Laura Polk, Health Sciences Division

Over the course of her 30-year career as a pediatric nursing instructor at the College of Southern Maryland (CSM), Susan N. Behmke, MS, RN, inspired countless students and many colleagues. Staff members at hospitals in Southern Maryland who attended CSM never fail to mention the effect Sue has had on their career paths. Numerous CSM nursing faculty hold Sue in high esteem, as an outstanding nurse, professor, and mentor.
A native of Maryland, Sue grew up in Hagerstown. She graduated from Wagner College in New York City with a degree in nursing in 1969. She served as a Captain in the United States Army as a nurse. She remained stateside, treating Vietnam War soldiers as they returned home. Sue received her Master of Science degree from University of Delaware in 1981. In 1984, she joined the College of Southern Maryland as a nursing professor. After 30 years of teaching, she retired from CSM. “Nursing is wonderful as a profession. You get to go places and meet people,” Sue has said. “It’s a wonderful ride. I wouldn’t change it for anything.”