OADN Leadership Institute

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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. We offer content and strategies that align with the challenges and opportunities in today’s education environments. Managing a nursing program requires a distinct set of leadership skills; ADN faculty and administrators navigate complex academic environments, balancing academic oversight with operational management—often with limited resources. Creating a leadership initiative specifically for associate degree nursing is a strategic effort that will strengthen individual leadership skills while advancing 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

Read Karen’s Bio

Karen LaMartina
Karen LaMartina, Director, OADN Leadership Institute

Who Should Apply?

This year’s cohort is for Deans & Directors only. Future cohorts (including the next one in the first half of 2026) will be open to faculty, deans & directors.

 

When Are Applications Due?

This year’s application is due on June 13.

How to Apply

Application instructions are now available here (PDF). Make sure to review the PDF; it includes detailed instructions on the online application portal hosted by Trajecsys:

STEP 1: Register for a Trajecsys Account

STEP 2: Access the Application via the Trajecsys Portal

STEP 3: Complete & Submit the Application

Trajecsys Logo

OADN thanks Trajecsys for their support for — and partnership with — the OADN Leadership Institute. Trajecsys hosts the application portal, learning management platform, and provides significant support for scholarships to attend the Institute.

News from the Institute

OADN Leadership Institute Debuts New Deans & Directors Cohort

**Please note the revised seminar dates below.**   OADN LEADS with an exciting opportunity for Associate Degree Nursing Deans & Directors! With an evolving landscape in associate degree nursing education, the demand for skilled leaders who can foster a culture of excellence is greater than ever.  OADN is offering an exclusive opportunity for ADN deans […]

OADN Voices: January 2025

A Welcome Message from OADN's Western Region Director Hello, OADN members and friends, My name is Enna Trevathan and I am honored to serve as your Western Region Director! Over the past 40 years, our members have elevated our organization as the national leader in Associate Degree nursing education and a key player in the [...]

Announcing the New Director of the OADN Leadership Institute

We are excited to announce that Karen LaMartina, Ph.D., MSN, RN, FAADN, has been selected as the incoming Director of the Organization for Associate Degree Nursing (OADN) Leadership Institute. With a distinguished career in nursing education and a proven track record of leadership, Dr. LaMartina brings a wealth of experience and a passionate commitment to [...]

Testimonials

Lori Shank
Lori Shank, DNP, RN, CPN Johnson County Community College Registered Nursing Overland Park, KS

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.”

Heather Breaux
Heather Breaux, MSN, RN-BC Chair of Allied Health Lamar State College Port Arthur Allied Health Department

“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.”