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A Legacy of Generosity & Leadership in Nursing Education
By Steve Harris
Sally “Sal” Siebert’s life is a testament to the power of generosity and compassion.
A dedicated nurse, a loyal soldier and a devoted mentor, she has poured her heart into serving others. From her service to her country to her countless hours spent caring for patients, Siebert ’85 NUR embodies the true meaning of giving back. Her story is one of warmth and kindness, inspiring those around her to follow in her footsteps.
The foundation of her legacy lies with two endowed scholarships at the University of Kentucky: the Major Troy T. Gibson & Lt. Colonel Sally G. Siebert Scholarship, established in 1994 and the Sally G. Siebert Scholarship for Nurse Practitioners created in 2005.
The first scholarship honors the memory of Major Troy Gibson, a 1981 UK nursing alumnus and Army nurse who played a significant role in Siebert’s life.
“He was a UK bachelor of science in nursing graduate, and I wanted to honor him and all military nurses,” she said. This scholarship supports sophomore nursing students, easing their journey as they acquire the essential tools of their trade.
The second scholarship focuses on supporting aspiring nurse practitioners.
“These scholarships are my way of thanking the University of Kentucky College of Nursing and everyone who supported me throughout my career,” Siebert said. Her heartfelt gratitude shines through in her commitment to nurture the next generation of nurses.
Ten years prior to starting her role as a family and pediatric nurse practitioner with the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department, Siebert enrolled in the Army Student Nurse Program in June 1968. She graduated from the Hamot Hospital School of Nursing in Erie, Pennsylvania, in 1969.
Siebert was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Army Nurse Corps in September 1969 and was stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. She later volunteered to serve in Vietnam, working at the 91st Evacuation Hospital in Chu Lai for a year, where she was involved in the ward for prisoners of war, the intensive care unit and the recovery room.
During her time at Fort Campbell, Siebert developed a deep appreciation for Kentucky.
“I was only stationed there for five months, but I just loved Kentucky,” she recalled.
Siebert worked at the health department in Lexington for over 30 years. She earned her BSN from the University of Kentucky by
College of Nursing and was recognized as the outstanding senior student. UK later recognized her as an outstanding alumna as part of the College of Nursing’s 50th anniversary celebration in 2010.
Siebert’s philanthropic spirit drives her to support initiatives that empower future nurses with education, training and resources. She believes that well-prepared health care professionals are essential to quality patient care.
When Siebert learned that UK was constructing the Michael D. Rankin MD Health Education Building, she felt compelled to further support the College of Nursing.
“A significant number of nurses have retired or transitioned to other jobs since the pandemic. So, if the College of Nursing can double its enrollment with this new building, that is just amazing. That’s why I support the Rankin Health Education Building,” Siebert said.
The new facility is more than just a beautiful building; it symbolizes collaboration. By co-locating the Colleges of Health Sciences, Medicine, Nursing, and Public Health, alongside the Center for Community and Interprofessional Health Education, it creates a vibrant space for future health care professionals to learn and innovate together.
“Bringing all these colleges into one space will truly make a difference,” Siebert said.
Thanks to Siebert’s generous contribution, the tutoring space on the nursing floor will provide students with opportunities to learn and grow together.
“I've been very fortunate over the years,” Siebert said. “I took my parents’ advice and tried to save as much as I could, so I'm at a point where I can support this building. When I was a student, there were places on campus to go, but having a dedicated study area with tutors and other health care students in this new building will be wonderful.”
The Michael D. Rankin MD Health Education Building will enable UK to train more skilled health care professionals, ready to address Kentucky’s urgent health challenges. By integrating diverse disciplines, the facility will enhance teamwork among students and foster innovative solutions in patient care and public health through interprofessional education. This focus on practical skills and collaboration ensures that graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of health care and positively impact their communities. ■
Learn more about RHEB at provost.uky.edu/HEB.
