Kent Blad, DNP, FNP-BC, ACNP-BC, FCCM, FAANP
After 25 years of teaching in BYU’s College of Nursing, Dr. Kent Blad (MS ’99) retired in June of this year. During his time with the college, Dr. Blad served in multiple roles, including associate dean of undergraduate studies from 2012–2017. He especially loved teaching courses in critical care and veteran care. As a veteran of Operation Desert Storm, Dr. Blad was key in creating the college’s veteran care course in 2005. He has also developed a renowned Global and Population Health Nursing Clinical Practicum that serves the veteran population.
When asked what he will miss most about teaching in the College of Nursing, Dr. Blad responded, “I love the faculty-student relationship and the bond that comes through teaching. The students are my second family; you learn to love them through sharing hard times and good times.” He will also miss his fellow professors. “You don’t work somewhere for 25 years without developing some strong bonds with other faculty. We have some wonderful people in the College of Nursing.”
Dr. Blad’s retirement plans include spending more time with his wife, 7 children, and 21 grandchildren. Through a career in critical and intensive care and a personal health crisis, Dr. Blad has learned firsthand the importance of nurturing relationships with loved ones. “That’s what life is really about,” he said.
Dr. Blad has been deeply involved in the Utah Honor Flight program for veterans and serves on the board of directors. He will continue to serve in that capacity, which, with four scheduled flights throughout the year, will keep him quite busy. He is also a member of The American Legion, a veteran service organization. The legion honors veterans through ceremonies such as the 21-gun salute at graveside services for veterans. Dr. Blad looks forward to being able to participate in more of those ceremonies, which have often taken place during his workday. Along with these commitments, Dr. Blad and his wife hope to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. One of their top choices: serving as Military Relations Missionaries.
As he ends his teaching career, Dr. Blad hopes he will be remembered by his students and colleagues as someone who cared deeply, tried to maintain a positive outlook, and had integrity. “I’d also like to be remembered as someone who exhibited gratitude in his life, even in times of trial. I’m grateful for life itself, my wife herself, and strife itself.”