Cynthia E. Degazon, PhD '87, MA '72

Cynthia E. Degazon, PhD ‘87, MA ‘72, a pioneering nurse educator and administrator, began her nursing preparation at New York City Community College. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Long Island University and both a master’s and PhD from NYU. Originally from Barbados, West Indies, Dr. Degazon was the recipient of several scholarships, including an ANA Minority Fellowship.  Her education and experiences allowed her to launch a career dedicated to advancing diversity in nursing and expanding opportunities for future generations. She is the author of numerous publications on cultural diversity, nursing education, and reducing health disparities, including Changing the Face of Nursing: Reducing Ethnic and Racial Disparities in Health. Degazon, now retired, was honored with the Estelle Osborne Legacy Award in 1999.

Q: What do you believe is Estelle Osborne's legacy?

A: Estelle Osborne’s legacy is defined by her extraordinary reach, her unwavering perseverance, and her willingness to boldly step forward as a Black woman in spaces where none had gone before. Through her determination, she opened doors at organizations and institutions such as Myers, breaking down entrenched barriers and creating pathways for Black nurses to be visible, valued, and recognized in leadership roles. Her life’s work exemplifies the highest ideals of nursing, serving as a model for all, regardless of race. Above all, she stands as a lasting testament to courage and dignity.

Q: How do you feel that your experience at NYU Meyers shaped your career and your view of healthcare?

A: My time at NYU profoundly shaped both my career and my perspective on healthcare. One of the most influential people in that journey was Dr. Norma Owens, one of my professors. She was creative and unafraid to take a different path when others said “no.” 

What stayed with me most was how she modeled mentorship. Dr. Owens guided and supported me in ways I didn’t always recognize at the time, showing me that effective mentorship is often about encouraging, and creating opportunities without announcing what is being done. She simply made space, opened doors, revealed what was possible and allowed me to grow. 

From her, I learned how to integrate mentoring into my own professional journey, a lesson I continue to carry forward in how I support others. Though quiet in demeanor, Dr. Owens possessed remarkable depth. Watching her think, create and bring ideas to life was inspiring and instructive – and she continues to inspire me today.

Q: What single piece of advice would you give to a student about to graduate from Meyers?

A: What I would say to a graduating student is this: Be assured that Myers graduates can be found everywhere and know that they are committed to supporting you. You are exceptionally well prepared for your profession and part of an extensive, distinguished network.

Q: What was your hardest day as a nurse?

A: One of the hardest days I remember as a nurse was when I was a young nurse working at a private hospital in Brooklyn. There was a patient on the unit whom I recognized as having some serious health challenges – challenges that I believed could be managed if addressed in the right health care setting. I advocated strongly for him, going to the nurse manager, and insisting that the patient’s physician be contacted. 

It was extremely stressful, requiring persistence and even some confrontation to ensure the appropriate action was taken. Eventually, the physician was called, and the patient was transferred to a medical center where the resources were in place to provide the level of care he critically needed. 

Even though that day pushed me into unchartered waters, the patient survived, and I was deeply grateful to know that my efforts made a difference. It was my only interaction with that patient, but the experience has stayed with me in a powerful and unforgettable way that nurses truly do make a difference.

Q: What barriers or challenges did you face as a nurse of color, and have you seen things evolve over your career?

A: As a nurse of color, one of the greatest challenges I faced was witnessing how people often made decisions about me without truly knowing me – solely based on the color of my skin.  Over the course of my career, I have seen positive changes, yet there is still much work to be done. Part of the journey has been learning to understand the reality of being Black in healthcare and making thoughtful choices about which issues to address in the moment and which to set aside for another day.

Q: Who was your favorite professor and why?

A: I have had several favorite professors, but two of them in particular stand out. The first one was Prof. Dorothy Middleton at New York City Community College. Our relationship began on my very first day of registration. When she noticed how anxious I was, she kindly pulled me aside and gave me an overview of the process and what to expect that day. That caring interaction was the beginning of a relationship that grew over the next two years while I was in college. She instilled in me the notion that I too can accomplish my goal of becoming a registered nurse. Even after graduation, I remained in contact with her and continued to receive valuable guidance on how to move forward in my professional nursing career.

The second was Dr. Erline McGriff at NYU, who taught my graduate courses in nursing administration. Her classes often began with lively discussions about current events in the nursing profession at both the local and national levels. She guided us in analyzing these events through both official perspectives and the more informal, behind-the-scenes realities. Dr. McGriff was always supportive and encouraged her students to express themselves fully. She gave each of us in my class a small paperweight inscribed with the words, “Keep smiling.” I still have mine, and it sits on my desk as a daily reminder of the importance of my smile, no matter the challenges I may be facing.

Q: Do you recall the best advice you received from a mentor?

A:  One of the best pieces of advice I received from a mentor – and one that continues to resonate with me, as I often pass it on to others - is this: If you find that you are no longer functioning at your best - it may be time to consider leaving the role. That wisdom has reminded me that nursing, while deeply rewarding, can also be demanding, and draining. Knowing when to pause, reassess, or even change direction is not a sign of weakness but of strength. I’ve carried this advice with me during difficult times, and it has guided me to make choices that preserve both my well-being and professional integrity.