News Releases

Four University of Maryland School of Nursing Faculty Members, Five Alumnae, and a DNP Student Selected to AAN's 2017 Class of Fellows

October 9, 2017

Fellows have made significant contributions to nursing and health care. 

Baltimore, Md.–  Four University of Maryland School of Nursing (UMSON) faculty members, five alumnae, and a student were inducted into the American Academy of Nursing (AAN) as fellows during the academy’s annual meeting and conference held this past weekend in Washington, D.C. They join a community of 2,400 AAN Fellows nationwide.

The following faculty were inducted into AAN’s 2017 class of fellows:

• Shannon Idzik, DNP ’10, MS, ’03, CRNP, FAANP, associate professor and associate dean of the Doctor of Nursing Practice program
• Yolanda Ogbolu, PhD ’11, MS ’05, BSN ’04, CRNP-Neonatal, assistant professor and director, Office of Global Health
• Charlotte Seckman, PhD ’08, RN-BC, associate professor 
• Shari Simone, DNP ’11, MS ’96, CPNP-AC, PPCNP-BC, FCCM, FAANP, assistant professor

Additionally, DNP student MiKaela Olsen, MS, APRN-CNS, AOCNS, and UMSON alumnae Ladan Eshkevari, PhD, BSN ’90, CRNA, LAc; Anita Hufft, PhD, BSN ’70, RN; Kathleen Hunter, PhD ’89, MS ’81, BSN ’76, RN-BC, CNE; Karen Swisher Kesten, DNP ’09, APRN, CCNS, CNE, CCRN-K; and Susan Renda, DNP,  MS ’89, ANP-BC, CDE, FNAP, are also among the 173 highly distinguished nurse leaders who compose this year’s cohort.             

“We are extremely proud of our newly elected fellows, and congratulate our faculty, alumnae, and student on achieving this significant honor,” said UMSON Dean Jane M. Kirschling, PhD, RN, FAAN. “As educators, clinicians, and researchers, they are making significant contributions within their chosen specialties and in their communities.”

Criteria for selection as a fellow include evidence of significant contributions to nursing and health care and sponsorship by two current AAN Fellows. Applicants are reviewed by a panel of elected and appointed fellows, and selection is based, in part, on the extent the nominee's nursing career has influenced health policies and the health and well-being of all.

Fellows include nurse leaders in education, management, practice, policy, and research, including hospital and government administrators, college deans, and renowned scientific researchers. The 2017 class represents all 50 U.S. states and Washington, D.C., and 29 countries.

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The University of Maryland School of Nursing, founded in 1889, is one of the oldest and largest nursing schools in the nation and is ranked among the top 10 nursing schools in the United States. Enrolling more than 1,800 students in its baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral programs, the School develops leaders who shape the profession of nursing and impact the health care environment.