For decades, Sue Perkins built a reputation as an exceptional educator at the WSU College of Nursing. She was promoted to professor in 2021 and received the Undergraduate Faculty Excellence Award in 2018, recognition of her work in teaching, research, and service. She passed away on April 19, 2026, surrounded by family after a rapid and aggressive illness. The tribute messages left by students, staff, and colleagues reflect something beyond these accomplishments. Her legacy is not defined by titles, but by how people felt in her presence.
Across dozens of tributes, one theme stands out.
Sue Perkins made people feel seen.
- Students say she remembered them years later.
- Colleagues describe her door as always open.
- Many recall hugs, laughter, and long conversations.
- Several describe her as a steady presence during difficult moments.
One former student shared that Perkins recognized her from childhood, then later taught her in nursing school, and eventually became her colleague. The connection never faded.
Another described stopping by Perkins’ office just to talk. Not about work. About life.
Her teaching style followed the same pattern.
She connected first. Then she taught.
- She used real-life stories to make lessons stick.
- She treated students like future colleagues.
- She balanced high expectations with steady encouragement.
Students did not just learn clinical skills.
They learned how to care.
One nurse credited Perkins with shaping how she approaches patients decades later. Another said a career decision was made possible because of a single, honest conversation.
In the News — The Spokesman-Review
A recent article from The Spokesman-Review highlights Sue Perkins’ decades of impact as a nurse, educator, and community member. The story reflects on her career teaching thousands of nursing students, her earlier work as a school nurse, and the way she supported students far beyond the classroom—including opening her home to those in need. Family members and colleagues describe her as someone who believed deeply in others and took pride in helping them succeed, a theme echoed across the many tributes shared by the WSU College of Nursing community.
Read the full story:
Longtime WSU nursing professor who ‘believed in the goodness of people’ dies after short battle with cancer
Her influence often extended beyond campus.
Several tributes describe a home that functioned as an extension of her classroom.
- Students stayed there during difficult times.
- Meals were shared without hesitation.
- Many were treated like family.
One former student described arriving during a period of homelessness and leaving with a sense of belonging that lasted decades.
Another called it a place where “everyone became one of her kids.”
That same sense of care showed up in small, lasting ways.
Perkins was known for quilting.
She made gifts for students, colleagues, and their families.
Those quilts still sit in homes today.
They are used. They are remembered.
They represent something consistent across every story.
She gave her time freely.
Colleagues describe her as a constant advocate.
- She pushed for students
- She supported faculty
- She encouraged new instructors
She was direct when needed.
But always grounded in respect.
Many describe her as a “cheerleader” for others.
Someone who believed in people before they believed in themselves.
Her career also reflects long-term impact in pediatric and school nursing education.
In a 2018 feature on senior practicum experiences, Perkins emphasized preparing students for real-world challenges. She focused on building confidence before graduation, not just competence.
That approach shows up again in the tributes.
Former students are now:
- School nurses
- Clinical instructors
- Advanced practice nurses
- Leaders in their fields
Many point back to her as the reason they chose that path.
There are recurring words across the messages.
Love.
Joy.
Compassion.
Humor.
But one idea appears more than any other.
Presence.
Sue Perkins showed up.
- In classrooms
- In hallways
- In homes
- In moments that mattered
Her legacy is not a single achievement.
It is a network of people who carry forward what she modeled.
Care for the whole person.
Teach with honesty.
Make room for others.
And remember them long after they leave.
Listen to Sue Perkins on the Feeding Our Young Podcast
Sue Perkins’ voice and perspective continue to resonate through a two-part conversation with Eric Miller on the Feeding Our Young podcast.
In these episodes, Perkins reflects on her path into nursing, her approach to teaching, and the values she carried into the classroom. She speaks candidly about confidence, identity, and what it means to support students as whole people.
The conversation offers a more personal look at the qualities many students and colleagues remember—honesty, humor, and a steady belief in others.
- Part 1: “Be Happy With Who You Are”
LISTEN | Feeding Our Young - Part 2: “The ABCs of Nursing School”
LISTEN | Feeding Our Young
These recordings offer another way to hear directly from Perkins, in her own words.
