Betty K. Mitsunaga, PhD, RN, FAAN
Betty K. Mitsunaga is a nurse researcher, an academic administrator, an excellent teacher, and an astute clinician. During her illustrious career, she has provided direct services to individuals and their families who were in need of psychiatric care. She has also assumed leadership roles and served as a Director of mental health services in community-based practice organizations, and she has been the designated grant writer for numerous grass roots organizations. Despite these contributions, her career in nursing can best be described as "administrator and researcher par excellence."
The administrator component of her career has placed her in many influential positions, and she has functioned in an exemplary manner. Dr. Mitsunaga has directed the Center for Nursing Research and Evaluation at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, and served as the Acting Director of Continuing Education and Outreach. She has also functioned as Associate Dean of Graduate Programs at the School of Nursing, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, and as a Professor in and Chair of the Department of Psychosocial Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle. Her administrative responsibilities were significant components in the oversight of these programs.
The research focus of her career has produced numerous publications, book chapters, book reviews, white papers, scientific proceedings, and other scholarly works. She has provided the leadership on major publication projects, and served as guest editor for specific intellectual thought that addressed relevant and timely mental health issues. Academicians throughout the Nation have sought her wisdom and intellectual acumen, and she has responded to their requests by sharing her time and knowledge. Through consultation, formal lectures, scholarly papers, research presentations, panel discussions and seminars, Dr. Mitsunaga has made significant contributions to the scientific advancement of mental health nursing and academic administration. Over the years, this outstanding professional has received funding from the National Institute of Mental Health, private and public foundations. She has also been a frequent consultant and advisor to government and private agencies, and assisted with the conceptual and operational components of their organizations' mission.
Communities of scholars in nursing and other disciplines have recognized Dr. Mitsunaga's unique contributions to the discipline, and acknowledged her intellectual gifts through awards, honors, and other accolades.
As Vice Chair of the National Advisory Committee of the EMFP, she is influential in shaping and guiding its mission. History has determined that the EMFP is one of the most successful programs designed to educate ethnic/minority mental health and substance abuse professionals. Dr. Mitsunaga's relentless pursuit for excellence will help to assure its continuing success.