Beloved Nursing Professor, Doctor of Nursing Practice Program Director at McKendree University Retires
Lebanon, IL (05/28/2024) — Dr. Richelle Rennegarbe, a professor of nursing and the director of DNP Programs at McKendree University, recently announced her retirement from full-time teaching.
A resident of Nashville, Ill., Dr. Rennegarbe has taught at McKendree for more than 22 years. A 1992 alumna, she first began teaching in 1996 until 2003 when she left to work at Salem Township Hospital as their Chief Operating Officer and then as their Chief Executive Officer. She returned in 2009 following the sudden death of her son, Nicholas. For her dedication and service, McKendree University has named her professor emeritus.
"It has truly been an honor and joy to serve the students and McKendree University for 22 years," Dr. Rennegarbe said. "I most appreciate the opportunity to return home to McKendree in the summer of 2009 following the loss of Nicholas. It was cathartic to return to McKendree and to the students and institution for a second time. I am proud that all three of my children - Nicholas, Camille, and Chyrisse - and myself are alumni of McKendree."
During her time at McKendree, Dr. Rennegarbe served as the program director for several programs, often at the same time. She also served as the Chair for the university's Division of Nursing from 2009 to 2016 and from 2020 to 2023. She blazed a trail for the university's nursing program, most notably developing the Master of Health Administration (MHA) program and the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program. She has also taught in all four major nursing programs the university provides: the RN to BSN program, the MSN program, the MHA program, and the DNP program. She spearheaded the accreditation and recertification of these programs as well.
Dr. Rennegarbe is well-known and well-respected by students and peers alike. She has been the recipient of several awards, including the United Methodist Exemplary Teaching Award in 2020, the Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award in 2014, the President's Award for Outstanding Leadership and Dedication by the Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network in 2013 and the Outstanding Humanitarian Alumnus Award by Kaskaskia College in 2003. She also played a critical role in successfully attaining more than $1,251,000 in grant funding during her time at McKendree. She served on 14 committees at the university and division level and was the president of Phi Kappa Phi honor society from 2017 to 2019 and as its vice president from 2015 to 2017.
Outside of the university, Dr. Rennegarbe is active in the community. She served as a board member for the Midwest Emergency Department Services and Hospice of Southern Illinois from 2009 to 2015. She also served as a Board of Director member for the Illinois Organization of Nurse Leaders (IONL) from 2014 to 2022 and remains as one of its current members. Additionally, she has been involved in serving HSHS St. Joseph's Hospital in Breese, Ill., from 2016 to the present in several roles, including as a Board of Director member, secretary, Quality Committee chair and currently as Chair of the Board.
While Dr. Rennegarbe is retiring from full-time teaching, she plans on remaining as an associate nursing faculty member at the university. She also plans on being an active part of her eight grandchildren's lives, who are all involved in sports.
"McKendree will always have a special place in my heart, and it drove my mission throughout my tenure to truly 'make my mark' as a Bearcat," she said.
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