Former Vice President of Administration, Detroit Edison Company
2013
Citation:
Throughout a distinguished life and career, Jane Kay Nugent has been known as the consummate business executive, an untiring community activist and a role model for women professionals. And Mrs. Nugent not only achieved but also excelled in the business world when only a few women held senior level administrative positions in corporations.
As a Detroit Edison employee for more than 40 years, Jane Kay Nugent began as a file audit clerk. But she quickly realized the benefits of working in Human Resources. Recognizing the value of education, she pursued academic degrees as she worked, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Management from the then-University of Detroit, a Master of Arts degree in Personnel Psychology from Wayne State University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Michigan.
Over the years, her talents and skills led to increasingly more demanding positions as she rose through the ranks at Detroit Edison. She retired from the company as vice president of Administration and has the distinction of being the only female vice president during her entire tenure at Detroit Edison.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Mrs. Nugent has generously donated her time, talent and energy to community service. Her concern for women’s and children’s issues, as well as education and health care, has generated leadership roles on behalf of numerous organizations, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan; St. John Hospital and Medical Center Foundation; University of Detroit Mercy College of Business Administration; and the Children’s Home of Detroit.
Respected by those who know her as an astute businesswoman, a charismatic leader and a caring individual, Mrs. Nugent has been the recipient of dozens of awards and accolades including being inducted into the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame, honored as one of the top ten working women in Detroit and named the University’s Alumnus of the Year.
In recognition of her efforts to pave the way for career women and her numerous contributions to the business, civic and educational communities, the University of Detroit Mercy is honored to present Jane Kay Nugent the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa. Commencement, University of Detroit Mercy, May 11, 2013.