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
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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.
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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)
What classes do you teach?
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.
What do you love about teaching?
I enjoy interacting with the students. I enjoy watching them grow and develop in nursing knowledge and application
over the course of the semester.
Tell us a bit about yourself! What’s your background?
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.
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Who had the greatest infuence on your education and/or career path?
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.
What brought you to GW 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.
When you’re not working, what do you like to do?
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.
What classes do you teach?
Genetics for Health Care Providers and D.N.P. Project Implementation
What do you love about teaching?
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.
Tell us a bit about yourself! What’s your background?
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.
Who had the greatest infuence on your education and/or career path?
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.
What brought you to GW Nursing?
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 you’re not working, what do you like to do?
When I’m not working, I enjoy hiking, yoga, baking and spending time outside walking and playing with my Yorkie,
Cecelia!
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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?
Awarding organization: $234,000 from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)
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?
Awarding organization: $53,000 from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)
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.
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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
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