Evelyn “Lyn” R. Hayes, University of Delaware Trustees’ Distinguished Professor Emerita of Nursing and visionary nurse educator, researcher, military leader and fierce advocate for global health, passed away peacefully at the age of 84 on July 17, surrounded by her family. She leaves behind a legacy that transformed the nursing profession for nearly six decades. 

Grounded early in life by the ethos of the Good Samaritan, “Go and do thou likewise,” Dr. Hayes lived a mission-driven, adventurous life anchored by her personal motto: “Peace, love, and joy.” She brought warmth, optimism, and deep care to every student, patient, colleague, and person she encountered throughout her extraordinary life. 

Dr. Hayes earned her bachelor of science in nursing from Cornell University-New York Hospital School of Nursing (1965), her master of science in public health nursing from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (1967), her doctorate in higher education from Boston College (1978), and her post-master’s family nurse practitioner certificate from the University of Massachusetts Amherst (1997). 

Her distinguished academic career began at the University of Connecticut. In 1983, she joined the faculty at the University of Delaware, where she served as chair of the Department of Nursing Science, now known as the School of Nursing; director of the Nurse Managed Primary Care Center; and coordinator of the honors nursing program. For over three decades at UD, she shaped generations of students, nurses, nurse scientists, educators and healthcare executives in both clinical practice and research. 

“Dr. Hayes’ passion for nursing was truly contagious. She inspired everyone around her through her unwavering commitment to advancing nursing education, practice and research,” said Elizabeth Speakman, senior associate dean of the School of Nursing and chief nurse administrator. “Whether offering a listening ear, thoughtful guidance, or steadfast encouragement, she invested wholeheartedly in the success of others and the future of the profession. Her leadership and advocacy extended well beyond her years as a faculty member in the School of Nursing. In retirement, Dr. Hayes remained a tireless nurse leader and champion for patients, continuing to shape the profession with the same energy, purpose, and compassion that defined her career. Dr. Hayes leaves behind more than a legacy; she leaves an enduring impact. Her influence is reflected in the countless lives she touched, the nurses she mentored and the standards of excellence she inspired. Her imprint on our School of Nursing and on each of us is profound.”

A prolific scholar, Dr. Hayes co-edited and authored eight editions of Pharmacology: A Nursing Process Approach, a seminal textbook used by hundreds of thousands of nursing students worldwide to translate complex pharmacology concepts into safe, compassionate clinical care. Her structural innovations and leadership were recognized with the 2017 University of Delaware Medal of Distinction, the UD Faculty Senate Award for Advising and Mentoring and her appointment as Trustees’ Distinguished Professor Emerita. 

In retirement, Dr. Hayes remained a vital force in community resilience, founding and sponsoring the annual Evelyn R. Hayes Innovations in Healthcare Symposium at the University of Delaware College of Health Sciences (CHS) to bring together researchers, clinicians and legislators to solve pressing public health challenges. 

“Dr. Hayes exemplified what it truly means to be a healer, educator and leader. A true force of nature, her visionary spirit and dedication to healthcare innovation left an indelible mark on the University of Delaware and the communities she served,” said Jillian Trabulsi, interim dean of CHS. “Even in retirement, through initiatives like her Innovations in Healthcare Symposium, Lyn continued to unite people to solve real-world problems. Her legacy of service, wisdom, and compassion will inspire us for years to come.” 

Dr. Hayes devoted decades to global and local nursing governance through Sigma Theta Tau International (Sigma). A proud Virginia Henderson Fellow, she served on numerous international task forces, held leadership roles in the Beta Xi and Mu Chapters and supported the Tri-State Consortium. Her enduring impact was recognized with the Sigma Tri-State Consortium Impact Award and a nomination for the prestigious Nell J. Watts Lifetime Achievement Award. Her peers revered her as a true “Delaware Nursing Legend.” 

“Lyn truly embodied the heart of Sigma through her selfless service, but to those of us lucky enough to know her off the clock, she was also an avid card player, a loyal friend and a constant source of warmth,” said Jennifer Graber, associate dean of academic affairs and practice initiatives and professor. “Whether she was giving back to her community or sharing a laugh around the table, we were all inspired every day by how she lived out her motto of 'Peace, Love, and Joy'.”

Her commitment to her country was demonstrated through 23 years of service in the U.S. Army Reserve Nurse Corps, retiring at the rank of Colonel. Her military career culminated as the Individual Mobilization Augmentee to the Chief of Nursing Administration at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., and she was decorated with the Meritorious Service Medal and multiple Army Commendation medals. 

Throughout her life, Dr. Hayes was a tireless volunteer and philanthropist, giving her time to the Delaware Medical Reserve Corps, local behavioral health consortiums, youth mental health organizations such as Sean’s House, Project C.U.R.E., Newark Morning Rotary and the First Presbyterian Church of Newark. 

As a diligent philanthropist, Dr. Hayes provided significant support for UD’s healthcare and wellbeing initiatives for more than 20 years, even creating six new endowment and current-use funds. Her generous support strengthened nursing education, expanded access to healthcare, advanced innovative healthcare teaching, enhanced the Nurse Managed Primary Care Center, promoted student well-being and created scholarship opportunities for future nurses. Lyn believed deeply in preparing compassionate, skilled healthcare professionals, and her generosity will continue to improve lives for generations to come. Her legacy lives on in every student she inspired, every patient served and every community made healthier because of her vision.

Remembering Dr. Hayes

Colleagues across the University and the community remembered Dr. Hayes as a compassionate mentor, visionary leader and unwavering champion for nursing: 

Bethany Hall-Long, professor emerita of nursing:

"Dr. Evelyn Hayes lived her life by three powerful words: peace, love and joy.  She embodied the true spirit of service—in military uniform, in the classroom and across Delaware. She was a visionary scholar, a fearless leader and mentor who guided faculty and generations of students at UD, and a person of deep faith who spent every day uplifting others. Her zest for life and her legacy at the University of Delaware and in the state will never be forgotten.”

Sue Sheehy, nursing professor (2018-2022) and former U.S. Army nurse:

“Evelyn ‘Lyn’ didn't just walk through life; she danced through it with an open heart and a spirit of 'peace, love and joy.’ She loved meeting people and had the rare ability to make every person she met feel special.”

Chris Locke, founder of SL24 and Sean’s House:

"Evelyn is a one-in-a-million person. She personified leadership and worked tirelessly for the betterment of UD, Newark and really the world. Her laughter brought joy to so many; her dedication and work ethic were to be marveled at. I was blessed to have her in my life. Her guidance and counsel were as wise as Solomon's. Her dedication and service to change the discussion around mental health issues resonated with so many. Her friendship meant the world to me."

Arrangements

Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at 2 p.m. in the Cattail Cafe at Jenners Pond, 2000 Greenbriar Lane, West Grove, PA 19390. 

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church Newark, 292 West Main Street, Newark, DE 19711.

In honor of Lyn’s love of bright colors, all guests are encouraged to wear their brightest, happiest and most uplifting attire. 

In celebration of Lyn’s life and legacy, contributions can be made to the Evelyn R. Hayes Fund for Wellbeing or the Hayes-Carlson Healthcare Theatre Fund at the University of Delaware. Gifts can be made on the University of Delaware’s secure website, or contributions can be sent to: University of Delaware Office of Development and Alumni Relations, Gift Administration, 105 E. Main St., Newark, DE 19716.

The UD community can share memories and find Dr. Hayes' obituary here.