Symposium Program

All sessions are listed in Eastern Time (ET)

Wednesday, November 9 

11:00-11:15 a.m.
Welcome
A Land Acknowledgement is a formal statement that recognizes and respects Indigenous Peoples as traditional stewards of this land and the enduring relationship that exists between Indigenous Peoples and their traditional territories.
Speakers: Demetrius Porche, DNS, PhD, AACN Board of Directors DEI Committee Board Liaison, Professor and Dean, LSU Health New Orleans, New Orleans, LA; Deborah Trautman, PhD, RN, President and CEO, American Association of Colleges of Nursing, Washington, DC; Wanda Thruston, DNP, APRN, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, American Association of Colleges of Nursing, Washington, DC

11:15 a.m.-12:45 p.m.
From Awareness, to Action, to Innovation: Navigating Today's Strategic DEI Context

Dr. Damon A. Williams will overview today’s DEI environment in the United States and share tips for how leaders, allies, DEI officers, faculty, BIPOC professionals, community members, and others can navigate the strategic, organizational, and personal challenges of post-COVID dynamics and the current state of DEI.
Speaker: Dr. Damon A. Williams, Chief Catalyst, National Inclusive Excellence Leadership Academy (NIXLA)

Facilitator: Marilyn Harrington, PhD, AGNP-C, Assistant Dean for DEI/Associate Professor, University of Missouri Medical Center, Jackson, MS

12:45-12:50 p.m.
Stretch Break

12:50-1:20 p.m.
Community Engagement to Foster Nursing Diversity
2021-22 Lectureship Award for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Sustainability in Nursing Education for Private Colleges and Universities

Speaker: Shannon Bright Smith, APRN, ACNS-BC, Associate Professor and Associate Dean of Nursing, Director of the Institute for Teaching and Nursing, Claflin University, Orangeburg, SC
Facilitator: Terrica M Durbin, PhD, DNP, Associate Professor, Director, School of Nursing, Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, NC

1:20-2:00 p.m.
Lunch Break

2:00-3:00 p.m.
Solution Circles
Learn from industry experts in a collaborative format by examining current challenges in the field of academic nursing.
AACN has not been involved with the planning of the content of this session, nor does it endorse presented products or services. Provided content is the sole responsibility of the presenting sponsor.

  • Courageous Conversations – DEI In and Beyond Your Classroom
    Sponsored and presented by Elsevier

    Speakers:
    Shirley Etienne, PhD, RN, Assistant Professor, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC; Helen A Gordon, DNP, CNM, Associate Clinical Professor, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC; Traci R. Snedden, PhD, RN, Clinical Associate Professor, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI; and Yolanda M. VanRiel, PhD, RN, Nursing Department Chair, North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC
    Facilitator: Kevonne Holloway,
    Managing Director, Global Content Partners, Elsevier

3:00-3:05 p.m.
Stretch Break

3:05- 3:35 p.m.  
Podium Abstracts
This is AACN’s version of TED Talks, whereby presenters have 20 minutes to get their key points across and the audience has five minutes to ask questions. Podium Abstract Presentations run concurrently.

  • Health Inequity Education Using Multidisciplinary Experiential Learning
    Speaker: Amy Adams, DNP, FNP-C, Assistant Professor, University of South Alabama, Wilmer, AL
    Facilitator: Sally Ellis Fletcher, PhD, RN, Associate Dean for Students School of Nursing and Health Studies, University of Missouri Kansas City, Kansas City, MO
     
  • Development of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Elements Tool (DEIET)
    Speaker: Kendra Barrier, PhD, RN, Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, LSU Health New Orleans School of Nursing, New Orleans, LA
    Facilitator: Lenetra Jefferson, PhD, RN, Assistant Professor, Troy University, Troy, AL
     
  • Factors Affecting Success of African American BSN Nursing Students
    Speaker: Jennifer Coleman, PhD, RN, Professor, Samford University, Birmingham, AL
    Facilitator: Patsy R. Smith, PhD, RN, Associate Professor, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center Oklahoma City, OK
     
  • CARE Pathway to the BSN
    Speaker: Jorgia Connor, PhD, Associate Professor, Assistant Dean for the BSN Program, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago IL
    Facilitator: Patricia A. Varga, PhD, RN, Professor & Chair RN BSN Program, Alverno College, Milwaukee, WI 

3:35-3:45 p.m.
Stretch Break

3:45-4:15 p.m.
Addressing Diversity and Disparities in Healthcare
2021-22 Lectureship Award for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Sustainability in Nursing Education for Small/Liberal Arts Colleges

Speaker: Tamara Bland, EdD, MSN, Interim Dean, Borra College of Health Sciences, Dominican University, River Forest, IL
Facilitator: Masako Mayahara, PhD, RN, CHPN, FPCN, Associate Professor and Associate Chairperson, College of Nursing, Community, System and Mental Health Nursing, Rush University, Chicago, IL

4:15 p.m.
Closing and Wrap-Up

Speaker: Wanda Thruston, DNP, APRN, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, American Association of Colleges of Nursing, Washington, DC

Thursday, November 10 

11:00 a.m.-11:15 a.m.
Day 2 Welcome
Speakers: Marilyn Harrington, PhD, AGNP-C, Assistant Dean for DEI/Associate Professor, University of Missouri Medical Center, Jackson, MS; Brenda Moore, PhD, RN-BC, Associate Professor, Director of Center for Global Nursing, Texas Woman's University, Houston, TX

11:30-12:30 p.m. 
National Commission on Racism in Nursing Panel
For the past two years, AACN has been engaged in a national discussion with other members of the National Commission to Address Racism in nursing.  The Commission published its foundational report on racism in nursing in May, 2022 and the dialogue continues. The work for now and for the future is to own, amplify, understand, and change how racism negatively impacts colleagues, patients, families, communities, and the healthcare system. This panel will provide insights into this important work and opportunity for continued dialogue.
PanelistsLydia H Albuquerque, DNP, ACNP-BC, Professor, William Paterson University, Wayne, NJ; G. Rumay Alexander, EdD, MSN,  Professor, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, ANA Scholar-in-Residence, National Commission Addressing Racism in Nursing, Chapel Hill, NC; Kenya V. Beard, EdD, AGACNP-BC, Associate Provost for Social Mission & Academic Excellence, Chamberlain University, Addison, IL; Sarah M. Killian, DNP, RN, 22nd National President, Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Incorporated, Washington, DC; Blake K. Smith, MSN, RN, Board Presdient, American Association of Men in Nursing, Omaha, NE
Facilitator: Wanda Thruston, DNP, APRN, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, American Association of Colleges of Nursing, Washington, DC

12:30- 1:00 pm
Learning and Leading: The Buckeye Nursing Journey
2021-22 Lectureship Award for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Sustainability in Nursing Education for Academic Health Centers

Speaker: Angela D. Alston, DNP, MPH, Assistant Clinical Professor, Chief Diversity Officer, The Ohio State University College of Nursing, Columbus, OH
Facilitator: Shelley A. Johnson, EdD, MBA, RN, Dean and Professor, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Tallahassee, FL

1:00-1:10 p.m.
Stretch Break

1:10-2:10 p.m.
DEI Continuum Focused Discussions

Learn from others how to plan, launch, integrate and sustain a DEI initiative.  

  • Not Yet Started/Thinking About It
    Who should attend: The nursing program or individuals recognize the importance of DEI with no DEI planning or initiatives implemented and maybe contemplating its next steps.
    Facilitator: Nichole Crenshaw, DNP, APRN, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Nursing Programs, Associate Professor of Clinical, Associate Provost for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, University of Miami, Miami, FL
    Recorder: Patsy R. Smith, PhD, RN, Associate Professor, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center Oklahoma City, OK
     
  • Ready to Start
    Who should attend: The nursing program is interested in advancing its DEI work and has put some strategies or actions in motion.
    Facilitator: Terrica M Durbin, PhD, DNP, Associate Professor, Director, School of Nursing, Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, NC
    Recorder: Brenda Moore, PhD, RN-BC, Associate Professor, Director of Center for Global Nursing, Texas Woman's University, Houston, TX 
     
  • Well on their way
    Who should attend: The nursing program is actively engaged in advancing its DEI work.
    Facilitator: Carolyn Montoya, PhD, RN, Professor and Interim Executive Vice Dean, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM
    Recorder: Masako Mayahara, PhD, RN, CHPN, FPCN, Associate Professor and Associate Chairperson, College of Nursing, Community, System and Mental Health Nursing, Rush University, Chicago, IL
     
  • Exemplary Leading
    Who should attend: A commitment to DEI is fully institutionalized throughout the organization both internally and externally.
    Facilitator: Paula Alexander-Delpech, PhD, APRN, Associate Professor, Chief Diversity, and Inclusion Officer, Frontier Nursing University, Hyden, KY
    Recorder: Marilyn Harrington, PhD, AGNP-C, Assistant Dean for DEI/Associate Professor, University of Missouri Medical Center, Jackson, MS
     
  • Deans and Associate/Assistant Deans
    Who should attend: Deans and associate/assistant deans of nursing programs with various interest in advancing its DEI work at their school.
    Facilitator: Shelley A. Johnson, EdD, MBA, RN, Dean and Professor, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Tallahassee, FL
    Recorder: Sally Ellis Fletcher, PhD, RN, Associate Dean for Students School of Nursing and Health Studies, University of Missouri Kansas City, Kansas City, MO

2:10-2:40 p.m.
Lunch Break

2:40-3:10 p.m.
Podium Abstracts
This is AACN’s version of TED Talks, whereby presenters have 20 minutes to get their key points across and the audience has five minutes to ask questions. Podium Abstract Presentations run concurrently

  • Life Experiencers of Native American Students Enrolled in a Community College
    Speaker: Loretta Heuer, PhD, RN, Professor, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND
    Facilitator: Sally Ellis Fletcher, PhD, RN, Associate Dean for Students School of Nursing and Health Studies, University of Missouri Kansas City, Kansas City, MO
     
  • Multi-year Implementation and Outcomes of an Ongoing Peer-mentoring Circle (PMC) Program
    Speaker: Tana Karenke, PhD, RN, Clinical Assistant Professor, Mentor/Advisor Specialist, Marquette University, Milwaukee. WI
    Facilitator:  Lenetra Jefferson, PhD, RN, Assistant Professor, Troy University, Troy, AL
     
  •  “Everybody’s Scrutinizing You”: Perspectives of Inclusion among Black and Hispanic Nursing Students
    Speaker: Sharrica Miller, PhD, RN, Assistant Professor, California State University Fullerton, Fullerton, CA
    Facilitator: Patsy R. Smith, PhD, RN, Associate Professor, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center Oklahoma City, OK
  • Inclusion of Disability Content in Simulation: An Evaluation of the Learners’ Perspective on the Effectiveness of a Pediatric Tabletop Simulation
    Speaker: Jennifer Nahum, DNP, CPNP-AC, Clinical Assistant Professor, Rory Meyers College of Nursing at New York University, HoHoKus, NJ
    Facilitator: Patricia A. Varga, PhD, RN, Professor & Chair RN BSN Program, Alverno College, Milwaukee, WI 

3:10-3:20 p.m.
Stretch Break

3:20-4:20 p.m.
Closing Plenary
Is it a Moment or a Movement What’s Next? 

The presentation will frame the current environment and highlight organizations that have joined the movement to transform diversity, equity and inclusion. Sterling will offer practical examples of strategies and metrics leading healthcare organizations are leveraging to advance this agenda. Nurse educators will be challenged to engage and embrace the role of the nurse citizen in practice and education. 
Speaker: Terrie Sterling, MSN, MBA, RN, Interim Chief Executive Officer, University Medical Center New Orleans, New Orleans, LA
Facilitator: Brenda Moore, PhD, RN-BC, Associate Professor, Director of Center for Global Nursing, Texas Woman's University, Houston, TX 

4:20 p.m.
Discussion Report Out and Conference Closing Speakers:
Speaker: Wanda Thruston, DNP, APRN, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, American Association of Colleges of Nursing, Washington, DC; Sally Ellis Fletcher, PhD, RN, Associate Dean for Students School of Nursing and Health Studies, University of Missouri Kansas City, Kansas City, MO; Marilyn Harrington, PhD, AGNP-C, Assistant Dean for DEI/Associate Professor, University of Missouri Medical Center, Jackson, MS; Masako Mayahara, PhD, RN, CHPN, FPCN, Associate Professor and Associate Chairperson, College of Nursing, Community, System and Mental Health Nursing, Rush University, Chicago, IL; Brenda Moore, PhD, RN-BC, Associate Professor, Director of Center for Global Nursing, Texas Woman's University, Houston, TX; and  Patsy R. Smith, PhD, RN, Associate Professor, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center Oklahoma City, OK

Symposium Objectives

  • Examine academic nursing organizational changes that advance diversity, equity and inclusion strategies leading to improved student outcomes.  
     
  • Explore local and national regulatory changes that impact the implementation of diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies in academic nursing.
     
  • Examine the impact of diversity, equity, and inclusion changes within academic nursing on the nursing profession to achieve health equity for all

Continuing Education

AACN is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. Attendees may earn up to 13.25 CE hours for the Diversity Symposium.

 

Additional DEI Opportunities

Now Accepting Applications

Apply by November 30, 2022

Learn More

Join the Leadership Network that Advances DEI

The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leadership Network (DEILN) supports the efforts of AACN member institutions to identify effective strategies for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in academic nursing and the nursing workforce.  

Membership in DEILN is open to all faculty, deans, and staff with an interest in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion. This network will be of particular interest to diversity officers, administrators responsible for multicultural/diversity affairs, and those serving in or aspiring to similar roles.

Learn More