Dr. Stata Norton, former Dean of the School of Health Professions and Professor Emeritus of pharmacology, toxicology and therapeutics, passed away on August 25, 2012.
Born in Mount Kisco, New York, in 1922, Dr. Norton received her undergraduate and graduate degrees in zoology and physiological chemistry from the University of Connecticut (B .A.), Columbia University (M.A.) and the University of Wisconsin (Ph.D.). After working for 13 years at Burroughs Well come Research Laboratories in Tuckahoe, New York, Dr. Norton joined the faculty of the Department of Pharmacology at the University of Kansas Medical Center in 1962, where she was employed until her retirement as Emeritus Professor in 1990.
While at the University of Kansas, Dr. Norton served as Professor of Pharmacology, Professor of Dietetics and Nutrition, and as Dean of the School of Health Professions (formerly the School of Allied Health). In addition, she held a professorship at the Institute for Cell Biology in Valencia,
Spain.
Dr. Norton was esteemed by students and colleagues who recognized her passion for improving clinical practice through application of research principles and evidence supporting quality improvement. The author of over 150 research articles and reviews, Dr. Norton was recognized internationally for her work on characterizing the effects of drugs and toxins on animal behavior.
Dr. Stata Norton became an Honorary Alumnus of the School of Health Professions in 1998. For the past 27 years, the School of Health Professions has honored Dr. Norton through the annual Stata Norton Distinguished Teaching Award. Recipients of this award have been proud of this recognition that highlights the numerous contributions and service to the University of Kansas Medical center from our respected colleague, Dr. Stata Norton.
Dr. Norton is survived by her husband, David Ringle, nieces Jan Norton Mattos, Davis, Calif., and Anne Louise Niswander, Placerville, Calif., and many students, colleagues and friends who benefited from her wisdom, guidance, and enthusiasm for science.