Since August 1990, Jan Paine has been an integral part of the Samford University Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing community. For more than three decades, she's witnessed remarkable transformations within the school, from classes originally taught at Montclair Hospital to the expansion into master's and doctoral programs.
Paine attributes much of the school's success to the visionary leadership of Ida V. Moffett, whose model emphasizing care and compassion for people was ahead of its time. Before joining Samford, Paine had never worked with students interested in using nursing as a ministry. However, she quickly became deeply involved in nurturing this unique aspect of nursing education.
Her roles at Samford have been diverse, ranging from admissions counselor to adviser to director of undergraduate student services. She has been deeply involved in significant milestones of the students' journey. "I remember a pinning ceremony vividly," she shared. "The class wanted me to pin them, which was typically done by a family member. It was the only time I have ever been part of that. It meant the world to me."
During the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, her dedication and impact on students became even more apparent. When the class asked her to be the speaker at the white coat ceremony, typically a role reserved for faculty, she felt deeply honored. "It was very encouraging," she recalls. "To be recognized by the students as part of their story and journey at Samford meant everything to me."
Reflecting on her tenure at Samford, Paine emphasizes the profound joy she receives from witnessing students' growth from freshmen to seniors. "Seeing their progression and having an impact on their lives has kept me going," she shared. Remarkably, she has advised 11 current faculty members during their student years, a testament to her enduring influence on the Samford nursing community.
As Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing continues to evolve and thrive, Jan Paine remains a steadfast presence—a beacon of compassion, guidance and support for generations of students. Her legacy is not only in the growth of the institution but also in the countless lives she has touched and inspired along the way.