We are heartbroken to share the news that College of Nursing Alumni Endowed Professor and PhD Program Director April Vallerand, PhD, RN, FAAN, passed away on Friday, March 8, 2024.

Dr. Vallerand joined the College of Nursing in 1999 and made a profound impact on students, colleagues and the community for more than 25 years as a faculty member and researcher at Wayne State University.

She was a leader in the college whose research sought to clarify the balance between pain relief and maintaining functionality to enable patients to lead meaningful lives despite chronic pain. Her thoughtful approach to research and pursuit of helping those in pain inspired her colleagues and scores of future nurses. As a dedicated educator and mentor, Dr. Vallerand helped countless students find their passion for research and build impactful careers in nursing science.

“Dr. Vallerand was a national expert on the science of pain management among underserved and low-resourced communities, and her research was instrumental to a national agenda to eliminate disparities in pain care,” said Interim Dean of the College of Nursing Ramona Benkert, PhD, ANP-BC, FAANP. “Dr. Vallerand and her colleagues fought for an aggressive policy, advocacy and research agenda, and her legacy will impact the care of individuals with pain for decades to come. She touched so many lives at our college and far beyond, and she will be greatly missed.”

“As a longstanding member of the faculty, April was widely known across campus for her collaborative approach to interdisciplinary research and her support for doctoral education,” said WSU Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Laurie Lauzon Clabo, PhD, RN, FAAN. “In 2017, she was awarded the title of distinguished professor in recognition of her impressive contributions in research. She was a valuable member of the Warrior community, and her impact will continue to be felt on campus and beyond.”

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 23, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Novi United Methodist Church. Please view Dr. Vallerand’s obituary for more information. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to support the Dr. April Hazard Vallerand Endowed Scholarship in her memory.