Legacy and Leadership
David and Susan Landin’s marriage began while at the University of Virginia, where their personal and professional lives took root. Susan (BSN ’69, MSN ’79) started her nursing career at UVA Health, while David (Col ’68, Law ’72) pursued a law degree. Their shared UVA journey became the foundation of a life devoted to service, leadership, and community.
Susan experienced the front lines of healthcare as a nurse. David, through his legal work—sometimes representing departments within UVA Health—witnessed the need for strong leadership in healthcare settings. Together, they developed a profound appreciation for and dedication to supporting the future of UVA Health.
“Without health, there can be no happiness,” said David, paraphrasing Thomas Jefferson. This sentiment has taken on deeper meaning for the couple as they’ve cultivated even closer connections to UVA Health over the years. Susan is an emeritus trustee of the UVA Health Foundation Board and a current member of the UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center Advisory Board. She also served as president of the School of Nursing Alumni Association and was a member of the Nursing Steering Committee. David recently joined the UVA Health Foundation Board and serves as vice chair. “Now, it’s my turn to serve. I’m honored,” he said.
Beyond volunteering their time, the Landins made a gift to create the Susan and David Landin Health Leadership Institute Nursing Endowment Fund, which will support the development of next-generation nurse leaders through UVA Health's Health Leadership Institute (HLI).
Launched in 2024, the HLI was created to develop skilled leaders and healthcare innovators across all disciplines from within the organization. Already, nearly a thousand UVA Health team members have participated in HLI programs.
The Landins hope the HLI is a lasting resource that continues to expand. “This work doesn’t happen by chance. It takes commitment, resources, and sweat equity,” said David.
For Brian Hunter (Col ’01), executive director of the HLI, the path forward is clear: “Our goal is to make the HLI the nation’s top healthcare leadership program—a place leaders turn to when they need support, inspiration, or strategy.”
Providing professional development for nurse leaders is central to that vision. With their support, the Landins are helping to build an annual HLI program tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities nurses face within the healthcare system.
“We’re deeply grateful for the Landins’ generosity,” said Hunter. “Their gift allows us to build something enduring—something that not only supports today’s nursing leaders, but helps shape the ones still to come.”
Nurse leaders participating in the HLI won’t just gain new skills; they’ll join a growing network of HLI alumni at UVA Health. These multidisciplinary connections are meant to spark mentorship, encourage collaboration, and build community.
“When nurses learn alongside peers from medicine, research, and administration, they bring back insights that strengthen their teams and their patients’ experiences,” said Hunter. “And in turn, they become even stronger leaders.”