A new endowed chair has been created in the School of Nursing from a $2 million planned gift from Holly Goodling Bell, a 1974 graduate of the nursing school and a certified registered nurse practitioner, and her husband Gordon M. Bell, a cosmetic dentist.

The Holly Goodling Bell, CRNP and Gordon M. Bell, DDS Endowed Chair in Health and Community Systems at the School of Nursing is designed specifically for the Doctor of Nursing Practice program and is set to become a “pivotal asset in recruiting and retaining outstanding faculty members, driving innovation and progress within the field, and enriching the educational experience for nursing students,” according to an announcement from the school.

Holly Goodling Bell recently retired from McCormick & Co., where she played a key role in their occupational health program. She handled various responsibilities, including addressing injuries and illnesses, workers' compensation reporting, health education, vaccine clinics, hearing screenings and referrals.

Gordon M. Bell has two degrees from the University of Maryland and works at the Center for Dental Excellence in the York, Pa., area.

“Endowed faculty chairs play a vital role in furnishing the essential resources recognition needed to attract and retain exceptional scholars and educators,” said Pitt Nursing Dean Christine Kasper. This new endowed chair “is poised to become an esteemed and sought-after position, attracting faculty who are trailblazers in their respective fields,” she continued. “These distinguished educators will bring their wealth of knowledge, experience, and research to the Health and Community Systems Department and will be inspiring to many.”