Legacy of Byrdine F. Lewis

The college is privileged to bear the name of Byrdine F. Lewis, a dedicated bedside nurse during her 46-year career in health care.

Mrs. Lewis cared primarily for post-operative patients in hospitals in her native Mississippi, Georgia and California. As a single parent of two children, she frequently worked double shifts to provide for her family. Although Mrs. Lewis never attended Georgia State University, her son, Ken Lewis, is an alumnus of the J. Mack Robinson College of Business.

In August 2003, Mr. Lewis, a former Bank of American chairman and the chief executive officer, made a substantial gift to Georgia State, to honor his mother and her impact on the field of nursing. The naming ceremony brought her children and extended family to the downtown campus. A humble woman, Mrs. Lewis was overjoyed to have the naming be a family event, but acknowledged the tremendous honor.

"I never thought of doing anything else but be a nurse - it's one of the most rewarding jobs there is," said Mrs. Lewis. "I don't think I'm worthy, but (the naming) is a wonderful thing."

In 2011, the College of Health and Human Sciences was reorganized. At this point, the Byrdine F. Lewis name was applied to the new college-level School of Nursing and Health Professions. In 2017, the Byrdine F. Lewis School became a college in name as well.

Sadly, Mrs. Lewis didn't live to see her name on the new college, as she passed away in January 2010. However, her family remains engaged with the college.

In addition to the college, Mrs. Lewis' name is on professorships in nursing and physical therapy, as well as the college simulation lab. The generosity of Mr. Lewis also provided resources for student scholarships and enhanced faculty research programs.