The NLN Academy of Nursing Education fosters excellence in nursing education by recognizing and capitalizing on the wisdom of outstanding individuals in and outside the profession who have contributed to nursing education in sustained and significant ways. Comprising a select group of accomplished nurse educators, known as Fellows, the Academy embodies excellence, innovation, and leadership in the realm of nursing education. This spotlight will introduce us to four Fellows each month.
For more information on the Academy of Nursing Education, visit https://www.nln.org/awards-recognition/recognition-programs/academy-of-nursing-education.
Lora Claywell
Dr. Claywell is a professor and servant leader in nursing at Regis University where she developed and delivers innovative online and hybrid programs in graduate nursing education. She is author of LPN-to-RN Transitions textbook, currently in its 5th edition, and has an active research agenda publishing and presenting widely regarding improving quality in the online teaching-learning environment. Dr. Claywell was awarded Professor Honoris Causa at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam for 14 years of volunteer service in the collaborative development and delivery of a master’s degree in nursing. Dr. Claywell extends her service through leadership roles in professional nursing organizations locally as well as nationally and internationally.
Jennifer Coleman
Dr. Coleman is co-principal investigator of the National Black Nurses Association Mini Nurse Academy, an innovative initiative that introduces 3rd through 6th grade students to the role of professional nurse. The experiential nursing program provides students from traditionally underrepresented communities the opportunity to participate in authentic nursing work-related activities. Dr. Coleman’s vision is to transform the nursing workforce by educating and inspiring youth from diverse populations across the nation to become nurses. She has received numerous local, state, and national educator awards in recognition of her contributions to nursing diversity.
Michael Dino
Prof. Michael Joseph Dino, PhD, MAN, RN, LPT, FAAN, FFNMRCSI is an Apple Distinguished Educator (ADE) and a former member of its Advisory Board. He is Sigma Nursing’s 2019 Emerging Nurse Researcher honoree, Turnitin’s Academic Integrity Ambassador, and 2023 Top 10 Aster Guardians Nursing awardee. He pioneers projects on Fourth Industrial Revolution Technologies for health education including simulation, human-computer interaction, and robotics; and established the Multiple Applications for Reality-Virtuality Experience Laboratory (MARVEL), a research and development facility for the creation of virtual assets for learning in virtual spaces and the metaverse.
Leland Rockstraw
Dr. Leland “Rocky” Rockstraw, PhD, RN, FNAP is a Professor of Nursing at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He is known for his early adoption & instruction of technology in nursing education in the areas of healthcare simulation and online learning. “Rocky’s” work includes integration of strategies to enhance learning, safe practice, and confidence in both the academic and practice settings. Dr. Rockstraw’s desire to affect change in nursing education will continue to guide his teaching, service, and research.