Margaret Barton-Burke has become the new president of the Oncology Nursing Society.

Barton-Burke, the Mary Ann Lee Endowed Professor of Oncology Nursing at the University of Missouri–St. Louis, assumed the position at the organization’s annual meeting this May in Anaheim, Calif.

“It’s an honor and a privilege to serve as president of the ONS Board of Directors,” she said.

Margaret Barton-Burke, the Mary Ann Lee Endowed Professor of Oncology Nursing at UMSL, has become the new president of the Oncology Nursing Society.

Barton-Burke has been a pioneer in breast cancer research, especially among black women. She joined the UMSL faculty in 2008. She’s also been an active leader within ONS for more than 30 years, serving as director-at-large and president-elect before assuming the presidency. In addition, she has served on numerous committees within ONS.

Among her many recognitions and awards, Barton-Burke is co-author of award-winning books, including “Oncology Nursing Drug Handbook” and “Cancer Chemotherapy: A Nursing Process Approach.” Both titles earned the American Journal of Nursing Book of the Year award. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing.

Barton-Burke earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from William Paterson College in Wayne, N.J., her master’s degree in teaching specialty and oncology nursing from Boston University and her doctorate in psychosocial nursing from University of Rhode Island in Kingston.

The Oncology Nursing Society is composed of more than 35,000 registered nurses and other health-care providers dedicated to excellence in patient care, education, research and administration in oncology nursing. Since its official incorporation in 1975, the society has become a leader in cancer care. It has grown to include 231 chapters and 27 special interest groups. The organization’s mission is to promote excellence in oncology nursing and quality cancer care.