February 6, 2008 — The Virginia General Assembly has passed a resolution commending Jeanette Lancaster, who will step down this summer as dean of the University of Virginia's School of Nursing, a position she has held for the past 19 years.

Citing the legislature's "admiration of her achievements and gratitude for her commitment, dedication, ability to inspire others and extraordinary service," the resolution commends Lancaster for her “effective, visionary and inspiring leadership as dean of the School of Nursing of the University of Virginia, and for her work in improving health care for all the citizens of the commonwealth."

The resolution also applauds Lancaster's long tenure as dean, the School of Nursing's standing among the top 5 percent of nursing schools around the country, and Lancaster's holding of the Sadie Heath Cabaniss Professorship of Nursing, the first endowed nursing professorship in the United States.

Del. David Toscano (D-57th) was chief patron of the resolution, designated House Joint Resolution 234. It was co-sponsored by Dels. Robert Bell (R-58th), William Janis (R-56th) and Steven Landes (R-25th), and passed both the House of Delegates and State Senate by unanimous voice vote.