Thirteen faculty members and alumni from the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing (JHSON) have received prestigious honors from the American Academy of Nursing (AAN), recognizing their outstanding contributions to health, policy, and nursing education on a global scale. This recognition includes eleven selections for fellowship, as well as notable awards for exceptional career achievements.
Fellowship Inductees Highlighted for Excellence
The eleven individuals chosen for fellowship represent a diverse range of expertise within the nursing community. Among the 2025 faculty inductees are Laura Lucas, DNP, APRN-CNS, RNC-OB, C-EFM, who serves as an Assistant Professor and Director of the Master of Science in Nursing Program. Also recognized is Shawna Mudd, DNP, MBA, CPNP-AC, PPCNP-BC, CNE, an Associate Professor and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, along with Shaquita Starks, PhD, PMHNP-BC, who is an Associate Professor and Track Director for PMHNP.
The list of alumni inductees features distinguished professionals such as Ivy Latoja Pacis, DNP, MSN, MHA, FACHE, CNE, NE-BC, CPHQ, CCRN-CMC, and Balkys Bivins, PhD, PMHNP-BC, both of whom are adjunct faculty at JHSON. Other notable alumni include Nakia C. Best, PhD, RN, from the University of California Irvine, and Sondra Leiggi Brandon, DNP, MBA, MPH, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC, NEA-BC, APRN, from Queen’s Health Systems.
Recognitions for Lifelong Contributions
In addition to the fellowships, the AAN honored Phyllis Sharps, PhD, RN, FAAN, professor emerita at JHSON, as a 2025 Living Legend. This title is reserved for individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the fields of nursing and global health. Dr. Sharps is renowned for her innovative research on intimate partner violence (IPV) among pregnant and parenting women, particularly through her Domestic Violence Enhanced Home Visitation (DOVE) intervention, which has significantly improved public health responses to IPV during pregnancy.
The AAN also presented its highest individual honor, the President’s Award, to Patricia Davidson, PhD, MEd, RN, FAAN, former Dean of JHSON and current Vice Chancellor’s Fellow at the University of New South Wales in Sydney. Dr. Davidson was recognized for her lifelong commitment to enhancing health outcomes for individuals, families, and communities.
“These recognitions from the American Academy of Nursing honor the remarkable breadth and depth of excellence within the Hopkins Nursing community,” said Sarah L. Szanton, PhD, RN, FAAN, Dean of the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing. “From our newest Fellows to our Living Legend and President’s Award honoree, each represents the spirit of innovation, compassion, and leadership that defines our school and advances the future of health and nursing around the world.”
The formal induction ceremony took place during the AAN’s Health Policy Conference in Washington, D.C., on October 18, 2025.
Located in Baltimore, the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing is recognized internationally for excellence in nursing education, research, and practice. According to U.S. News & World Report, it ranks first nationally for its Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program and second for its master’s programs. Additionally, QS World University ranks JHSON as the third-best nursing school globally. The institution has received multiple accolades, including the INSIGHT Into Academia Health Professions Higher Education Excellence in Distinction (HEED) Award and recognition as a leading institution for men in nursing.
For more information about the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, visit their website at www.nursing.jhu.edu.
