AACN Announces Board of Directors and Nominating Committee Election Results for 2026
AACN 2026 Election Results: A New Era in Nursing Leadership
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) has announced the results of its 2026 election, which will infuse new energy into its Board of Directors and Nominating Committee. The election involved participation from nearly half of the deans representing the nation’s nursing schools with baccalaureate and higher degree programs. AACN is proud to welcome a diverse group of dedicated professionals to lead the way in nursing education.
Newly Elected Leaders
Among the distinguished individuals elected to the AACN Board of Directors are:
- - Valerie Howard (Chair-Elect) from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- - Christine Verni (Secretary) from Niagara University
- - Bimbola Akintade from East Carolina University
- - Eileen Fry-Bowers from the University of San Francisco
- - Kimberly Hunter from University of Iowa Health Care
- - Versie Johnson-Mallard from Kent State University
Additionally, the Nominating Committee welcomes:
- - Aziza Mahmud Perez from Ponce Health Sciences University
- - Cynthia Rubenstein from Randolph-Macon College
Commitment to Progress
AACN Board Chair, Dr. Jean Giddens, emphasized the organization's commitment to harnessing the expertise of engaged members to propel its mission forward. She stated, “The success of AACN is fueled by our network of engaged members who volunteer their time and expertise to advance our mission and strategic goals.” This commitment to collaborative leadership is vital, especially as the nursing profession evolves.
Individual Highlights
Valerie Howard brings a wealth of experience as dean and professor at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, with significant achievements in simulation-based education. Her leadership is rooted in enhancing nursing standards and advocating for the nursing workforce’s future.
Christine Verni, who has gained recognition for her fundraising skills and development of new graduate programs at Niagara University, is not only a board-certified family nurse practitioner but also a fierce advocate for technology integration in healthcare.
Bimbola Akintade, elected as a Board Member-at-Large, possesses over 20 years of expertise in academia and healthcare leadership and aims to further advance workforce development strategies.
Eileen Fry-Bowers continues her trajectory after being re-elected; her advocacy in pediatric healthcare policy and leadership in nursing education equips her to drive forward-thinking initiatives at AACN.
Kimberly Hunter, who has been a driving force behind operational excellence at leading healthcare systems like Mayo Clinic, serves as a powerful voice for practice representatives on the Board.
And finally, Versie Johnson-Mallard is celebrated for her contributions to women’s health and health equity, making her a key asset in steering AACN's future.
A Focus on the Future
The newly elected board members will begin their terms after the membership meeting at AACN's Deans Annual Meeting, taking place on March 31, 2026. This meeting will mark the beginning of an exciting chapter for AACN as these dedicated individuals work to improve health care and promote high standards in nursing education.
About the AACN
The AACN, representing over 890 member schools of nursing, is an influential voice in the field of academic nursing. Its objectives include establishing high-quality standards for nursing education, assisting educational institutions, advocating for the nursing profession, and garnering public support for nursing education and research.
To learn more about the AACN and its vital role in shaping nursing education, visit aacnnursing.org.
Topics Health）
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