UPDATE: Thirteen distinguished faculty and alumni from the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing (JHSON) have just been recognized by the American Academy of Nursing (AAN) for their remarkable contributions to nursing and global health. This prestigious honor was announced during the AAN’s Health Policy Conference in Washington, D.C. on October 18, 2025.
Among the honorees, 11 faculty and alumni have been inducted as new Fellows of the AAN, showcasing their exceptional impact on health policy and nursing education worldwide. The 2025 inductees from JHSON include:
– Laura Lucas, DNP, APRN-CNS, RNC-OB, C-EFM, Assistant Professor and Director of the Master of Science in Nursing Program
– Shawna Mudd, DNP, MBA, CPNP-AC, PPCNP-BC, CNE, Associate Professor and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
– Shaquita Starks, PhD, PMHNP-BC, Associate Professor and Track Director for PMHNP
Alumni members achieving fellowship status include notable figures such as Ivy Latoja Pacis, DNP, MSN, MHA, FACHE, CNE, and Balkys Bivins, PhD, PMHNP-BC, among others, all recognized for their transformative work in nursing.
In addition, Phyllis Sharps, PhD, RN, FAAN, professor emerita, has been named a 2025 Living Legend by the AAN. This prestigious title honors her groundbreaking research on intimate partner violence (IPV) among pregnant women, significantly altering public health nursing practices. Her innovative Domestic Violence Enhanced Home Visitation (DOVE) intervention, funded by the National Institutes of Health, has set new standards in identifying and responding to IPV.
The highest individual honor, the President’s Award, was awarded to Patricia Davidson, PhD, MEd, RN, FAAN, former Dean of JHSON. She was recognized for her lifetime commitment to enhancing the health of communities globally, marking a significant recognition within the nursing field.
“These recognitions from the AAN showcase the remarkable breadth of excellence within the Hopkins Nursing community,” stated Sarah L. Szanton, PhD, RN, FAAN, Dean of JHSON. “Each honoree embodies the spirit of innovation and leadership that drives our mission to advance health and nursing worldwide.”
With this significant acknowledgment, the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing continues to solidify its position as a global leader in nursing education and research, currently ranked as the No. 1 nursing school in the U.S. for its DNP program and No. 2 for its master’s program.
This urgent announcement highlights the institution’s commitment to advancing health practices and education. As the nursing community celebrates these achievements, it underscores the ongoing impact of JHSON on a global scale.
For more updates on this developing story and to learn about the incredible work being done at JHSON, visit www.nursing.jhu.edu.
