program coordinator for many years. It is estimated that she taught as many as 5,700+ nursing students from around the Valley.
Giannetta was instrumental in shaping the California State University Northern California Consortium Doctor of Nursing Practice program, which was implemented in 2012. Giannetta retired from the University in 2017, after a long and dedicated career in academics.
“Dr. Terea Gianetta’s lifelong teaching and mentoring has touched many undergraduate, graduate and Doctor of Nursing Practice students within the Central Valley,” said Dr. Kammi Sayaseng, chair of Hall of Fame Committee and assistant professor in the School of Nursing.
Currently, Giannetta serves as the chief pediatric nurse practitioner at Valley Children’s Healthcare – a role she has had or 20 years. In 2015, she was named Valley Children’s Advanced Practice Nurse of the Year.
Griffin-Myers has acquired over 40 years of acute nursing experience and clinical practice, including as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner – as well as in the academic setting, where she has taught for 27 years at Fresno State. During her time at the University, she worked up the ranks to become full professor and also most recently served as the chair and director of the School of Nursing, a role she held for the past four years.
On campus, Griffin-Myers founded and chaired the first African American Nursing Students Association, providing African American students a platform for mentorship and support.
“Dr. Ndidi Griffin-Myers truly believes in giving back through lifting other young nurses as they climb,” said Dr. Jeannette Moore, a local nurse practitioner and member of the Nursing Leadership Coalition. “She truly teaches and mentors students to success.”
Griffin-Myer’s work also extends far beyond the classroom. As a member of the African American Infant Mortality Community Advisory Council, she – along with other leaders in the community – influenced health care and policy and sought to improve infant mortality rates in African American women.
In addition, Griffin-Myers has presented at many conferences at the local, state, national and international levels and has authored many publications that contribute to nursing education and practice.
The Nursing Hall of Fame induction ceremony occurs annually and aims to honor the distinctive careers of nurse leaders and professionals in the Valley.
To learn more, visit the website of the Nursing Leadership Coalition of the Central San Joaquin Valley.
Fresno State College of Health and Human Services 