Duke Nursing Celebrates 13 Community Members Honored by American Academy of Nursing
The 2026 American Academy of Nursing honors offer an opportunity to celebrate both the individual accomplishments of thirteen Duke Nursing community members and the breadth of their collective impact, from education and research to clinical practice, policy, equity, and health system leadership.
Thirteen members of the Duke University School of Nursing community have been honored by the American Academy of Nursing (AAN) this year, recognizing an extraordinary group of faculty, alumni, and associates whose work is advancing nursing and improving health locally, nationally, and globally.
Eleven are recognized as Fellows of the Academy, while two have been named Living Legends.
Together, the honorees reflect the many ways Duke nurses are shaping the profession, from strengthening nursing education and developing the workforce to advancing health equity, improving clinical care, informing policy, and leading complex health systems.
New AAN Fellows
Six Duke Nursing faculty members are among this year's new Fellows.
Assistant Professor Marissa Abram, PhD, PMHNP-BC, CARN-AP, FIAAN, is a nurse scientist and psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner whose community-engaged research seeks to reduce stigma and improve substance use care.
Associate Clinical Professor Ragan Johnson, DNP, FNP-BC, CNE, advances health equity through community-based approaches to HIV prevention, particularly within underserved Black communities.
Professor Kathryn E. Kreider, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, FAANP, has strengthened endocrine nursing practice by connecting clinical care, research, and education and expanding specialized preparation for nurse practitioners.
Duke Health Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Executive Terry McDonnell, DNP, RN, ACNP-BC, who also serves as Vice Dean for Clinical Affairs at the School of Nursing, brings together clinical practice, health system leadership, and education to strengthen the nursing workforce and advance patient-centered care.
Associate Professor Jacquelyn McMillian-Bohler, PhD, CNM, CNE, is advancing nursing education through innovative teaching, faculty development, academic leadership, and a commitment to inclusive education and health equity.
Associate Professor Benjamin Smallheer, PhD, ACNP-BC, FNP-BC, CCRN, CNE, FAANP, combines clinical expertise and academic leadership to prepare nurses for complex and high-acuity care while strengthening graduate nursing education.
The Academy has also welcomed five Duke Nursing alumni and associates as Fellows.
Clinical Associate Gillian Adynski, PhD, RN, CEN, advances global health through research and policy focused on nursing workforces and stronger, more equitable health systems.
Alumna Forgive Avorgbedor, PhD’17, RN, studies the structural and social factors influencing maternal and cardiovascular health, particularly among Black women, infants, and families.
Alumna Nicole Seagriff, DNP’16, APRN, FNP-BC, works to expand access to primary care and strengthen the nurse practitioner workforce while advancing breast cancer advocacy and awareness.
Consulting Associate LaDonna Thomas, DNP, ANP-C, VHA-CM, FFNMRCSI, FCN, has demonstrated trailblazing leadership in nursing practice, policy, and veterans' health care.
Alumna Ashlee Vance, PhD’19, RN, RNC-NIC, is advancing neonatal nursing through research focused on health equity and the systems, policies, and social factors affecting infants and families.
Celebrating Living Legends
This year's celebration also carries special significance with two members of the Duke community receiving the Academy's Living Legend designation. Associate Professor Ernest Grant, PhD, DSc(h), RN, FADLN, FAAN, was recognized for a career that has transformed burn care and prevention, health policy, health equity, and nursing leadership. His career has included caring for people with complex burn injuries, helping prepare health professionals following 9/11 and during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and leading the nursing profession through the COVID-19 pandemic as president of the American Nurses Association.
Joining him as a Living Legend is Duke alumnus Kevin Sowers, MSN’89, RN, FAAN. Sowers began his Duke career as an oncology staff nurse in 1985 and went on to become a nationally and internationally recognized health care leader. A former president of Duke University Hospital, he has championed organizational excellence, mentorship, and patient-centered care while investing in future generations of health care leaders.
Across research, education, practice, advocacy, and leadership, this year's honorees demonstrate the far-reaching influence of the Duke Nursing community.
“We are proud of these faculty members, leaders, and alumni and grateful for the example they set through their service, scholarship, and leadership,” said Dean Michael Relf, PhD, RN, ANEF, FAAN.