The Academy of Associate Degree Nursing (AADN), housed within the Organization for Associate Degree Nursing (OADN), is proud to announce the selection of 10 distinguished nursing leaders as Fellows of the Academy in the Class of 2026.

Established in 2015, the Academy recognizes individuals whose exceptional leadership, scholarship, advocacy, and service have made enduring and substantial contributions to associate degree nursing education and practice. Fellowship in the Academy is among OADN’s highest professional honors, recognizing individuals whose achievements have strengthened the profession and advanced the visibility, value, and impact of associate degree nursing nationwide.

The 2026 Fellows exemplify the sustained leadership that continues to shape the future of nursing education. Their work has strengthened associate degree nursing programs and expanded opportunities for students to enter the profession. As mentors, they have supported the professional growth of fellow educators and helped prepare new leaders to guide nursing programs. Their influence also extends into clinical practice and professional advocacy, where they have championed the contributions of associate degree-prepared nurses. These achievements reflect a lasting commitment to educational excellence and to preparing nurses who can meet the nation’s evolving healthcare needs.

“The 2026 Fellows demonstrate how much dedicated nurse educators and leaders can accomplish for our profession,” said Tammy Vant Hul, PhD, MSN, RN, ACNP, CNE, FAADN, chair of the 2026 Academy Fellow Selection Committee. “These Fellows have made lasting contributions to associate degree nursing, often while helping others find their own path as educators and leaders. Their influence reaches well beyond their institutions, and I am proud to welcome them into the Academy.”

Academy of Associate Degree Nursing

Class of 2026 Fellows

Marci Dial, PhD, DNP, RN, PMGT-BC, CHSE, LNC Professor of Nursing Valencia College	Jennifer Fritzges, DNP, RN, CNE, CNEcl Nursing Program Director Carroll College
Sarita James, PhD, RN, CNE Director, Associate Degree Nursing Louisiana State University at Alexandria	Dawn Morris, PhD, MSN, RN, JD, CNE Nursing Faculty South Louisiana Community College
Patricia Nabal, DNP, BS, MSN-FNP, RN-BC Associate Dean of Nursing City Colleges of Chicago, Malcolm X College	Nancy L. Norman-Marzella, DNP, MSN, NP, RN Dean of Health, Human and Business Sciences, Director of Nursing Cecil College
Nancy M. Petges, EdD, MSN, RN, CNE Associate Professor of Nursing College of DuPage	Karla Ross, DNP, RN, CNE, CNEcl Director, Associate Degree Nursing Blinn College
Donna R. Wallis, MBA, MSN, RN Executive Director of Nursing Palo Alto College	Stephanie T. Wynn, DNP, PMH-BC, FNP-BC, COI, FAANP, FNAP Associate Dean and Professor Samford University

Honorary Fellows

Each year, the Academy also recognizes distinguished individuals whose leadership, advocacy, and service have made a lasting impact on nursing education and the broader healthcare profession through their support of associate degree nursing. Honorary Fellows represent diverse professional backgrounds and are recognized for their exceptional contributions to advancing educational opportunity, professional excellence, and the nursing workforce.

The Academy’s first Honorary Fellow, inducted in 2015, was Dr. Susan Hassmiller, PhD, RN, FAAN, who earned her Associate of Science in Nursing from Broward College before becoming one of the nation’s most influential nursing leaders. Her professional journey exemplifies the opportunities and enduring impact made possible through associate degree nursing education.

OADN is pleased to announce the following 2026 Honorary Fellows:

Lynette V. Apen, DNP, RN, CNS, CNE Associate Dean, Nursing Academic Affairs & Faculty Development University of San Francisco

Richard L. Pullen, Jr., EdD, MSN, RN, CNE, CNE-cl, ANEF, FAAN Consultant

The Class of 2026 Fellows and Honorary Fellows will be formally inducted into the Academy during the 2026 OADN Convention, November 12–14, in San Antonio, Texas. Their induction celebrates distinguished professional achievement and recognizes the lasting contributions of leaders whose work continues to strengthen associate degree nursing education, advance the nursing profession, and expand opportunities for future generations of nurses.

To learn more about the Academy of Associate Degree Nursing and its mission, visit

oadn.org/academy-of-associate-degree-nursing/
.