McNelis awarded prestigious 2024 NLN award

Vanderbilt University School of Nursing Assistant Dean, PhD in Nursing Science Angela McNelis, PhD, RN, FAAN, ANEF, CNE, was awarded the Mary Adelaide Nutting Award as part of the 2024 National League for Nursing Awards. The award is given to an individual who demonstrates outstanding teaching, contributes as a leader in nursing education, encourages creative interactions with students from diverse backgrounds, mentors and serves as a role model for junior faculty, and publishes scholarly works that advance nursing education.

"I am deeply honored to receive the Mary Adelaide Nutting Award," said McNelis. "She was a key figure with vision and drive who modernized the profession of nursing. Like her, my work and research has focused on nursing education across all levels, so this award has very special meaning to me."

Over her 23-year academic career, McNelis has developed and tested different approaches including simulation, innovative clinical models and interprofessional education to enhance student learning and contributed to the evidentiary base of nursing education. She has led or been part of research teams awarded 31 grants totaling more than $6 million. She also has a significant record of publications, including 75 peer-reviewed journal articles, and has given more than 100 presentations on her work at local, national and international conferences.

"Angie is truly a difference maker in nursing education, and this award is a testament to that," said Dean Pamela R. Jeffries, PhD, FAAN, ANEF, FSSH, the Valere Potter Distinguished Professor of Nursing. "Her leadership in educating the next generation of nurses is so vital, and we are very excited for her."

The NLN Awards are named for three leading luminaries of nursing education, and reflect the core values of the organization, which are caring, integrity, diversity and inclusion and excellence. McNelis will be honored at this year's NLN Education Summit in San Antonio, Texas, September 18-20.