Dean Julie Sanford Appointed Chair of AACN Board of Directors
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing has announced the appointment of the Capstone College of Nursing’s Dean Julie Sanford, PhD, RN, ANEF, FAAN, as chair of its Board of Directors. Dean Sanford officially began her two-year term following AACN’s Deans Annual Meeting on March 31.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to work collaboratively with colleagues across the nation to strengthen nursing’s impact on improving health and healthcare,” said Dean Sanford.
In academic nursing since 1993, Dean Sanford has maintained a national and international presence advocating for and advancing nursing in higher education. Prior to joining UA as the Angelyn Adams Giambalvo Dean and professor at the Capstone College of Nursing, she served as dean of the School of Nursing at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, and director of the School of Nursing at James Madison University.
“Having served in leadership capacities at public and private institutions, my experience in academic settings will help to ensure that all perspectives are considered in Board decision making and strategic planning,” said Dean Sanford.
Dean Sanford has previously served on AACN’s Board of Directors as secretary and member-at-large; on the Nominating and Government Affairs Committees; as chair of the Baccalaureate Education Conference Planning Subcommittee; as a state grassroots liaison; as a team leader and Report Committee member for the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education; and as a mentor in the New Dean Mentoring program.
“Engagement within AACN has helped to strengthen my leadership capacity and deepened my commitment to developing the next generation of academic nurse leaders,” added Dean Sanford. “I consider my connection with AACN to be a career highlight as it has afforded me the opportunity to shape my strategic thinking and decision-making skills in service to member schools.”