Dean Julie Sanford Elected AACN Chair-Elect

Dean Julie Sanford Headshot

The University of Alabama Capstone College of Nursing is pleased to share that Dean Julie Sanford has been elected to serve as the American Association of Colleges of Nursing‘s Chair-Elect.

“Dean Sanford’s election as AACN Chair-Elect is wonderful recognition of her leadership and accomplishments in nursing education, research, and practice,” said Dr. James Dalton, UA Executive Vice President and Provost. “This esteemed role is an amazing opportunity for her to share her expertise and vision for nursing while fostering national recognition of our outstanding Capstone College of Nursing.”

AACN is the national voice for academic nursing, working to establish quality standards for nursing education; assisting schools in implementing those standards; influencing the nursing profession to improve health care; and promoting public support for professional nursing education, research, and practice.

“I am truly honored and humbled to be elected to serve AACN in this capacity,” said Dean Sanford. “I look forward to advancing the groundbreaking work of the organization that sets the standard for nursing education in our nation.”

AACN is governed by a 14-member Board of Directors, 11 of whom represent a member institution, and 2 represent nursing practice.

“On behalf of the academic nursing community, I applaud Dr. Sanford for her commitment to shaping the future of nursing education as AACN’s top elected leader,” said Dr. Deborah Trautman, AACN’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “She is highly regarded among her peers in health care and higher education for her advocacy on behalf of the nursing profession, her skills as a consensus builder, and her ability to achieve results.”   

Dean Sanford continued, “I am thrilled to be able serve AACN over the next four years while representing The University of Alabama and Bama Nursing, Where Legends Are Made.”

The Capstone College of Nursing is recognized as a national innovator in clinical simulation in nursing education, utilizing simulators and telehealth technology in teaching, research and health care delivery. In recent years, the college’s nursing licensure pass rates for graduates have ranged from 97 to 100%, consistently exceeding statewide and national averages. The college is also designated as one of the National Centers of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing.

The University of Alabama, part of The University of Alabama System, is the state’s flagship university. UA shapes a better world through its teaching, research and service. With a global reputation for excellence, UA provides an inclusive, forward-thinking environment and nearly 200 degree programs on a beautiful, student-centered campus. A leader in cutting-edge research, UA advances discovery, creative inquiry and knowledge through more than 30 research centers. As the state’s largest higher education institution, UA drives economic growth in Alabama and beyond.

Read AACN’s full release here.