Biography
Dr. Rose Mays is professor emeritus at the Indiana University School of Nursing at IU Indianapolis. From 1973 until her recent retirement, Dr. Mays specialized in teaching pediatric nursing. For eight years, she served as the school’s associate dean for community and international affairs and implemented a program of research and community service focused on health promotion and disease prevention for vulnerable adolescents.
Over the course of her career, Dr. Mays has demonstrated a sustained commitment to fostering diversity within her profession, her workplace and her community. Additionally, she serves on various boards and local service organizations. Dr. Mays earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Evansville and her master’s in pediatric nursing from IU. Her doctorate in nursing science is from the University of Texas at Austin.
In 2012, Dr. Mays was elected to the Indiana University Foundation Board of Directors. In 2015, Dr. Mays founded the Mays Family Institute on Diverse Philanthropy at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. This first of its kind institute honors her late husband, William Mays, Founder of Mays Chemical Company and a leader in Indianapolis philanthropy.
Additionally, Dr. Mays is a lifetime member of the IU Alumni Association, Central Indiana Chapter, and is a member of the IU Foundation President’s Circle, the Laurel Pin Society, the IU Foundation Well House Society, 1820 Society, and IU Indianapolis Chancellor’s Circle. She is also a lifetime member of the Woodburn Guild, DeVault Alumni Center Honored Donor, friend of the Kinsey Institute and member of Hoosiers for Higher Education.