A Community of Leaders
Overview: Why Should You Attend?
Tailored Leadership Development: The OADN Leadership Institute is a unique program designed for ADN nursing faculty, deans, and directors who want to expand their leadership capabilities. Faculty roles extend beyond teaching—they involve mentoring, curriculum design, accreditation oversight, and program coordination, all of which require strong leadership skills. As faculty aspire to roles such as department chairs or deans, leadership development becomes essential.
We offer content and strategies that align with the challenges and opportunities in today’s education environments. ADN faculty and administrators navigate complex academic settings, balancing academic oversight with operational management—often with limited resources. Creating a leadership initiative specifically for associate degree nursing is a strategic effort that supports leaders at all levels, strengthens individual leadership capacity, and advances the broader landscape of nursing education.
Expert Guidance: Learn from seasoned nursing leaders who bring years of experience, insights, and real-world knowledge to every session. You’ll gain invaluable perspectives that will shape your leadership style and equip you with the tools to inspire change.
A Network of Peers: The OADN Leadership Institute connects you with a community of like-minded professionals—nurses who share your passion for leadership and advancing the nursing profession. Collaboration, mentorship, and networking opportunities are built into every aspect of the program.
Practical Tools for Immediate Impact: The OADN Leadership Institute focuses on practical, actionable learning that you can apply immediately in your practice. From strategic thinking and critical conversations to program management and team building, you’ll walk away with skills that deliver actual results.
Continuing Education & Professional Development: Enhance your credentials with continuing education opportunities that advance your skills and contribute to your professional growth and career trajectory.
Faculty Highlight

Who Should Apply?
The new 2026 applications have launched with a total of 3 cohorts (Cohort #1 for faculty, Cohort #2 & #3 are for deans & directors). For full details, please go to the cohort news announcement here.
When Are Applications Due?
There are three separate due dates for the new cohorts in 2026:
- Cohort #1 (Faculty): Application due date November 28, 2025
- Cohort #2 (ADN Leaders): Application due February 20, 2026
- Cohort #3 (ADN Leaders): Application due July 24, 2026
Additional details available at the cohort news announcement.
When Do the Cohorts Meet?
Cohort 1: For ADN Faculty who are planning to move into leadership within 5 years. Application due date November 28, 2025. Classes meet: January 13, January 27, February 10, February 17, March 10 and a final session in-person at the 2026 Convention in San Antonio.
Cohort 2: For ADN Leaders (deans, directors, program chairs, coordinators). Application due date Feb 20, 2026. Classes meet: April 7, April 21, May 5, May 19, June 2 and a final session in-person at the 2026 Convention in San Antonio
Cohort 3: For ADN Leaders (deans, directors, program chairs, coordinators). Application due date July 24, 2026. Classes meet: September 8, September 22, October 6, October 20, November 3 and a final session in-person at the 2026 Convention in San Antonio.
For full details, please go to the cohort news announcement here.
News from the Institute
Testimonials

“I still talk to colleagues about this opportunity all the time and feel so fortunate that I went through the OADN Leadership Institute. Participating in this program came at a perfect time as it was instrumental in preparing me to apply for, and ultimately be selected for, a Program Director position. As a new director, I will continue to utilize the many resources that were provided to our cohort and tap into that leadership network. In addition, the mentor experience was incredibly valuable. My mentor and I were so excited to see one another at the convention and look forward to continuing our collaborative relationship.”

“I wanted to take a moment to express how truly honored I have been to be an alumnus of the OADN Leadership Institute. The experience, mentorship, and insights I gained through the program have been invaluable in shaping my growth as a leader.
I am thrilled to share that, because of the leadership skills and confidence I developed through the Institute, I have recently stepped into the role of Chair of the Allied Health Department. This opportunity directly reflects the knowledge, networking, and professional development that OADN has provided, and I am incredibly grateful for its impact on my journey.
Thank you for fostering such a supportive and empowering environment. I look forward to continuing to apply what I have learned and to supporting the next generation of healthcare leaders.”