Dr. Claire Chick: A Legacy of Advocacy and Excellence

Navitas honours the life of a passionate educator by donating £1000 to the Claire Chick Nursing Fund.

UPIC staff joined University of Plymouth (UoP) academics to commemorate our dear friend and colleague, Dr. Claire Chick. We gathered to mark what would have been her 50th birthday; a milestone that reminds us of her incredible impact.

When Claire first joined UPIC as an Academic Tutor in 2023, she quickly became a highly respected member of staff, best known for her expertise and positive energy. Her rare ability to make every student and colleague feel understood made Claire a truly wonderful mentor.

In her role as Associate Head of School for Internationalisation at the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Claire was a driving force in connecting the School’s programmes to the global community. She forged partnerships with universities worldwide and, through her leadership, opened the door to many international student exchange opportunities. Her primary goal was to inspire students to embrace the core values of nursing while maintaining a broad, global perspective.

Claire was a passionate student advocate. Her colleagues remember her as a “wonderfully supportive” presence who championed the success of others as much as her own. The Nursing Fund established in her honour will support nursing students in Plymouth, helping them to access resources that will make an even greater impact moving forward.

The commitment that Claire has shown to her field was also reflected in her scholarly work. Her doctoral research involved years of rigorous inquiry and dedication. While we feel her absence deeply, it was a moment of pride for the school when her efforts were recognised with a posthumous doctorate in October last year. It was a fitting testament to her intellectual contribution to nursing research.

Claire’s devotion has helped the entire faculty create a brighter, more compassionate future for the next generation of healthcare workers. To ensure Claire’s life-long dedication continues, Navitas hopes this initial £1000 donation will encourage our nursing alumni and the wider community to join us in celebrating her legacy: www.justgiving.com/campaign/clairechick

The impact Claire had on her nursing students and UoP staff will never be forgotten. We’re confident that her spirit of advocacy and excellence will continue to guide students for many years to come.