Sportsman Named Fellow by the Academy of Nursing Education
Dr. Susan Sportsman, Dean of the College of Health Sciences and Human Services, has been inducted into the National League for Nursing's Academy of Nursing Education with the credential of fellow. She joins the academy's 105 fellows representing nursing schools and programs throughout the United States.
The NLN established the Academy of Nursing Education in 2007 to foster excellence in nursing education by recognizing and capitalizing on the wisdom of nurse educators who have made sustained and significant contributions to nursing education. Fellows provide visionary leadership in nursing education and in the Academy of Nursing Education and support the vision of the NLN to promote standards of excellence in nursing education that will increase the number of graduates from all types of nursing programs. Fellows serve as important role models and resources for new educators and for those who aspire to become nurse educators.
Dr. Beverly A. Malone, NLN CEO, said, "The National League for Nursing relies on these accomplished individuals as allies in our efforts to prepare the numbers of excellent nurse educators we need if we are to eliminate the shortage of nurses plaguing America's health-care institutions. Nurse faculty and colleagues from other fields who contribute to excellence in nursing education and to the preparation of a nursing work force that meets the needs of our ever-changing health-care environment deserve this public recognition and the gratitude of all who are eager to elevate the status of the profession."
As a newly named fellow, Sportsman has been lauded for her innovative teaching and/or learning strategies; nursing education research; faculty development; academic leadership; promotion of public policy that advances nursing education; and/or collaborative educational, practice, or community partnerships.
Sportsman was selected as a fellow based upon her work in innovative partnerships which enhanced nursing education. These included a partnership among Midwestern State University, United Regional Health Care System, and Vernon College to operate a Regional Simulation Center. She also is the principal investigator for a grant that implemented the first Dedicated Education Unit (DEU) in the state of Texas for university pre-licensure students at United Regional. In her work as President of the Texas Nurses Association, she facilitated increased state funding for nursing education and led the development of processes to reduce barriers for nurses to continue formal education, document competence for nurses, and expand the use of clinical sites.
"I am delighted that Dr. Sportsman has been named a fellow by the National League for Nursing's Academy for Nursing Education," said Dr. Alisa White, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. "Dean Sportsman is a prominent voice and advocate for nursing education on the national and state levels, and Midwestern is fortunate to have her leading the College of Health Sciences and Human Services."
The fellowships have been awarded by the NLN Board of Governors, the oversight body of the Academy of Nursing Education. The induction of new fellows and a meeting of fellows in the Academy of Nursing Education will be held in conjunction with the NLN's annual Education Summit in the fall.