National League for Nursing & Walden University Pick Distinguished Educators for Leadership Academy

Washington, DC — The National League for Nursing will welcome 10 distinguished thought leaders in nursing and health education August 8–9 in Washington, D.C., for an orientation to the Social Determinants of Health & Social Change Leadership Academy. The year-long program is a key element of a groundbreaking collaboration between the League and Walden University College of Nursing, the Institute for Social Determinants of Health and Social Change, launched last year to bring about positive social change through focused professional development.

Chosen through a competitive application process for their dedicated work in social determinants of health and social change, the inaugural health professionals joining the academy include:

• Joseph Chamness, DNP, NP-C, CNE, University of Alabama in Huntsville
• Aimee Ferraro, PhD, MPH, Walden University
• Deborah Finn-Romero DNP, RN, PHN, PACT, California State University, Sacramento
• Melissa Hinds, MSN, RN, New York State Psychiatric Institute
• Megan L. Jester, PhD, RN, AHN-BC, University of Oklahoma
• Sara K. Kaylor, EdD, RN, CNE, University of Alabama
• Claire McKinley-Yoder, PhD, RN, CNE, University of Portland
• Phyllis D. Morgan, PhD, FNP-BC, CNE, FAANP, Walden University
• Rachel Risner, PhD, DNP, APRN, C-FNP, CNE, Frontier Nursing University
• Jannyse Tapp, DNP, FNP-BC, Vanderbilt University

“In a world where the social determinants of health have an outsize impact on access to quality care and health outcomes, it is essential that nurse educators and inter-professional colleagues be equipped with the knowledge, skills, tools, and evidence-based resources to confidently and competently become catalysts of positive social change,” said NLN Chair Kathleen Poindexter, PhD, RN, CNE, ANEF, interim associate dean of academic affairs at Michigan State University in Lansing. “We anticipate that through their immersion in this intensive initiative, these nursing education leaders will be prepared to address individual, family, and community health and welfare to advance health equity.”

“The National League for Nursing is delighted to join with the Walden University College of Nursing in this exciting new endeavor,” said NLN President and CEO Beverly Malone, PhD, RN, FAAN. “The year of planned activities focuses on scholarly writing, research, curriculum development, and building leadership competencies, all designed to facilitate their leading role in preparing future caregivers to provide outstanding culturally sensitive care while focusing on systems and structures that advance the health of our nation and the global community.”

“The caliber of this inaugural Leadership Academy cohort is a demonstration of how important the collaboration is between the National League for Nursing and Walden University’s College of Nursing for addressing the social determinants of health and social change,” said Dr. Andrea Lindell, RN, ANEF, vice provost at Walden University. “I am excited and proud that the selection of this distinguished group is another vital step toward making a profound change in health education and outcomes for vulnerable populations.”

The Leadership Academy is overseen by the NLN Center for Transformational Leadership. For more information, visit NLNWaldenSDOH.org.

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About Walden University 
More than 50 years ago, Walden University was founded to support adult learners in achieving their academic goals and making a greater impact in their professions and communities. Students from across the U.S. and more than 120 countries are pursuing a certificate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree online at Walden. The university offers more than 80 degree programs, with over 250 specializations and concentrations. Walden University has a total enrollment of more than 52,000 students as of December 31, 2021. Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, hlcommission.org. For more information, please visit WaldenU.edu.

About Adtalem Global Education
Adtalem Global Education (NYSE: ATGE) is a leading healthcare educator and provider of professional talent to the healthcare industry. With a dedicated focus on driving strong outcomes that increase workforce preparedness, Adtalem empowers a diverse learner population to achieve their goals and make inspiring contributions to their communities. Adtalem is the parent organization of American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine, Chamberlain University, Ross University School of Medicine, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, and Walden University. Adtalem and its institutions have more than 10,000 employees and a network of more than 275,000 alumni. Adtalem was named one of America’s Most Responsible Companies 2021 by Newsweek, and one of America’s Best Employers for Diversity in 2021 and 2022 by Forbes. Follow Adtalem on Twitter@adtalemglobal, LinkedIn or visit Adtalem.com for more information.