Remembering Brian Higgerson
It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Brian Higgerson, D.N.Sc., F.N.P.-B.C., C.N.E., clinical associate professor of nursing in the College of Nursing & Professional Disciplines (CNPD).
Brian joined the University of North Dakota in 2014 as a graduate nursing faculty member.
Brian attained a diploma in nursing from Baptist Memorial School of Nursing in 1991, his bachelor’s degree in nursing from Union University in 1993, and his master’s degree from Mississippi University for Women in 1995. He received his doctorate of nursing science degree, with a focus on family nursing, from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, Tenn.
Brian was a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and spent many years caring for families outside of his academic career.
Many graduate nursing students benefited from Brian’s instruction in advanced pharmacology, advanced physiology and pathophysiology, health promotion and clinical management of health conditions, in the FNP program. He also taught students in the Nurse Anesthesia program and the Doctor of Nursing Practice program at UND.
Brian served on several committees and task forces in the CNPD and was instrumental in assisting the department of nursing with assessment and accreditation reporting. Brian was known for a great sense of humor and his contagious laughter. He was a beautiful writer and an excellent educator.
“I first met Brian in 2014 when he started at UND,” said Maridee Shogren, dean of the CNPD. “I taught alongside Brian in our graduate nursing program for many years. I always enjoyed his perspective on caring for the families we served in our clinical practices, and I admired his passion for nursing education.
“I greatly appreciated Brian’s skilled writing and ability to make the words flow beautifully on the page. His expertise in accreditation was top notch, and he mentored many faculty members in this work. I will miss him.”
“Brian was a great asset to the department,” added Kris Hendrickx, graduate nursing chair for the CNPD. “He was respected and well-liked by his colleagues. Brian was always ready to assist faculty and staff and go the extra mile for students. He will be sadly missed.”
As always, the loss of a member of our UND community affects us all. Brian’s passing is a significant loss to our campus community and more, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and co-workers. They are all in our thoughts and prayers.
As we process this loss, please know that UND has University Counseling Center staff members available to offer support to students who would like counseling assistance any time Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Please call 701.777.2127 to schedule an appointment. After hours, 24/7 First Link support is available and can be reached by dialing 211 or calling 701.235.7335.
Faculty and staff can also consult UND’s Employee Assistance Program, thevillagefamily.org or 1.800.627.8220, as needed.
