Rivet to receive honorary degree

Jeannine Rivet, MPH, BSN, RN, FAAN, will receive an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Minnesota for her advancement of nursing and health care through public service.

The honorary degree is the highest award conferred by the University of Minnesota. An honorary degree is awarded to an individual who has achieved acknowledged eminence in cultural affairs, in public service, or in a field of knowledge and scholarship.

Rivet served as the executive vice president of UnitedHealth Group, where she worked in areas focused on strategic business relationships, clinician advancement, culture and social responsibility. She has served on numerous boards and committees, including the School of Nursing Dean’s National Board of Visitors, United Healthcare Children’s Foundation, and the Harvard School of Public Health, Health Policy and Management Executive Council.

“Jeannine Rivet has challenged the systemic barriers leading to the advancement of women to leadership positions in health care,” wrote Christine Mueller, PhD, RN, FGSA, FAAN, senior executive associate dean for academic programs, in her nomination letter. “Through her dedication to the mentorship of women, her impactful leadership role in the largest health and wellbeing company in the world, and leadership in boards and organizations, hundreds of women have been able to advance to significant leadership and executive roles, influencing health care systems to improve the health of individuals and communities.”

Rivet is the fifth recipient of an honorary degree who was nominated by the School of Nursing. Marie Manthey received an honorary degree in 1999, Maya Angelou in 2007, Brig. Gen. (ret.) Clara Adams-Ender in 2009 and Lt. Gen. (ret.) Patricia Horoho in 2014.

Rivet earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Boston College and master’s degree in public health from Boston University.

Rivet began her career as a pediatric nurse at Rhode Island Hospital. Later, in positions in the managed care industry, she developed new care models for population health management. She held a variety of influential leadership roles at UnitedHealth Group, including chief executive officer and president of Optum, with her final position as executive vice president.

She received many honors to recognize her contributions in health care and leadership development of women, including being recognized by Fortune Magazine for three years as one of the 50 Most Powerful Women in American Business and receiving the 21st Century Pinnacle Leader Award by the Minnesota Women’s Leadership TRUST, the Twin Cities Business Magazine Lifetime Achievement Award and the Women’s Health TRUST Mentor of the Year Award. She was named a fellow in the American Academy of Nursing, considered one of the highest achievements in the nursing profession.

The honorary degree will be conferred at the Nursing Commencement Ceremony on Dec. 16 at Northrop Auditorium.