Alumna strengthens future of nursing through scholarship and service

Joyce Standish, RN ’75, has spent a lifetime turning her nursing education into meaningful service—and ensuring others can do the same.

After earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth Houston, Joyce served for decades in a wide range of settings, from a research clinic to a school and later a hospital.

“The education and training I received at Cizik School of Nursing prepared me very well for my future as a nurse,” she says.

Grateful for the foundation her education provided, Joyce found a natural home in PARTNERS (Providing Advancement Resources To Nursing Education, Research, and Students), a community organization that supports Cizik School of Nursing. Through her longstanding involvement, she has helped raise vital funds for the school’s education, research, and community outreach programs.

Since its founding in 1994, PARTNERS has funded more than 200 full-tuition scholarships for students at the school and established a scholarship endowment with a value approaching $3 million. The organization also has awarded more than 60 faculty research grants. These grants facilitate pilot studies that nurse scientists use to apply for funding from major institutions such as the National Institutes of Health. In addition, PARTNERS promotes student wellness and provides pins to all Bachelor of Science in Nursing students upon graduation, marking their transition from student nurse to practicing nurse.

“Through my participation in PARTNERS, I recognized the opportunities available to assist nursing students and faculty,” she says. 

Most recently, Joyce and her husband, Tom, established the Joyce A. Standish, RN, Scholarship to support future nursing students in achieving their dreams.

“Cizik School of Nursing prepares today’s students exceptionally well to meet the challenges that await them,” she says. “It is rewarding to be part of helping students have the financial ability to gain this invaluable education.”

Reflecting on how the nursing school helped give her a foundation for the future, she sees supporting today’s students as preparing the way for the next generation.

“I am proud to help our future nurse clinicians and scientists begin their careers in this vitally important field of health,” she says. “I can say from experience that they have a rewarding journey ahead.”