Thirteen faculty and alumni from the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing (JHSON) received prestigious honors from the American Academy of Nursing (AAN) for their significant contributions to nursing, health policy, and education. The recognitions include eleven new fellows, a Living Legend award, and the President’s Award, all celebrated during the AAN’s Health Policy Conference in Washington, D.C. on October 18, 2025.
Honorees from Johns Hopkins School of Nursing
Among the newly inducted fellows are notable faculty members such as Laura Lucas, Shawna Mudd, and Shaquita Starks. Their roles at JHSON reflect a commitment to advancing nursing practice and education. Lucas serves as an Assistant Professor and Director of the Master of Science in Nursing Program, while Mudd holds the title of Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. Starks is recognized for her leadership in the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner track.
The alumni selected for fellowship include distinguished professionals such as Ivy Latoja Pacis from the Veterans Affairs Capitol Health Care Network and Nakia C. Best from the University of California Irvine. Their achievements further exemplify the impact of JHSON graduates in the nursing field.
Recognitions for Exceptional Contributions
In addition to the fellowships, Phyllis Sharps, Professor Emerita, was named a 2025 Living Legend. This honor celebrates her groundbreaking research on intimate partner violence (IPV) among pregnant and parenting women. Her intervention program, known as DOVE, has significantly improved how public health nurses address IPV, demonstrating her commitment to advancing health equity and mentoring future professionals.
The President’s Award was presented to Patricia Davidson, former Dean of JHSON and current Vice Chancellor’s Fellow at the University of New South Wales. Davidson’s lifelong contributions to public health have left a lasting impact on communities and healthcare practices.
Sarah L. Szanton, Dean of the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, expressed pride in these recognitions, stating, “These honor the remarkable breadth and depth of excellence within the Hopkins Nursing community.” She emphasized the spirit of innovation and leadership that defines the institution and its contributions to global health.
Located in Baltimore, the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing ranks as a leader in nursing education and research. It is recognized as the top school in the United States for its Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program and ranks second for its master’s program, according to U.S. News & World Report. Additionally, QS World University ranks JHSON as the third-best nursing school globally, highlighting its esteemed reputation in the field.
With multiple accolades, including the INSIGHT Into Academia Health Professions Higher Education Excellence in Distinction (HEED) Award and recognition as a top institution for men in nursing, the school continues to shape the future of nursing and healthcare worldwide. For more information, visit their website at www.nursing.jhu.edu.
