The Maverick Who Paved Paths for the Next Generation

During her 50-year career, Zina Mirsky, RN, EdD, wore a number of hats: UCSF School of Nursing clinical faculty member, assistant and then associate director for administration, and United States Navy nurse. 

Known as “Captain Mirsky” both for her role in the Navy Reserve and her ship-shape leadership at UCSF, Zina’s career began with ten years as an active-duty Navy nurse serving in Bethesda, Maryland; Sasebo, Japan; and San Diego, California; and during the Vietnam War rehabilitation era. When she joined the UCSF School of Nursing in 1972 as a clinical faculty member, Zina transitioned to the Navy Reserve.

A few years later, she stepped into the role of the school’s acting assistant director of administration for six months. But those six months turned into three more decades of leadership, and Zina never looked back.

“The lifelong friends I've made among the faculty, staff, and students are the most rewarding aspect of working at UCSF,” she said. “And I have loved every moment of seeing the growth of the School of Nursing. It’s been a life-changing place.”

Throughout her career, Zina supported the school and its students through more than just her leadership. She donates annually and recently included UCSF School of Nursing in her estate plan. Her long history with the School of Nursing and familiarity with its budget and needs provided a natural direction for her bequest: establishing an unrestricted fund that the dean can direct toward the school’s most important needs.

Zina as a volunteer at the zoo with the zebras.

“I know the School of Nursing is only going to continue evolving with the changing needs of the campus and the needs of the nation and the nursing field,” she said. “UCSF is going to lead the way.”

Zina retired from the U.S. Navy Reserve in 2003 and from UCSF in 2011, but she continues to have an active role with the School of Nursing. As the volunteer social media manager, she manages the school’s Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn accounts. The role has helped her stay connected with the school, and she enjoys informing both the general and professional public about new developments.

Zina’s favorite photo with Rufous, a red-bellied parrot who loves to supervise her as she cleans the aviary.

She also continues to hear from former students who tell her about the incredible impact their education at UCSF has had on their lives. For example, a School of Nursing graduate who now serves in the U.S. Navy recently e-mailed Zina. Years before, Zina had seen such promise in the then-trainee that she gave the student her own U.S. Navy captain’s insignia, which is a burnished silver eagle, its etched wings spread wide.

“Your eagle is still flying,” the student said, after sharing the news of her own promotion to the rank of captain. 

During Zina’s keynote speech at the UCSF emeriti luncheon in February, she shared an experience about another student who reached out to share the news of her success. Zina noticed as she told the story that heads nodded all around the room. It was clear that her fellow emeriti knew firsthand about the deep impact of the school and the lasting connection with students.

“It’s the one thing that binds us all together—the students,” Zina said. “This school has given me so much in so many ways. That's why I give.”