Sally Karioth

Dr. Sally Karioth is a longtime faculty member of the Florida State University College of Nursing, where she teaches one of the university's most popular courses, called "Death, the Individual and the Family." To date she has taught more than 25,000 students at FSU. At FSU, she has received almost every award available. Induction in Mortar Board, ODK, Circle of Gold, Phi Kappa Phi and Gold Key. She has received awards for undergraduate teacher of the year, continuing education, outstanding alum of the College of Education, Panhellenic teacher of the year and the Ross Oglesby Award. She lectures all over campus and has been the keynote speaker at Relay for life for the last 4 years.

She takes students to London over spring break and in the summer. She continues to say that every year she is allowed to teach she remains the luckiest woman at FSU. 2018 marks her 48th year on the faculty. She is widely published and her book: "If you want to know if you’re dying ask the cleaning lady," has sold more than 80,000 copies.

For more than 40 years, Karioth also has been in private practice, helping people cope with the death of loved ones. Her particular concern is parents who have lost a child to death.

Karioth, a Certified Traumatologist (CT) has been active in trauma work, and is called frequently to events nationwide to speak to tragedy survivors and mental health officials suffering compassion fatigue. She is an often sought television and media personality. In addition to having given a TED talk, she has been in two award-winning films and continues to be utilized as a frequent commentator and expert in traumatic worldwide events.

Dr. Karioth logs over 50,000 miles a year talking to healthcare, student and business groups, carrying the message: "Life is what you make it. Make the best of it"