UR School of Nursing Mourns Loss of DNP Student

The University of Rochester School of Nursing community is mourning the loss of one of its students. Marcia Fowler, FNP-C, a student in the University of Rochester Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program, passed away unexpectedly on Aug. 27. She was 41.

Fowler, a nurse practitioner at the University of Rochester Medical Center’s Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, was a member of the inaugural 2017 cohort of DNP Practice Fellows, a group of nurse executives and lead nurse practitioners hand-picked and jointly sponsored by Strong Memorial Hospital and the School of Nursing to pursue their doctoral studies.

“Marcia was beloved by faculty and students alike. Her loss will certainly leave a void, not only in her DNP cohort, but in the greater nursing profession,” said UR School of Nursing Dean Kathy Rideout, EdD, PPCNP-BC, FNAP. “She was a true leader and an amazing person – she will truly be missed.”

Fowler joined URMC in 2005 as a lead nurse practitioner. She previously worked as an NP in private practice and as a staff nurse at Park Ridge Hospital. She earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from SUNY Brockport and her master’s degree from St. John Fisher College.

She is survived by her husband, J.D., and three daughters.