Barb Given remembers when a nurse researcher from the University of Illinois at Chicago contacted her “out of the blue” about an interesting proposition.
She was trying to start an organization for nurses interested in research and nursing science and that Given had come recommended by Isabelle Payne, then-director of the Michigan State University School of Nursing.
“I had barely started as a researcher at MSU,” said Given, who joined the faculty in 1966 and ultimately earned the honor of University Distinguished Professor Emeritus. “Dr. Payne did not like to travel, and so she told me she was giving my name.”
Little did Given know at the time that the organization she helped found — the Midwest Nursing Research Society — would become a force to be reckoned with in nursing science, as well as a group celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026.
“MNRS was great for me as a starting researcher as colleagues at Indiana University, Ohio State University, and University of Michigan eventually were sites for our own research at MSU all because I met them at MNRS,” Given said. “For lots of years, I was very involved in MNRS in a leadership role, and I regularly attended with our students. This really was the steppingstone for me into more national-level nursing professional leadership, and in getting NINR and NIH funding.”
MNRS will begin its 50th Annual Research Conference in St. Louis on March 30 and, per the usual, there will be an in impressive display of Spartans at the event. Roughly two dozen attendees from MSU have gone to the event each of the past several years.
Spartan Nurses will also be sharing nearly 30 posters or presentations at the 2026 conference, and an additional three are being honored with awards:
Rebecca Lehto: 2026 MNRS Symptom Science RIIG Senior Career Award
Alli Walsh: 2025-2026 MNRS Advocate Health Dissertation Grant
Patty West: MNRS Disability and Multiple Chronic Conditions RIIG Early Career Award
“We are thankful to have many of our Michigan State University College of Nursing faculty, as well as undergraduate and graduate students, attending and presenting at the MNRS 50th Annual Research Conference,” said Susan Buchholz, associate dean for research. “On this special anniversary year, we are honored to recognize our own Dr. Barbara Given, whose legacy continues to shape the future of nursing science.”
Interim Dean Linda Weglicki was also complimentary of MSU’s involvement in the event.
“MSU has a long and storied history and close connection with MNRS over the past 50 years," said Weglicki. “Spartan Nurses continue to advance nursing science that transforms practice and I am excited to see we will once again have a large presence at this year’s 50th Anniversary conference. I want to acknowledge and thank Dr. Barbara Given for her visionary leadership as one of the founding members of what has become one of the premier nursing research organizations. As a result, MNRS provides so many opportunities to enhance and showcase the innovative and impactful research being conducted throughout the Midwest by nurse scholars."
Given appreciates all those opportunities MNRS has afforded nurse educators and students and looks forward to future contributions from Spartan Nurses.
“I am proud of how the organization has grown and all of the different programs it provides for students and faculty,” she said. “It still is a very strong and important organization that contributes to the strength of nursing organizations nationally.”