The Duke School of Nursing (DUSON) is thrilled to celebrate the achievements of four of its esteemed faculty members who have been selected for induction into the prestigious 2023 Class of Fellows by the American Academy of Nursing (Academy). This distinguished recognition is a testament to their exceptional contributions to health care and their unwavering commitment to improving health and wellness, both locally and globally.

Staci Reynolds Ph.D., RN, ACNS-BC, CCRN, CNRN, SCRN, CPHQ, Ryan Shaw Ph.D., RN, ACHIP, Mitchell Knisely Ph.D., RN, ACNS-BC, PMGT-BC, and Mariam Kayle Ph.D., RN, CCNS will join a distinguished group of nurse leaders at the Academy's annual Health Policy Conference, to be held October 5-7, 2023, in the nation's capital, Washington, D.C.

The theme of this year's conference, "Celebrating 50 Years of Leadership, Policy, and Partnership," aptly honors the monumental impact that these four accomplished individuals have had on the nursing profession and health care as a whole. With their induction, the Academy's fellowship will now encompass more than 3,000 exceptional nurse leaders, reflecting the diversity and excellence that define the nursing profession.

Reflecting on this milestone, Kenneth R. White, Ph.D., RN, AGACNP, ACHPN, FACHE, FAAN, president of the American Academy of Nursing, expressed his pride and appreciation for the new inductees, stating, "The Academy continues to convene and celebrate nurses who make extraordinary contributions to improve health through the generation, synthesis, and dissemination of nursing knowledge. This year’s group of inductees truly represents today’s thought leaders and the diversity of our profession’s policy leaders, practitioners, educators, and innovators."

The selection process for the 2023 Fellows was rigorous and competitive, with nearly 400 applications reviewed by the Academy’s Fellow Selection Committee, comprised of elected and appointed Fellows. The chosen inductees were selected based on their significant contributions to advancing public health and their exceptional leadership within and outside the nursing profession.

The DUSON community extends its heartfelt congratulations to Reynolds, Shaw, Knisely, and Kayle for this well-deserved honor. Their dedication, expertise, and passion for nursing have not only elevated the profession but have also positively impacted the lives of countless individuals. These four new inductees will join the existing 28 Fellows on DUSON's faculty bringing the total number of AANP fellows at the school up to 32, comprising nearly one-third of the school’s entire faculty, further reinforcing their commitment to nursing excellence and innovation.

The culmination of this celebration will be the Induction Ceremony and Soiree, scheduled for the evening of Saturday, October 7, 2023. DUSON Dean Vincent Guilamo-Ramos has the distinct honor of moderating the 50th-anniversary Golden Keynote session at the AAN Conference. With his leadership, the keynote promises to be an inspiring reflection on the Academy's five decades of progress and a compelling glimpse into the future of nursing. This event will be a momentous occasion, featuring personalized videos from each inductee, highlighting their significant contributions to health care. Colleagues, family, friends, and sponsors will come together in Washington, D.C., to celebrate the power of nursing's impact and honor the legacy of these outstanding nurse leaders.