December 2022 Honoree
Shelley Brown-Cleere, MSN, RN
The UT Southwestern Medical Center DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award Honoree for 2022 is Ms. Shelley Brown-Cleere, MSN, RN, Director of Neuroscience Services.
Below are a few comments from people who hold Shelley in high regard and have benefitted from her wealth of knowledge, compassion, and generosity of skill and wisdom:
When I was new to the organization, Shelley showed me the ropes and told me how to avoid the pitfalls. She has always been a good mentor, a good partner, and a great friend. Her impact on me and UTSW will last forever.
-Ron Norris DHA, MBA, MHSM, FACHE
As a new director mentored by Shelley, one thing I remember is being frustrated with myself for not being able to think of a solution or being able to troubleshoot a problem. I told Shelley that sometimes when she comes up with an idea, I'm like, "Why didn't I think of that?" Her response was, "Deshonna, we are thinking the same of you and some of your ideas." This made me more confident in my own ideas and more confident in presenting them. It also gave me the ability to know that even though I don't realize the important role I play in healthcare with other nurses, they too learn from me.
-Deshonna Taylor, DNP, RN, CCRN-K
I'm not sure I can put into words how influential Shelley has been to me, both professionally and as my friend. Shelley has been my guide for the last, I don't know, so many years. She has shown me what it means to be a great leader by challenging me (and others) to always ask the hard questions, to be prepared for a fight and not to back away from the right thing no matter what.
When I was a young nurse manager, every time I walked into Shelley's office (she was my director), regardless of what I asked, the answer was ALWAYS no- at first. I didn't know it at the time, but she was coaching me on how to be prepared, how to explain "my ask" better with data and information, not just emotion. I look to Shelley routinely when I get frustrated with a situation; she always listens first, asks questions, and helps me come to my next step, without telling me what to do, just guiding.
Shelley is an exceptional leader, and she has given many years of her life to UTSW, and we are far better for it.
-Amie Swindle, MSN, BSN, RN, CPPS
Shelley has been the biggest inspiration to me as I started my leadership journey at UT Southwestern. I know that she is someone that always will have my back but uses each moment as an opportunity to have me self-reflect and come to the conclusion myself. Even if I want her to lead me to the water (give me the answer!).
She's famous for telling all her managers about Time and Money being the 2 most important things to staff- so don't mess it up! Loi. But really, the quote I attribute to her quite frequently is "Trust but Verify". I am grateful to have worked under a leader that allows us to be ourselves, question everything, and push boundaries. This allows not only me to grow as a leader and person, but also our departments and the neurosciences as a whole.
-Alexa Collins MBA, BSN, RN, SCRN
I'm very grateful for the mentoring Shelley has provided me over the last 7 years. She introduced me to a completely different side of nursing that I was not aware of and taught me how to effectively lead an ICU. I once thought S.O.B and B.S. X 4 were only reserved for those at the bedside, but Shelley showed me how these abbreviations can still apply in any role. She would know; she's done them all.
-Byron Carlisle
Whew, 2-3 lines... that is tough. I've been with UT the exact same amount of time as Shelley, and we started in the same building at Zale, one floor apart. She has been a fixture for me in one way or another since we were new hires. First by reputation and then by interaction. She is a tiny tornado.
I did not officially work for her directly until I became her admin in March of 2015. That is a whole story, as well as our first week together. The last 7 ½ years have been the most interesting ride imaginable. I can't imagine doing it with any of the other directors.
Shelley took a chance on me that I will be forever grateful for. I was a degreed unit secretary looking for an opportunity within UTSW to utilize my degree. In working with her, I have learned so much under her tutelage and grown more than I could have if I had worked somewhere else, or for someone else. She has fostered every learning opportunity and provided much-needed support and guidance. From allowing me to assist in research projects and attend nursing conferences based on that work, to developmental classes to learn how to manage staff and projects.
She has also challenged me to get out of my comfort zone and be confident in new tasks and responsibilities, while also reminding me that the only way I could fail would be to not try. She nominated me for committees and councils that culminated in becoming Chair of the Employee Advisory Council, and all the university-wide experience that comes with that. Everything with her has been a setup for the next step up.
I would also consider her a friend, which is something I am grateful for in a boss.
-Kelly Glenn, BS
She meant what she said, and she said what she meant. Shelley was a straight-shooter one hundred percent. (With apologies to Dr. Seuss)
-Venkatesh Aiyagari, MD
Shelley has been a visionary leader since the first day I met her in 2012. She saw a unique opportunity to advocate for a fundamental change in how nurses work as professional collaborators at UTSW. We all know that Shelley is a 'take no bull' kind of person, but we sometimes forget that she is also a 'fight for what's best for nursing' kind of nurse. I am proud of all the influence that Shelley has had on my career.
-DaiWai M. Olson PhD RN FNCS
Shelley has been the most valuable leader to me since before the Hospital/UTSW transition. Together we have relied on each other for the history of pay practices for years. If we needed documentation and didn't have it, she did. In addition, over the years we have become good friends, and I have always respected her expert advice and ideas. I could always count on her to address any issues.
I may seem happy that she is at the time in her life that she can retire, but I wish we could have retired together. Can't wait for her visit to the Hill Country to hang out. Enjoy your deserved extended vacation. You deserve it. Love you more.
-Rita Breeding
I have found Shelley very unique among the leaders here at UT Southwestern in that she truly fosters a culture of accountability and ownership within her team. Shelley has an ability to attack a problem face on and doesn't veer from her focus on the goal at hand. Always, her heart is in the correct place, and that is doing whatever she can to help the patient.
With Shelley, I was given the freedom to be myself and utilize tools that I had acquired from years of leadership to create what was needed for our stroke program. I always knew what the goal was, but Shelley never told me how to get there; instead assisted me in selecting the interventions or tools in my arsenal to make things happen. With Shelley, I felt as if I were on a winning team and that we were truly making a difference rather than just making things look good. I will forever miss her style, as it was a breath of fresh air to me.
-Suzanne Stone
Shelley does not offer solutions when you bring her a problem. She has this way of listening quietly, pausing, and then asking a question. It is a great tactic because it compels you to reconsider your initial perceptions.
Shelley's method of leadership has helped me feel comfortable when I don't have an immediate solution. Taking that time to pause and question has led to more meaningful interactions, improved team relationships, and creative solutions. I am thankful to have had this opportunity to learn and grow under Shelley's leadership.
-Amy L. Weaver, MHA, BSN, RN, CEN, PMH-BC
Shelley is a huge personality wrapped in a small, neatly bound container, somewhat like a stick of dynamite. Over the twenty years I have known Shelley, I could count on her unwavering sense of following her strict moral sense of right and wrong and making sure that everyone around her did the same if it was within her power to do so.
Shelley epitomizes the "go-to person" to get things done, but not just checked off the list, but done well and with a sense of heart. I have counted on Shelley as a colleague and a friend for decades of my career, and I will truly miss having her by my side (and at my back)
-Becky McCulley
I attribute the opportunity, experience, and professional growth in my role to Shelley. Her leadership taught me to never settle for mediocrity and to have confidence that my ideas, contributions, and opinions are valuable.
Growth and learning are constant and never-ending, but my voice is definitely stronger because of Shelley's influence and encouragement, and the expectations I have of myself are now set at a higher standard. I am grateful for Shelley's mentorship and support and will carry the lessons I learned from her with me forever.
-Monica Robles
When I think about the qualities and characteristics of a transformational leader, Shelly is whom I think about. She has this gift of being able to bring others together from different disciplines and backgrounds to work towards the vision through inspiration. In the midst of doing this, she is also transforming the lives of others directly and indirectly while making a positive impact on the organization.
Shelley not only transforms the lives of those she directly leads, but she also impacts others who are being led indirectly. Presenting at conferences, career growth, publishing articles, and being named amongst the top nurses are only a few examples of what she has produced from her leadership.
One of the quotes that comes to mind when I think of Shelley is, "Transformational leaders are like the roots of a tree. They may not be visible, but they keep the tree alive"- Gift Gugo Mona.
-Nikarlo Rogers
Shelley is one of the most passionate, dedicated, driven leaders I have ever known. Shelley has no tolerance for anything less than excellence and inspires those around her to be their best as well. She is someone I consider one of my closest friends.
-Donna Richardson, DNP, RN, NEA-BC
Below are a few comments from people who hold Shelley in high regard and have benefitted from her wealth of knowledge, compassion, and generosity of skill and wisdom:
When I was new to the organization, Shelley showed me the ropes and told me how to avoid the pitfalls. She has always been a good mentor, a good partner, and a great friend. Her impact on me and UTSW will last forever.
-Ron Norris DHA, MBA, MHSM, FACHE
As a new director mentored by Shelley, one thing I remember is being frustrated with myself for not being able to think of a solution or being able to troubleshoot a problem. I told Shelley that sometimes when she comes up with an idea, I'm like, "Why didn't I think of that?" Her response was, "Deshonna, we are thinking the same of you and some of your ideas." This made me more confident in my own ideas and more confident in presenting them. It also gave me the ability to know that even though I don't realize the important role I play in healthcare with other nurses, they too learn from me.
-Deshonna Taylor, DNP, RN, CCRN-K
I'm not sure I can put into words how influential Shelley has been to me, both professionally and as my friend. Shelley has been my guide for the last, I don't know, so many years. She has shown me what it means to be a great leader by challenging me (and others) to always ask the hard questions, to be prepared for a fight and not to back away from the right thing no matter what.
When I was a young nurse manager, every time I walked into Shelley's office (she was my director), regardless of what I asked, the answer was ALWAYS no- at first. I didn't know it at the time, but she was coaching me on how to be prepared, how to explain "my ask" better with data and information, not just emotion. I look to Shelley routinely when I get frustrated with a situation; she always listens first, asks questions, and helps me come to my next step, without telling me what to do, just guiding.
Shelley is an exceptional leader, and she has given many years of her life to UTSW, and we are far better for it.
-Amie Swindle, MSN, BSN, RN, CPPS
Shelley has been the biggest inspiration to me as I started my leadership journey at UT Southwestern. I know that she is someone that always will have my back but uses each moment as an opportunity to have me self-reflect and come to the conclusion myself. Even if I want her to lead me to the water (give me the answer!).
She's famous for telling all her managers about Time and Money being the 2 most important things to staff- so don't mess it up! Loi. But really, the quote I attribute to her quite frequently is "Trust but Verify". I am grateful to have worked under a leader that allows us to be ourselves, question everything, and push boundaries. This allows not only me to grow as a leader and person, but also our departments and the neurosciences as a whole.
-Alexa Collins MBA, BSN, RN, SCRN
I'm very grateful for the mentoring Shelley has provided me over the last 7 years. She introduced me to a completely different side of nursing that I was not aware of and taught me how to effectively lead an ICU. I once thought S.O.B and B.S. X 4 were only reserved for those at the bedside, but Shelley showed me how these abbreviations can still apply in any role. She would know; she's done them all.
-Byron Carlisle
Whew, 2-3 lines... that is tough. I've been with UT the exact same amount of time as Shelley, and we started in the same building at Zale, one floor apart. She has been a fixture for me in one way or another since we were new hires. First by reputation and then by interaction. She is a tiny tornado.
I did not officially work for her directly until I became her admin in March of 2015. That is a whole story, as well as our first week together. The last 7 ½ years have been the most interesting ride imaginable. I can't imagine doing it with any of the other directors.
Shelley took a chance on me that I will be forever grateful for. I was a degreed unit secretary looking for an opportunity within UTSW to utilize my degree. In working with her, I have learned so much under her tutelage and grown more than I could have if I had worked somewhere else, or for someone else. She has fostered every learning opportunity and provided much-needed support and guidance. From allowing me to assist in research projects and attend nursing conferences based on that work, to developmental classes to learn how to manage staff and projects.
She has also challenged me to get out of my comfort zone and be confident in new tasks and responsibilities, while also reminding me that the only way I could fail would be to not try. She nominated me for committees and councils that culminated in becoming Chair of the Employee Advisory Council, and all the university-wide experience that comes with that. Everything with her has been a setup for the next step up.
I would also consider her a friend, which is something I am grateful for in a boss.
-Kelly Glenn, BS
She meant what she said, and she said what she meant. Shelley was a straight-shooter one hundred percent. (With apologies to Dr. Seuss)
-Venkatesh Aiyagari, MD
Shelley has been a visionary leader since the first day I met her in 2012. She saw a unique opportunity to advocate for a fundamental change in how nurses work as professional collaborators at UTSW. We all know that Shelley is a 'take no bull' kind of person, but we sometimes forget that she is also a 'fight for what's best for nursing' kind of nurse. I am proud of all the influence that Shelley has had on my career.
-DaiWai M. Olson PhD RN FNCS
Shelley has been the most valuable leader to me since before the Hospital/UTSW transition. Together we have relied on each other for the history of pay practices for years. If we needed documentation and didn't have it, she did. In addition, over the years we have become good friends, and I have always respected her expert advice and ideas. I could always count on her to address any issues.
I may seem happy that she is at the time in her life that she can retire, but I wish we could have retired together. Can't wait for her visit to the Hill Country to hang out. Enjoy your deserved extended vacation. You deserve it. Love you more.
-Rita Breeding
I have found Shelley very unique among the leaders here at UT Southwestern in that she truly fosters a culture of accountability and ownership within her team. Shelley has an ability to attack a problem face on and doesn't veer from her focus on the goal at hand. Always, her heart is in the correct place, and that is doing whatever she can to help the patient.
With Shelley, I was given the freedom to be myself and utilize tools that I had acquired from years of leadership to create what was needed for our stroke program. I always knew what the goal was, but Shelley never told me how to get there; instead assisted me in selecting the interventions or tools in my arsenal to make things happen. With Shelley, I felt as if I were on a winning team and that we were truly making a difference rather than just making things look good. I will forever miss her style, as it was a breath of fresh air to me.
-Suzanne Stone
Shelley does not offer solutions when you bring her a problem. She has this way of listening quietly, pausing, and then asking a question. It is a great tactic because it compels you to reconsider your initial perceptions.
Shelley's method of leadership has helped me feel comfortable when I don't have an immediate solution. Taking that time to pause and question has led to more meaningful interactions, improved team relationships, and creative solutions. I am thankful to have had this opportunity to learn and grow under Shelley's leadership.
-Amy L. Weaver, MHA, BSN, RN, CEN, PMH-BC
Shelley is a huge personality wrapped in a small, neatly bound container, somewhat like a stick of dynamite. Over the twenty years I have known Shelley, I could count on her unwavering sense of following her strict moral sense of right and wrong and making sure that everyone around her did the same if it was within her power to do so.
Shelley epitomizes the "go-to person" to get things done, but not just checked off the list, but done well and with a sense of heart. I have counted on Shelley as a colleague and a friend for decades of my career, and I will truly miss having her by my side (and at my back)
-Becky McCulley
I attribute the opportunity, experience, and professional growth in my role to Shelley. Her leadership taught me to never settle for mediocrity and to have confidence that my ideas, contributions, and opinions are valuable.
Growth and learning are constant and never-ending, but my voice is definitely stronger because of Shelley's influence and encouragement, and the expectations I have of myself are now set at a higher standard. I am grateful for Shelley's mentorship and support and will carry the lessons I learned from her with me forever.
-Monica Robles
When I think about the qualities and characteristics of a transformational leader, Shelly is whom I think about. She has this gift of being able to bring others together from different disciplines and backgrounds to work towards the vision through inspiration. In the midst of doing this, she is also transforming the lives of others directly and indirectly while making a positive impact on the organization.
Shelley not only transforms the lives of those she directly leads, but she also impacts others who are being led indirectly. Presenting at conferences, career growth, publishing articles, and being named amongst the top nurses are only a few examples of what she has produced from her leadership.
One of the quotes that comes to mind when I think of Shelley is, "Transformational leaders are like the roots of a tree. They may not be visible, but they keep the tree alive"- Gift Gugo Mona.
-Nikarlo Rogers
Shelley is one of the most passionate, dedicated, driven leaders I have ever known. Shelley has no tolerance for anything less than excellence and inspires those around her to be their best as well. She is someone I consider one of my closest friends.
-Donna Richardson, DNP, RN, NEA-BC
Thank you, Shelley, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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