2020 GW Nursing Annual Report

2019-20 ANNUAL REPORT

Above: Ten years prior, when the GW School of Nursing formed to become the university’s 10th school, faculty shared a small cluster 

of offces in this building. Today, the School of Nursing proudly occupies space on all three foors and boasts three state-of-the-art 

simulation lab spaces and the newly renovated Student Success Center. As part of the 10th anniversary festivities in 2019, students, 

faculty and staff raised a toast to how far the school has come in just 10 years. 

Below: COVID-19 has changed much of how we go about our day-to-day lives, and the daily operations of GW Nursing are similarly and deeply affected by the onset 

of a global pandemic. Dustin McKague, a student in the school’s inaugural Ph.D. cohort, donated his time and energy to sew nearly 400 masks for students in the 

Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program as a gift to welcome them to campus amid this new normal.

A MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN 

In March of 2020, when our country and the George Washington University were 

faced with the reality of an unprecedented public health crisis, it was GW Nursing 

faculty, staff, students, alumni and partners who rose to the occasion with leadership, 

resilience, teamwork and care. 

Dr. Ric Ricciardi, a faculty member and current president of Sigma Theta Tau 

International, was deployed to set up a COVID-19 testing operation for the U.S. Army. 

Tryphena Lewis, a nurse practitioner student and U.S. Army Reserves colonel, traveled 

to New York City earlier this year to spend a month caring for COVID-19 patients at 

a makeshift hospital set up in the Javits Convention Center. Dustin McKague, one of 

our Ph.D. students, sewed more than 400 masks for our current Bachelor of Science 

in Nursing students who returned to campus this fall for socially distant lab courses. 

In the early days of the pandemic when local health care organizations were in critical 

need of personal protective equipment, we donated nearly $5,000 worth of supplies 

to two local care facilities. These acts of service to our country, to our neighbors and 

to our colleagues are just a few of many that you’ll fnd in the GW Nursing community. 

But who could have predicted a year ago that we’d fnd ourselves in the midst of a global pandemic 

today? Looking back to the start of the 2019-2020 academic year, both GW Nursing and the greater 

nursing profession were preparing for a year of celebration. It was a time to revel in our school’s 10th 

anniversary and the many successes we’ve had. And for the nursing profession more broadly, it was a 

time to honor the 200th birthday of Florence Nightingale and celebrate the International Year of the 

Nurse and the Midwife, as proclaimed by the World Health Organization. However, as life became more 

virtual, so too did many of these celebrations, like our 10th anniversary virtual toast on May 14. 

As this year continues to unfold, this pandemic reminds our communities of the importance and critical 

nature of nurses and other health care workers. And to better meet workforce demands, GW Nursing 

launched a revised B.S.N.-to-Doctor of Nursing Practice pathway this year to bolster nurse practitioner 

education programs. In an effort to develop and deepen relationships with health care organizations 

and partners, Dr. Karen Drenkard was appointed associate dean of clinical practice and community 

engagement and is leading the new Offce of Community Engagement. 

Over the past year, our school made signifcant progress toward achieving the seven goals outlined in 

our three-year strategic plan. Furthermore, we concluded the year with favorable fnancial results despite 

the toll the pandemic has taken on higher education. We also received the largest gift from an individual 

in the school’s history; $2.5 million to support scholarships for more than 60 veterans B.S.N. students over 

the next fve years. Our gratitude extends to William and Joanne Conway for this signifcant investment, 

as well as our deep appreciation to all of our donors who helped us raise more than $3.14 million this 

year. 

As our country continues to battle this pandemic, and higher education and health care respond 

accordingly, it is clear that GW Nursing is poised to remain a leader within nursing education. I invite you 

to join us in celebrating the many accomplishments of the past year, while looking forward to another 

year of advancing our mission — preparing leaders and providers to improve the health of all people. 

Best, 

Pamela R. Jeffries, Ph.D., RN, FAAN, ANEF, FSSH 

Dean and Professor 

3

GW NURSING WELCOMES NEW FACULTY 

Ayomide Okanlawon Bankole, Ph.D, RN, joins GW Nursing as a clinical assistant professor and is 

a part of the MedStar Washington Hospital Center Washington Squared initiative. Prior to this role, 

she practiced as a nurse for over eight years in an acute care setting. She has also educated nursing 

students in both L.V.N. and B.S.N. programs. Her research interests are aging, chronic disease selfmanagement, 

theoretical approaches to chronic disease self-management and multi-morbidity. 

Karen Drenkard, Ph.D., RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, joined the school as the inaugural associate dean for 

clinical practice and community engagement and an associate professor. She shared that, “the 

biggest appeal is the chance to work with outstanding faculty and university leaders and to have an 

impact in this community of D.C. and northern Virginia. We have opportunities to create innovative 

partnerships in clinical practice.” 

Jennifer Hayes-Klosteridis, Ph.D., a visiting professor at GW Nursing, is an educator and researcher 

whose work has focused on active learning in science courses, metacognition, and social justice 

implications of curricular reform. Her research has led to an understanding of practices that improve 

student success and the role gender and student epistemologies play in student learning in reformed, 

learner-centered classrooms. 

Joyce Knestrick, Ph.D., C-FNP, APRN, FAANP, joined the school as a visiting professor. Dr. Knestrick 

works at local, regional, state and national levels to promote NP practice in education, policy 

and clinical care. Her research is focused on health and access to care for low-income and rural 

populations, particularly women. Dr. Knestrick is also the immediate past president of the American 

Association of Nurse Practitioners. 

Daisy Le, Ph.D., M.P.H., M.A., has been appointed to a full-time tenure-track position as assistant 

professor researching health disparities and oncology. She will continue her research in sociocultural 

determinants of health and community-based/-engaged approaches across the cancer continuum 

that target minority, low-income, and underserved populations using mobile health technology. She 

previously worked in a post-doc for the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. 

Billy Mullins, D.N.P., RN, NE-BC, is a clinical assistant professor for the B.S.N. program and a prominent 

leader and educator in the profession of nursing. Dr. Mullins began his health care career as a 

corpsman in the U.S. Navy. After his military service, he has primarily worked in teaching hospitals 

in the role of licensed practice nurse, registered nurse, nurse manager, clinical specialist, nursing 

director and education coordinator. 

Cara Padovano, D.N.P., APRN, is the new assistant dean of the M.S.N. program and an assistant 

professor. Dr. Padovano comes to GW Nursing from Rutgers School of Nursing. She specializes in 

anti-aging, regenerative and functional medicine with a focus on nutritional, metabolic and hormonal 

imbalances. She is a fellow of the Anti-aging, Metabolic, and Functional Medicine program through 

the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine. 

Anthony Roberson, Ph.D., PMHNP-BC, RN, FAANP, joins GW Nursing as a visiting professor with 

over 17 years of experience in academia as an administrator, educator, researcher and clinician. His 

previous experience includes positions at the University of Miami School of Nursing & Health Studies 

and the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing. He has a history of collaboration 

with the VA, particularly in meeting the mental health needs of veterans in rural areas. 

4

New Faculty Spotlights 

Ayomide Bankole, Ph.D., RN 

Clinical Assistant Professor 

Education: B.S.N. (2010), Ph.D. in Nursing (2018) 

What classes do you teach? 

I coordinate and teach the second pharmacology course in the Accelerated B.S.N. program. I 

also teach the nursing transitions course and medical-surgical nursing clinical in the Accelerated 

B.S.N. program. 

What do you love about teaching? 

I love learning new things and fnding patterns in new knowledge. I also like to educate people about the things I 

learn about. I have always been in situations where I was educating and mentoring people. Either as a peer advisor 

in my undergraduate program, nurse preceptor while working as a nurse or as an instructor in both L.V.N. and 

B.S.N. programs. I fnd very rewarding to educate both current nurses and the next generation of nurses. 

Tell us a bit about yourself! What’s your background? 

My background is in cardiac and geriatric nursing, and I have explored multiple roles in nursing. My research 

background is in aging, chronic disease self-management and multi-morbidity. Prior to GW, I taught at the University 

of Texas Health Science Center and the Galen College of Nursing in San Antonio, Texas. 

Who had the greatest infuence on your education and/or career path? 

I am blessed to have parents who placed value on education and the importance of giving back to humanity. My 

mother is an educator we were raised with an excitement and passion for learning. I also had great mentors and 

teachers during my undergraduate nursing education. They greatly infuenced my decision to pursue a doctoral 

education, teach and conduct research. 

What brought you to GW Nursing? 

My recent move to the DMV area coupled with my role in the GW Nursing and MedStar Washington Hospital 

Center Academic partnership and scholarship program (Washington Squared program). 

What are you most excited about in regards to working at GW Nursing? 

I am excited to teach in the Accelerated B.S.N. program and collaborate with other faculty involved within both the 

Washington Squared program and the GW Nursing Center for the Aging, Health and Humanities. 

When you’re not working, what do you like to do? 

I like to spend time with my husband and daughters, learn new things and discover new places! 

Billy Mullins, D.N.P., RN, NE-BC 

Clinical Assistant Professor 

Education: D.N.P. (2015), post-graduate certifcate in Nursing Education (2020) 


I am the course coordinator for undergraduate psychiatric mental health nursing courses. I 

teach the didactic sections and conduct psych clinicals for students at GWU Hospital. I teach 

the M.S.N. Evidence-Based Practice and Leadership and Management courses and am cocoordinating 

MedSurg 1 clinical with Dr. Michelle Rumble. 


I enjoy interacting with the students. I enjoy watching them grow and develop in nursing knowledge and application 

over the course of the semester. 


I grew up in a small town as the youngest of fve children. I am a veteran of the U.S. Navy, where my nursing journey 

truly began. I am married to a wonderful man, Agnelo, and we have a Australian labradoodle, Bela. 

5


There have been many exceptional mentors in my life both personally and professionally. Professionally, Dr. Bonnie 

Sakallaris and Dr. Kate Malliarakis have invested their time as mentors to help further my education and practice 

of nursing. 


I am an alumnus of GW Nursing D.N.P. program. I enjoyed the experience and wanted to be a member of an 

amazing team of faculty and staff. 

What are you most excited about with regard to working at GW Nursing? 

I am excited to be a member of an amazing team of faculty and staff that have the opportunity to impart our 

knowledge and skill of nursing to future nurses. I am excited to have the opportunity to contribute to the nursing 

profession through educating the future generation. It’s kind of like passing the torch. 


I enjoy working in my garden and relaxing on the front porch or back deck with my husband and our dog. 

Cara Padovano, D.N.P., APRN 

Assistant Dean of M.S.N. Program 

Education: B.S.N., M.S.N. (FNP), and D.N.P. 


Genetics for Health Care Providers and D.N.P. Project Implementation 


I love mentoring future practice, scholarship and teaching colleagues. I enjoy sharing my 

practice and education experiences while guiding students on their journeys toward their career goals. 


While in my B.S.N. program, I had already made the decision that I would advance my nursing education and pursue 

a career in academia as well as in clinical practice as a family nurse practitioner. Immediately after graduating with 

my M.S.N., I secured a faculty position in a nursing program in upstate New York, opened a clinical practice with a 

collaborating physician, and also began my D.N.P. program and started a fellowship with the American Academy of 

Anti-Aging Medicine. After completing my D.N.P., I moved back to New Jersey to join the faculty at Rutgers School 

of Nursing with the goal of eventually securing an academic leadership position. 


The person who had the greatest infuence over my career path was one of my professors in my M.S.N. program. 

She was a full-time faculty member, maintained a clinical practice, and eventually became a dean. She was a 

wonderful mentor and friend, and showed me that my career goals were achievable, and was a constant source of 

encouragement. 


During my participation in the NONPF Leadership/Mentorship program, I had the fortunate experience of working 

with several current GW faculty members. The mentorship I received from these GW nurse leaders had a profound 

impact on my professional and personal growth. My experience in the program was a catalyst to explore other 

academic opportunities, with the hopeful goal of one day being part of the GW Nursing. Several years later when 

the opportunity arose to join the leadership team at GW, my unwavering determination and highest of hopes were 

rewarded with an offer to come on-board! 

What are you most excited about with regard to working at GW Nursing? 

The most exciting part of working at GW Nursing is the abundance of opportunity. There is an unwavering 

commitment to forward-thinking, innovation, and expansion. 


When I’m not working, I enjoy hiking, yoga, baking and spending time outside walking and playing with my Yorkie, 

Cecelia! 

6

FACULTY AWARDS AND HONORS 

+ Dr. Catherine Cox received the 2020 GW Morton A. 

Bender Teaching Award. 

+ Dr. Erin Athey was inducted as a Fellow of the 

American Association of Nurse Practitioners (FAANP) 

in 2020. 

+ Dr. Pamela Jeffries received the 2019 Virginia Nurses 

Foundation (VNF) Leadership Excellence Award for a 

Nursing School Dean/Director. 

+ Dr. David Keepnews was inducted as a Fellow into 

the National League for Nursing (NLN) Academy of 

Nursing Education in 2019. 

Faculty Holding Fellowships 

17 American Academy of Nursing (FAAN) 

11 American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (FAANP) 

3 Academy of Nurse Education (ANEF) 

2 American College of Nurse-MidWives (FACNM) 

1 National Academy of Practice (FNAP) 

1 Gerontological Society of America (FGSA) 

1 American Psychological Association (FAPA) 

1 Society for Simulation in Healthcare (FSSH) 

+ Dr. Karen Kesten received the 2019 Nursing Outlook Excellence in Education Award from the American 

Academy of Nursing. 

+ Dr. Joyce Knestrick was inducted as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing (FAAN) in 2019. 

+ Dr. Daisy Le was selected as 2020 Emerging Scholar by Diverse: Issues in Higher Education. 

+ Dr. Laurie Posey was awarded a 2019 Fulbright Specialist grant. 

+ Dr. Ric Ricciardi began his term as President of Sigma Theta Tau International at the 45th Biennial Convention. 

+ Dr. Gretchen Wiersma became a Certifed Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE) from the Society for 

Simulation in Healthcare in 2019. 

DAISY Award® for Extraordinary Nurse Faculty 

Carol Lang, DScN, MSc, RN, was selected as this year’s honoree for the DAISY Award® for 

Extraordinary Nurse Faculty. Nominated by students and colleagues, Dr. Lang, an assistant 

professor in the Acute and Chronic Care Community, was lauded for her commitment to 

student learning and community engagement, in particular her many years developing 

and organizing international learning and service experiences for students and faculty in 

Haiti, Costa Rica, Ecuador and Uganda. 

Promotion and Tenure 

Rhonda Schwindt 

D.N.P., RN, PMHNP-BC, PMHCNS-BC 

Director, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program 

Congratulations to Rhonda Schwindt, who received tenure and promotion to associate 

professor, effective July 1. Dr. Schwindt joined GW Nursing in 2017 as director of the post- 

M.S.N. psychiatric/mental health nursing program. Her research is focused on reducing the 

disproportionate impact of tobacco use among high-risk populations. Prior to joining GW 

Nursing, Dr. Schwindt was the program coordinator of the psychiatric/mental health nursing 

program at Indiana University School of Nursing. 

7

DEAN’S AWARDS 

Faculty Awards 

Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching 

Megan Brown 

Clinical Education Instructor 

Excellence in Graduate Teaching 

Karen Kesten 

Program Director, D.N.P. Scholarly Projects 

Excellence in Graduate Student Mentoring 

Maggie Venzke 

Director, Adult-Gero. Primary Care NP program 

Excellence in Undergraduate Student Mentoring 

Mark Tanner 

Assistant Dean for B.S.N. Program 

Excellence in Teaching in a Part-time Appointment 

Kristen Stevens 

Clinical Education Instructor 

Civility Award for Faculty 

Sherrie Wallington 

Assistant Professor 

Staff Awards 

Civility Award for Staff 

Tina Le 

Academic Affairs Manager 

Excellence in Service Award 

Kyla Arager 

Program Associate, D.N.P. and P.h.D. 

Impact Award 

Marie Brown 

Special Advisor to the Dean 

Impact Award 

Srijana Silwal 

Senior Financial Analyst 

Unsung Hero Award 

Paul Collins 

Simulation Technology Associate 

Citizenship Award 

Chloe Harner 

Assistant Director of Admissions 

8

ACADEMICS AND PROGRAMS 

Growing the Washington Squared partnership 

GW Nursing expanded its partnership with MedStar Washington Hospital Center 

to offer nurse leaders the opportunity to enroll in the Master of Science in Nursing 

(M.S.N.) Nursing Leadership and Management program or the Doctor of Nursing 

Practice (D.N.P.) Executive Leadership program. Select students will be chosen 

by GW Nursing and MedStar Washington to be designated as W 2 Plus scholars. 

MedStar Washington and GW Nursing will recruit and admit up to 10 students 

into the M.S.N. and D.N.P. programs each fall, and MedStar Washington will, on a 

case-by-case basis, offer fnancial scholarships and loans to these scholars equal 

to 50 percent of the tuition of the program. 

B.S.N. Doctor of Nursing Practice pathway 

In anticipation of 2025, the year in which the terminal degree of signifcance 

for the nursing industry will shift from the M.S.N. to the D.N.P., GW Nursing has 

positioned itself well by creating a more reliable pipeline of students into its 

D.N.P. program. The school implemented a new seamless, integrated post-B.S.N. 

Doctor of Nursing Practice pathway for the nurse practitioner program options 

starting in fall 2020. 

“The design of this pathway is consistent with the National Organization of Nurse 

Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) recommendation that the post-baccalaureate to 

D.N.P. pathway, without a master’s exit point, should be the entry-level preparation 

for the role of the nurse practitioner across all NP programs,” said said Mercedes 

Echevarria, assistant dean for the D.N.P. Program. 

The pathway has critical learning experiences integrated throughout the 

curriculum so that full educational preparation of the nurse practitioner is 

achieved only upon completion of the entire D.N.P. program. Upon graduation, 

students will be eligible to sit for certifcation. 

GW Nursing highly 

ranked by U.S. News 

This year’s U.S. News & World 

Report rankings put GW 

Nursing’s Master of Science in 

Nursing tied at 43 and Doctor 

of Nursing Practice programs 

tied at 37. The school was 

ranked in the specialty 

category of Family Nurse 

Practitioner tied at 16. 

In addition to program 

rankings, GW’s M.S.N. was 

again ranked sixth for online 

graduate nursing for the 

second year in a row. 

The school is also ranked 

in the new master's-level 

rankings of online nursing 

specialties. M.S.N.: Psychiatric 

Mental Health Nurse 

Practitioner tied for fourth, 

and both M.S.N.: 

Family Nurse 

Practitioner and 

M.S.N.: Nursing 

Leadership and 

Management tied 

for ffth in their 

respective categories. 

GW BY THE NUMBERS 

NCLEX pass rate 

(for B.S.N. programs) 

90% 

Nurse practitioner certifcation exam pass rates 

(certification organization in parentheses) 

Adult-Gerontology Acute Care NP (ANCC) 100% 

Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP (ANCC) 94% 

Certified Nurse Midwifery (AMCB) 100% 

Family Nurse Practitioner (ANCC) 100% 

Family Psychiatric Mental Health NP (ANCC) 100% 

UNDERGRADUATE 

GRADUATE 

STUDENT DIVERSITY STATISTICS 

ABSN & VBSN 

513 

RN-BSN 

159 

MSN 

580 

DNP 

131 

Certifcate 

41 

PhD 

6 

Total students: 1,430 2019-20 Graduates: 529 

White 

Asian 

African-American 

Hispanic/LatinX 

Unknown 

Two or more 

13% MALE 87% FEMALE 

60% PART-TIME 40% FULL-TIME 

9

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion 

The Offce of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion pursued a rigorous schedule 

of events this year. Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Sandra 

Davis and several faculty and staff published an article in the AACN Diversity 

Digest exploring the role leaders at a school of nursing play in aligning 

diversity, equity and inclusion with goals and objectives of the school’s 

strategic plan. The offce also compiled readings and resources to be 

incorporated into course offerings that promote education on topics such 

as health equity and social justice. 

In addition to scholarship that advances the offce’s mission, Dr. Davis and 

her team pivoted in the latter half of the year to respond to several emergent 

events arising from the COVID-19 pandemic and social unrest. 

Dr. Sandra Davis (right) stands with her co-presenters 

(from left) Denise Bridges, Hannah Hahn and Christine 

Martin at the GW Diversity Summit in 2019. 

Continuing the Conversation 

Prompted by nationwide protests of police brutality and continued violence toward people and communities of 

color, the school saw a need for a forum in which faculty, staff and students at the school could have an open 

dialogue regarding race and structural racism. To help students, faculty, staff and alumni process systemic racism 

and its impacts on society, Dr. Davis hosted a series of events called Continuing the Conversation. 

“We’re making the uncomfortable comfortable,” Dr. Davis said. “This space is there for us to explore topics with 

each other, to listen, to hear, to ask questions and to actually share.” 

Sessions offered a space for faculty, staff and students to voice and process their thoughts, feelings, hopes and 

frustrations amid a supportive and inclusive environment. After hosting more than a dozen such forums for faculty, 

staff and students, the offce followed through with plans to continue the series in the fall. 

Ventures, Initiatives and Partnerships (VIP) 

Now in its fourth year and led by Director Blair Johnson and Associate Director Sabrina Beroz, this unit generates 

alternate revenue streams to reduce the school’s tuition dependency. VIP creates and curates a wide array of 

health care content, professional and leadership development programs and events using the school’s expertise, 

knowledge and resources to serve health care organizations and professionals, as well as other academic institutions. 

Updated Nurses on the Front Line Emergencies 

and Disaster Preparedness Series 

After serving tens of thousands of users and hundreds 

of academic partners over the last 10 years, the original 

Nurses On The Front Line series was retired earlier this 

year. A new Emergencies and Disaster Preparedness 

Series aimed at frontline nurses and other emergency 

health care professionals will debut in early fall 2020. 

The fee-based model will add new content, features and 

benefts and reside on a modern technology platform. 

GW Nursing | AANP Leadership Development 

Program 

VIP developed a residency Nurse Practitioner Leader 

Executive Program for the American Association of Nurse 

Practitioners (AANP), set to launch in early 2021. This 

program develops and elevates participants’ executive 

mindset, leadership and business acumen, ability to 

drive system change, and prepare them for senior 

administrative roles within health care and professional 

organizations, including the AANP. 

Virtual Simulation Content 

In response to the ongoing needs of simulation 

professionals, academic institutions and health care 

organizations, new virtual simulation courses are 

being added to the school’s portfolio of simulation 

programs and consulting services. Faculty and practice 

professionals from across the world can participate 

in a full suite of simulation learning offerings and 

professional development certifcates without having to 

travel to a campus or alter their work schedules. 

Simulation MOOC 

GW Nursing launched Essentials in Clinical Simulations 

Across the Health Professions on Coursera last year. 

To date, over 5,000 users from across the globe have 

taken this Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) aimed 

at preparing health care professionals to effectively 

incorporate health care simulation into their teaching. 

This and other GW Nursing MOOC content can be found 

at online.gwu.edu/moocs. 

10

RESEARCH AND SCHOLARSHIP 

This year, GW Nursing secured $4 million in new competitive funding. 

GW Nursing faculty were extremely productive in submitting proposals, 

with principal or co-investigator status on 37 federal proposals, 31 

foundation- or corporation-funded proposals, and 28 intramural 

proposals to conduct pilot studies. Of these, 22 were awarded and 40 

are still under review. 

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in many changes to the research 

endeavor. Face-to-face research processes were put on hold, and the 

university began the process of moving to a shared-services model 

for research administration services. Despite these uncertainties, GW 

Nursing has signifcantly increased its commitment to nursing education 

research. Under the direction of Dr. Angela McNelis, the Offce of 

Educational Research and Innovation is beginning to take shape. The 

new offce consolidates school, university and public resources into one 

place for faculty members with research foci on student learning, nursing 

as a disciple, and strategies for preparing nurse educators and clinicians 

Notable Research Awards 

Year-End Total Expenditures and Indirect Costs 

Federal vs. Non-Federal 

Federal Total 

Expenditures 

$197.1 M 

Non-Federal Total 

Expenditures 

Federal Indirect 

Costs 

Non-Federal 

Indirect Costs 

$33.1 M 

FY19 

$204.5 M 

$32.9 M 

FY20 

Dr. Christine Pintz 

Nurse Practitioner Technology-Enhanced Community Health (NP-TECH) Program 

Awarding organization: $2.76 million from the U.S. Health Research and Services Administration (HRSA) 

Dr. Angela McNelis 

The Impact of Virtual Simulation Use in Family Nurse Practitioner Education 

Awarding organization: $287,000 from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) 

Dr. Ellen Kurtzman 

Medical cannabis — are nurse leaders prepared? 


Dr. Tony Yang 

A Multimethod Examination of Conditionally Admitted Kindergartners and School Entry Vaccination Requirements 

Awarding organization: $128,000 from Merck 

Dr. Jeongyoung Park 

To what extent is the degree of state scope of practice autonomy associated with malpractice lawsuits fled against nurse practitioners? 


Dr. Erin Athey 

Mental health improvement through studying, teaching, rebranding, embedded education, and technology (MHI Street) 

Awarding organization: $43,000 from the Hillman Foundation 

Appointments 

Associate Professor Ellen Kurtzman completed her Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health Policy 

Fellowship after nearly a year working on Capitol Hill in House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s offce. Since 1973, 

the fellowship program has sought exceptional midcareer health professionals and behavioral and social 

scientists, placing them in congressional offces to work with politicians and policymakers to shape health 

care policy on Capitol Hill. 

Dr. Kurtzman’s research and scholarship have addressed the effects of federal and state policies and 

programs on health care quality and the role of the health care workforce in higher value care. It is precisely 

this expertise and knowledge that made her an invaluable asset in Speaker Pelosi’s offce. 

Associate Professor Ashley Darcy-Mahoney will spend a year as the National Academy of Medicine 

(NAM) Distinguished Nurse Scholar-in-Residence, helping to develop federal health policy. Through 

interprofessional collaboration and engagement, the position provides nursing perspectives to better 

support public health. 

11

The Offce of Community Engagement 

The Offce of Clinical Practice & Community Engagement was created this year to serve as a central resource for 

community engagement partnerships and activities coordinated with communities the school serves. Dr. Karen 

Drenkard serves as inaugural associate dean for Clinical Practice and Community Engagement, and is leading the 

strategic efforts to improve our community involvement, both in clinical practice and volunteer opportunities for 

faculty, staff and students. Now included under the umbrella of this new unit are the Center for Health Policy and 

Media Engagement; Center for Aging, Health and Humanities; and Offce of Community and Global Initiatives. 

The newly created offce aspires to be the central resource for faculty, staff and community partners in providing 

student service-learning opportunities, faculty development opportunities, and research endeavors to improve 

the health of communities. GW Nursing takes engagement in the community to heart and supports a multitude of 

efforts that enrich student scholarship, research and creative activity. 

Center for Health Policy and Media Engagement 

The Center for Health Policy and Media Engagement continues 

to conduct high-impact activities in education, research and 

knowledge sharing. The center brings high-profle speakers to 

campus for insightful guest lectures, convenes decisionmakers 

from nursing organizations to increase representation in news 

media for the nursing perspective, and publishes thought 

leadership pieces to steer conversations on nursing’s role in 

health policy discussions. 

The center hosted and co-hosted several guest lectures as part of 

a suite of offerings that encourage a free exchange of ideas with 

a broader community, among them experts in policymaking, a 

sitting congresswoman and those on the front lines of addressing 

the COVID-19 pandemic. The center also hosted leaders from 

more than 20 national nursing organizations and associations to 

Rep. Lauren Underwood speaks during a fall 2019 event as part 

of the Health Policy Leadership Series. 

develop a national blueprint for advancing the strategic use of media to promote nursing perspectives on patientcentered, 

value-added policies and care. 

Center for Aging, Health and Humanities 

The Center for Aging, Health and Humanities (CAHH) has continued to develop, strengthen and explore new 

opportunities to engage with its community partners in four core areas: research, health policy, education and 

clinical innovations. The center has solidifed its partnership with the D.C. City Council, hosting the University 

Seminar Series to explore age-friendly initiatives. Additionally, CAHH Director Melissa Batchelor provided testimony 

for the D.C. City Council Health Committee to support B23-0325, the Dementia Training for Direct Care Workers 

Act of 2019. 

In addition to the center’s work advocating for age-friendly initiatives and policies, Dr. Batchelor and faculty 

associated with the center have contributed signifcantly to the body of research in the feld of aging, with support 

from competitive grants from foundations, the NIH and the university. 

Offce of Community and Global Initiatives 

Even with challenges and restrictions of a pandemic, the school’s community and global initiatives saw expansion 

and growth in the frst half of the fscal year with new international partnerships in six countries and renewed 

commitment with existing partners in South Korea, Costa Rica, Uganda and Ecuador. These partnerships further 

enhance global engagement, international collaboration and expanded opportunities for teaching, education, 

professional development, research and scholarship, clinical and community-based practice and service. 

This year also saw an innovative response to the onset of a global pandemic with a virtual clinical practicum 

experience for Bachelor of Science in Nursing students working with GW Nursing’s global partners in Costa Rica, 

Slovenia and Uganda. For one project, students made an instructional video recorded in Spanish for children living 

in marginalized communities in Costa Rica to help the population easily understand how COVID is transferred and 

how to prevent the spread by washing hands and properly wearing a mask. 

12

FINANCE 

The George Washington University’s boardapproved 

fscal year 2020 budget included 

resources to enhance GW Nursing’s 

operations, with a focus on advances in 

academic technologies, the Ph.D. program 

and increased work around our culture, 

strengths, scholarships, and diversity and 

inclusion. 

Despite the unanticipated disruption to 

operations resulting from the pandemic, the 

School of Nursing ended the fscal year with 

only a small decrease in projected revenue, 

down 4% from FY19 totals. 

Tuition from the school’s Accelerated B.S.N. 

and online programs continue to account for 

a large part of the school’s revenue streams. 

The Accelerated B.S.N. and online programs’ 

tuition revenue in total made up 95% of the 

school’s fscal year revenue, which is a 1% 

increase from FY19. 

The major expenditure in FY20 was faculty 

and staff salaries. The school’s compensation, 

including fringe benefts, made up 64% of 

total expenditures, which is a 5% increase from 

FY19. As a result of our favorable fscal year 

results, GW Nursing was able to purposefully 

align 14% of expenditures toward support 

and investment funds, an 8% decrease from 

funds designated in FY19. These support and 

investment funds will be leveraged to ensure 

the school is well positioned to continue to 

make advances in scholarship offerings and 

academic technologies and to meet strategic 

initiatives. 

University funded scholarships – 5% 

Support/Investment – 14% 

Capital expenditures – 1% 

Equipment – 1% 

General expenses – 15% 

Salaries and benefts – 64% 

REVENUE 

EXPENSES 

Accelerated B.S.N. tuition – 45% 

Fees (e.g., application, course) – 2% 

Gifts – 1% 

Other income – 2% 

Graduate & certifcate 

program tuition – 50% 

GW Nursing awarded more in scholarships in FY20 than ever before. 

GW Nursing provided more than $3.6 million to students throughout 

the fscal year, across these categories: 

40% GW Nursing Tuition Awards 

1% Donor-Funded scholarships 

52% Medstar Washington Hospital Center partnerships 

7% GW Hospital partnership 

FY20 saw a more-than 60% increase in GW Nursing Tuition Awards from 

FY19 to FY20! 

13

DEVELOPMENT AND ALUMNI RELATIONS 

For GW Nursing, there was much to celebrate in FY20. We set 

an ambitious fundraising goal of $2.4 million and we exceeded 

it, ending the fscal year with a total of $3.14 million. Since FY18, 

we have seen signifcant growth in our attainment, including a 

nearly 200% increase in overall dollars raised and a 3% percent 

increase in individual donors to the annual giving fund. This is a 

testament to the commitment our alumni, friends, foundations 

and corporations have to providing support for our nursing 

students, faculty and programs. Here are a few noteworthy gifts 

we received this period: 

Overall Attainment 

FY20 $3.14 million 

Goal: $2.4 million 

FY19 $3.34 million Goal: $3.0 million 

FY18 $1.12 million Goal: $1.0 million 

+ $10,000 from Medical Shipment 

+ $25,000 from The GW Hospital Women’s Board 

+ $25,000 from the James T. Johnston Trust 

+ $50,000 Anonymous donation 

+ $100,000 Endowed Gift from the D.C. branch of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows 

+ $2,500,000 from William and Joanne Conway 

10th Anniversary Gala 

In preparation for the school’s 10th Anniversary Gala, originally scheduled for fall 2020 but now postponed until 

spring 2021, our industrious team worked tirelessly to secure support for the event. Their efforts resulted in the 

following successes: 

+ Over $5,500 raised in table reservations for student scholarships 

+ Over $1,000 raised in external ticket sales for student scholarships 

+ Over $12,000 in in-kind donations for the gala silent auction 

+ $50,000 raised via gala sponsorships 

Distinguished Alumni Awards 

As a part of our 10th Anniversary celebration, we identifed the inaugural recipients of GW Nursing’s Distinguished 

Alumni Awards. These 10 graduates (photos in order from left to right) have exemplifed the George Washington 

University tradition of excellence and brought recognition to GW Nursing by their contributions to nursing, health 

care and society. Congratulations again to these alumni! 

+ Jennifer Cooper, D.N.P. ’16, RN, PHNA-BC, CNE 

+ Janet Lynne Douglass, D.N.P. ’12, FNP, BC 

+ Barbara Jacobs, M.S.N. ’09, RN-BC, NEA-BC 

+ Carrie Jeffries, D.N.P. ’19, M.P.H., RN, ANP-BC, NEA-BC, FACHE, AACRN 

+ Simmy King, D.N.P. ’10, RN-BC, NE-BC 

+ Laure Marino, D.N.P. ’16, APRN, FNP-BC, GNP-BC 

+ Ann Marie Matlock, D.N.P. ’10, RN, NE-BC 

+ Stacia Moreno, B.S.N. ’15, RN 

+ Richard Prior, D.N.P. ’12, FNP-BC, FAANP 

+ Mary Cres Rodrigazo-Manansala, M.S.N. ’19, RN, SCRN 

14

Cumulative Donors 

Those who have given more than $50,000 over the 

course of the school’s frst decade 

Bausch Health 

CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield 

Alan Schurman Cohn 

William E. Conway, Jr. & Joanne B. Conway 

Dr. Ellen M. Dawson & Rear Admiral 

Howard W. Dawson 

GWUH Women’s Board, Inc. 

Helene Fuld Health Trust 

The Hearst Foundations 

Caroline Fredricka Holdship Charitable 

Trust 

Independent Order Of Odd Fellows 

Dr. Pamela R. Jeffries & Joseph Jeffries 

Drs. Jean Johnson & L. Gregory Pawlson 

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation 

James M. Johnston Trust for Charitable/ 

Educational Purposes 

Jonas Nursing & Veterans Healthcare 

Ms. Robin Kaplan 

Dr. Angela McNelis & Mike McNelis 

Florence Nesh Charitable Trust 

Sae-A Trading America Corporation 

Irene M. Schuler Smith 

Conways’ $2.5 million gift provides scholarships 

for veterans transitioning to a career in nursing 

This year, GW Nursing launched the William and Joanne Conway Transitioning 

Warriors Nursing Scholars Initiative, which provides signifcant scholarship 

assistance to several veteran or active-duty military students each semester. 

The Conways’ gift, the largest in GW Nursing’s history, will support a total of 

65 students over the next fve years. 

“The Transitioning Warriors Nursing Scholars Initiative is designed to reward 

the brave men and women of our armed forces who seek to continue their 

service to our country as civilian nurses,” said Mr. Conway. “By funding 

scholarships and providing fnancial aid for select veteran students at the 

GW School of Nursing, we aim to support their educational pursuits at a time 

when our country needs them most.” 

The inaugural cohort of students selected to receive these scholarships 

start the B.S.N. program in the fall 2020. Since its founding, GW Nursing has 

supported veterans through scholarships, specialized student resources, 

credit transfer, an accelerated bachelor’s degree option and other unique 

pathways to degrees. 

“The Conways’ commitment to our military veterans is unwavering, and 

so is ours at the GW School of Nursing,” Dean Pamela Jeffries said. “As we 

celebrate our 10th anniversary, its gifts like these that enable us to grow our 

veteran student population and provide the resources they need to succeed.” 

Annual Donors 

Those who have given more than $100 in FY20 

Dr. Carolyn Allen 

Dr. Cynthia L. Allen 

Rita Altman 

America’s Charity 

Aida Armaly 

Mary Frances Arthur 

ATI Nursing 

Debbie Awwad 

Diane Baruch 

Dr. Melissa K. Batchelor 

Dr. Sulochani R. Bhati 

Dr. Mary Beth Bigley 

Dr. Diane M. Billings 

Susan Bodin 

Denise M. Bridges 

Marie Brown 

Dr. Linda A. Briggs 

Dr. Mary-Michael Brown 

Marcia Camden 

Dr. Linda G. Cassar 

Kimberlee S. Ceballos 

Julia Clark 

Paul Collins 

Tammy Compagnone 

Contemporary Electrical Service 

Isabel Marie Couto 

Dr. Catherine Cox 

Bradley J. Crofts 

Dr. Ashley Darcy-Mahoney 

Dr. Sandra Davis 

Dr. Karen Dawn 

Samantha DePadova 

Dr. Karen Drenkard & 

Allan Graham Drenkard 

Dr. Mercedes Echevarria 

Dr. Majeda El-Banna 

Esther Emard 

ExamSoft 

Crystel L. Farina 

Dr. Nikki Gebara 

Dr. Jeanne M. Geiger-Brown 

Dr. Adriana D. Glenn 

Greater Washington 

Community Foundation 

Dawn Griffn 

Dr. Joyce A. Hahn 

Hannah Hahn 

Dr. Jennifer Hayes-Klosteridis 

Dr. Kelsey Herrick 

Matthew Hess 

Dr. Cameron Hogg 

Kevin Hook 

Jessica Hopkins 

Hord Coplan Macht Inc. 

Lucas Huang 

Blair Johnson 

Christina A. Johnson 

Steve Kamp 

Dr. David M. Keepnews 

Dr. Joyce Knestrick 

Siena O. Kramer 

Dr. Ellen T. Kurtzman 

Laerdal Medical 

Dr. Carol S. Lang 

Dr. Mayri Sagady Leslie 

Elizabeth Linsert & Henry Linsert, Jr. 

Emeline Maddux 

Dr. Kate Malliarakis 

Nikita A. Malliarakis 

Dr. Rebecca Mance 

Dr. Nadine Montisano Marchi 

Dr. Mark S. McClelland 

Dustin McKague 

Ryan McLaughlin 

MedStar Health 

Lynn M. Mertz 

MidPoint Teck Group LLC 

Jesterelden Miller 

Philippa Moore 

Dr. Jeanne Murphy 

Adejoke M. Ogundiran 

Dr. Jeongyoung Park 

Patner Construction Inc. 

Dr. Arlene M. Pericak 

Poetry Foundation 

Justin Pohl 

Dr. Laurie Posey 

Dr. Joyce A. Pulcini 

Dr. JoAnne Reifsnyder 

Dr. Richard Ricciardi 

Whitni Richardson 

Dr. Michelle M. Rumble 

Edward S. Salsberg 

Kenneth Schappelle 

Dr. Mary Jean Schumann 

Kate A. Seabold Brannon 

Dr. Christine Seaton 

Dr. Julie Settles 

Whitney Hodges Shanley 

Dr. Pamela Slaven-Lee 

Shari Sliwa 

Irene M. Schuler Smith 

LaQuanta Smalley 

Seth Snover 

Drs. Janet R. Southby & Richard 

Southby 

Dr. Valerie Strockbine 

Linda Talley 

Dr. Billinda Tebbenhoff 

The GWUH Women’s Board Inc. 

TIAA Charitable Inc. 

Paula J. Townsley 

Vinita Underwood 

United HealthCare Corporation 

Joseph D. Velez 

Dr. Margaret H. Venzke 

Jacqueline Wavelet 

Beatrice Welters 

Glenn West 

Dr. Gretchen M. Wiersma 

David Frank Wills 

Dr. Laurie D. Wilson 

Dr. Stephanie K. Wright 

Dr. Karen Fraser Wyche 

Dr. Y. Tony Yang 

Dr. Pearl Zhou 

15

Fundraising and Scholarships 

Meeting our attainment goal matters because it ensures we have the funds address GW Nursing’s core priorities. 

This includes fnancial aid and scholarships, which are so crucial for us to continue to educate the next generation 

of nurses and nurse leaders. Last year, GW Nursing awarded $3.6 million in scholarships, a commitment that would 

not be possible without the generous support from members of the extended GW Nursing community. Every day, 

life-changing opportunities are made possible by donations to the 

School of Nursing General Fund. On this page you can hear from 

our scholarship recipients about the impact this fnancial support 

has had on their life. 

I am incredibly grateful to receive the Helene Fuld Health Trust Endowment Fund Scholarship. 

The generous support helped me focus more on attending to my preceptorship experience 

in the emergency room. This meant spending more time taking care of patients and less time 

worrying about bills. 

Mohammad Rahmati, recipient of Helene Fuld Health Trust Endowment Fund Scholarship 

This scholarship means everything to me. As a frst generation college student, I am able to 

continue to break generational curses by continuing to exceed high scholastic expectations. 

Overall, as a single mom of three girls, this scholarship has lightened my fnancial burden, 

allowing me to focus solely on school. 

Erica Paris, recipient of Power & Promise Scholarship 

I am attending the Masters in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner program at GW. This 

scholarship means the world to me as I am currently a self-employed small business owner 

and the COVID-19 pandemic has taken a huge toll on my fnances, and this scholarship has 

really taken some stress off me and my family during this time. I could not be more thankful. 

Jared Moore, recipient of Dean’s Scholarship 

I was so proud to feel supported by a community that I cannot wait to join. I am a minority, a 

single mother, a frst-generation college student, and a disabled veteran. Against all statistical 

odds that tell me I should not be here, I made it. I have arrived with your help. And I will keep 

pushing forward. So thank you for the impact you have had on my life’s story. 

Rebecca Ortego, recipient of GW Hospital Women’s Board Scholarship 

I am beyond honored to be chosen as a recipient of the James M. Johnston Trust Scholarship. 

While I receive GI Bill benefts, there are additional costs that are compounded by pursuing 

full-time schooling, such as childcare, gas, tolls, vehicle upkeep and more. Thanks to your generous 

donation these costs are better managed, which allows me to concentrate on my schooling. 

Katelyn Russo, recipient of James M. Johnston Trust Scholarship 

The generous support of faculty, staff, alumni and partners allows the school to continue 

offering assistance and creating opportunities for GW Nursing students. 

Please consider supporting our students in their education. 

Support GW Nursing at giving.gwu.edu today 

16

STUDENT AWARDS & HONORS 

The DAISY Award 

GW Nursing is proud to be one of over 200 colleges and schools of nursing 

partnering with the DAISY Foundation to present The DAISY Award® in 

honor of nurse faculty and nursing students who go above and beyond to 

make extraordinary differences in patients’ and families’ experiences in the 

clinical setting. 

The DAISY Foundation was established in 1999 by members of the family of Patrick Barnes. He was 33 years old and 

died of complications of the auto-immune disease immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Like many families 

that go through this kind of tragic loss, the Barnes family wanted to do something positive to honor the special man 

Patrick was. So, shortly after Pat’s death, they came up with DAISY — an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune 

System. The family was very impressed by the clinical care Pat’s nurses provided, but what really overwhelmed 

them was the compassion and kindness that his nurses brought to Pat’s bedside day in and day out. As a sign of 

gratitude, Pat’s family created The DAISY Award® to provide national recognition and appreciation to nurses for 

their outstanding work. 

Congratulations to the recipients of The DAISY Award® for Extraordinary Nursing Students! 

Bradley Crofts 

Cohort 18 

Alexa Flowers 

Cohort 19 

Johnny Walker 

Cohort 19 

Graduation Awards 

+ Outstanding Community Service Award: 

Karen Hamblin 

+ Outstanding Student in Nurse Midwifery Award: 

Lilian Stolzfus 

+ Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Clinical Excellence Award: 

Elizabeth Redmond Bailey 

+ Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Clinical Excellence Award: 

Michael Fanelli 

+ Family Nurse Practitioner Clinical Excellence Award: 

Danielle Seier 

+ Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Clinical Excellence Award: 

Rebecca Merchiori 

+ Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Project Award: 

LaKeshia L. Evans 

+ The Pam and Joe Jeffries Nursing Innovation Award: 

Amanda Bridges

STRATEGIC PLAN PROGRESS 

We are pleased to share that we will achieve the seven goals, as well as the objectives and 

strategies outlined within our current three-year strategic plan by December 2020 six months 

ahead of schedule. This achievement is attributed to the consistent work of faculty and staff 

across GW Nursing. This achievement is attributed to the consistent and dedicated work of 

faculty and staff across the school. Several notable successes occurring over the last year as a 

direct result of the strategic plan include: 

+ A sustainable plan for program evaluation and course assessment that aligns with 

institutional and accreditation standards 

+ An orientation for all new faculty and staff hires customized for 

the school to complement the university’s standard new hire 

orientation 

+ A repository of all administrative job descriptions and roles 

which has streamlined the hiring and recruitment process 

+ A newly established Scholarship Administration Team and a 

newly hired senior fnancial aid offcer for improved stewardship 

of our fnancial resources and service to our students 

+ The hiring of an associate dean for clinical practice and 

community engagement to develop and expand strategic 

relationships with healthcare corporations and organizations 

+ The diversifcation of revenue sources and funding mechanisms 

to support student scholarships 

Across all goals, the school has completed 94% of the goals and 

objectives outlined in the 2018-2021 Strategic Plan. The school 

will undertake a new strategic planning process in 2021 to chart a 

course ahead for the next phase of growth and development of GW 

Nursing. 

A strategic hire 

When President Thomas LeBlanc met with GW Nursing students 

for a town hall at VSTC in the fall of 2019, one of the messages he 

received loud and clear was their desire for a dedicated fnancial aid 

adviser for GW Nursing. Enter Thomas “Cody” Smith, who started 

in April as the school’s inaugural senior fnancial aid offcer. In this 

role, he serves as the primary point of contact for students and a key 

member of the school’s Scholarship Administration Team. 

Mr. Smith brought a wealth of experience, having spent two years as 

a student services specialist within the university’s Student Financial 

and Registration Services. There he helped students with their 

fnancial aid, student account and registration needs. Prior to GW, he 

worked at Mississippi State University for three years as a scholarship 

counselor. 

Mr. Smith, whose sister is a nurse practitioner, 

said he was confdent the new position 

would be a good ft for him. 

“It has been a fulflling experience working 

with such great students and helping them 

achieve their goal of completing their 

nursing program and getting out into the 

workforce,” Mr. Smith said. 

Goal 1 

Curriculum & Technology 

Goal 2 

Health Policy 

Goal 3 

Research & Scholarship 

Goal 4 

Culture Transformation 

Strategic Plan 

2018-2021 

For more information 

about the school’s 

strategic plan and the 

progress to date, visit 

go.gwu.edu/stratplan. 

Goal 5 

Infrastructure, Governance & Fiscal Responsibility 

Goal 6 

Diversity 

Goal 7 

Collaboration & Partnerships 

New Staff Hires 

+ Christopher DeJean 

Manager, Clinical Education Operations 

+ Craig Farmer 

Academic Adviser 

+ Molly Fletcher 

Administrative Manager, Acute & Chronic Care Faculty 

Community 

+ Nikki Gebara 

Senior Instructional Designer 

+ Juliet MacIntosh 

Administrative Assistant 

+ Christine Martin 

Administrative Assistant, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion 

+ Jeffrey Richmond 

Director, Enrollment Management 

+ Kenneth Schappelle 

Director, Marketing & Communication 

+ Rebekah Smith 

Associate Director, Enrollment Management 

+ Thomas Smith 

Senior Financial Aid Offcer 

+ Jessica Taylor 

Administrative Assistant, Acute & Chronic Care Faculty 

Community 

18

GW NURSING DEAN’S ADVISORY COUNCIL 

Membership current as of the close of the fscal year. 

Chair 

+ Mary-Michael Brown, D.N.P., RN 

MedStar Health 

Members 

+ Diane Billings, Ed.D., RN, FAAN 

Indiana University School of Nursing 

+ Alan Schurman Cohn, J.D. 

AbsoluteCare 

+ Ellen Dawson, Ph.D., RN 

GW Nursing 

Veterans B.S.N. students don their white coats, a symbol 

of their having joined the nursing profession after their 

frst semester in nursing school. 

+ Patrick DeLeon, Ph.D., J.D. 

Retired, Chief of Staff to U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye (D-HI) 

+ Lucas Huang, B.E.E., B.A.E. 

B-Line Medical 

+ Robin Kaplan, M.S.N., RN 

Kushner Hebrew Academy 

+ Cody D. Legler, D.N.P., APRN, NP-BC, RN-BC, NEA-BC, CNL 

MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center 

+ Lynn Mertz, Ph.D. 

AARP Center to Champion Nursing in America 

+ JoAnne Reifsnyder, Ph.D., M.S.N., M.B.A., FAAN 

Genesis HealthCare 

Dean Jeffries poses with Provost Brian Blake and George, 

the university’s mascot, at a GW basketball game in honor 

of GW Nursing’s 10th anniversary. 

+ Julie Settles, M.S.N., APRN 

Lilly USA, LLC 

+ Al Shimkus, M.S.N., RN, Capt. USN (Ret.) 

Naval War College 

+ Janet R. Southby, Ph.D., RN 

+ Ambassador Beatrice Welters 

AnBryce Foundation 

+ Stephanie Wright, Ph.D., RN, FAANP 

GW Nursing 

The school celebrated the induction of David Keepnews 

(middle) as a Fellow of the National League for Nursing 

(NLN) Academy of Nursing Education. He is joined by his 

husband, Peter, and Dean Jeffries at a reception hosted in 

his honor. 

19

The George Washington University does not unlawfully discriminate in its admissions programs against any person based on that person’s race, color, religion, sex, national 

origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression. For available states visit nursing.gwu.edu/states 

200928

2020 GW Nursing Annual Report

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