Deans Annual Meeting

Program Agenda

Program subject to change.

March 29

11:00 a.m.-5:15 p.m.	Registration Open

12:00-4:00 p.m.	Exhibitor Showcase Open

12:15-1:00 p.m.	First-Time Attendee Meet & Greet Hosted by the AACN Program Committee

1:00-2:00 p.m.	Emerging Solutions/Discussion Forums Access and Opportunity to Build an Engaged Nursing Workforce A workforce that mirrors the demographics of the population it serves - encompassing backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives is crucial for effective problem-solving, innovation, and optimal outcomes. Panelists will discuss current challenges and opportunities for supporting access and engagement to achieve excellence in academic nursing. Come share your perspectives and experiences to help amplify this discussion on shaping the future of nursing. From Vision to Actualization: Providing Leadership for a Successful Transition to Competency-Based Education (CBE) The goal of CBE is to better prepare new nurse graduates to fully meet expectations for practice. Successfully making the transition to CBE requires vision, commitment, and leadership. In this interactive session, presenters will discuss the fundamental principles of CBE and their alignment with the Essentials competencies, as well as the process of backward design used to guide curriculum change. As a special focus, AACN’s work to develop Progression Indicators (PIs) or expected learner behaviors will be introduced as a critical component in assessing student learning. Your feedback on the PIs will be invaluable as we collect feedback on these indicators. Come ready to share details about your challenges and successes. Preceptorship: Enhancing the Experience A significant shortage of expert clinical preceptors and adequate preceptor training are barriers to strengthening the nursing workforce. While clinical nursing and teaching are distinct practices, skilled preceptors in both areas are crucial. Join this panel discussion to explore factors influencing clinical preceptorship, learn about innovative models, and examine legislative initiatives and strategies for policy impact. Succession Planning: Sustainability of Academic Nursing Leadership Join a panel of experienced deans who are committed to succession planning as a key strategy for sustaining academic nursing leadership. Succession planning opens the opportunity for positive relationships that cultivate, inspire, and assist in the development of leadership skills. This session will address the advantages and challenges of preparing future leaders to guide nursing education, research, and practice.

2:30-3:30 p.m.	Emerging Solutions/Discussion Forums (repeated) Access and Opportunity to Build an Engaged Nursing Workforce From Vision to Actualization: Providing Leadership for a Successful Transition to Competency-Based Education (CBE) Preceptorship: Enhancing the Experience Succession Planning: Sustainability of Academic Nursing Leadership

4:00-5:15 p.m.	Welcome and Rounds with AACN Leadership Join AACN Board Chair Jean Giddens and President/CEO Deborah Trautman for an overview of the association’s work to serve member needs by addressing challenges in the academic, practice, and policy arenas. With a special focus on navigating today’s legislative landscape, this session offers an opportunity for you to come ask questions and learn more about AACN’s advocacy agenda.

5:30-6:15 p.m.	New Member Orientation and Wine & Cheese Social Hosted by AACN's Board of Directors and Membership Committee

6:30 p.m.	Networking Dinners

6:45 p.m.	Capital Walk-and-Talk with AACN President and CEO

March 30

6:30-7:30 a.m.	Running and Walking Groups (optional)

7:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.	Registration Open

7:30-9:00 a.m.	Light Continental Breakfast

8:00-9:00 a.m.	Coffee & Conversations Deans of Minority Serving Nursing Schools Deans Leadership Showcase Exploring Volunteer Opportunities and Engagement at AACN

8:00-9:00 a.m.	Solution Circle: Resources for Supporting APRN Students and Faculty Sponsored by American Nurses Credentialing Center Preparing Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) students for successful entry into practice requires a comprehensive approach that supports both students and faculty. Nursing leaders and educators play a critical role in equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to navigate the final steps before licensure and certification. However, test-taking anxiety remains a significant barrier for many students. The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) has developed innovative resources designed to support faculty and students. We include opportunities to alleviate test-related stress and enhance student readiness. Additionally, faculty members are supported through ANCC Faculty Outreach toolkits, personalized lecture series and mentorship opportunities. Note: AACN does not endorse any specific company, product, or service.

8:00-9:00 a.m.	Solution Circle: Emotional Intelligence: 3 Steps to Effective Student Development Sponsored by SPIN-Learning This session will review a 3-step process to enhance emotional intelligence growth among nursing students through baseline measurement and structured integration. Note: AACN does not endorse any specific company, product, or service

8:00-9:00 a.m.	Solution Circle: Empowering Excellence: Socializing Nursing Faculty and Supporting Academic Leaders for Program Success Sponsored by Wolters Kluwer Providing professional development to socialize new and continuing nursing faculty and support academic leaders can be challenging and costly. This session will focus on a combination of strategies to utilize resources that enhance faculty and leadership success and retention from onboarding to retirement. Note: AACN does not endorse any specific company, product, or service.

9:15-10:15 a.m.	Leadership Plenary Harnessing the Collective Power of We: Building Academic-Practice Partnerships Join Dr. Guy David, Professor at The Wharton School and the Perelman School of Medicine, alongside panelists from academia and practice, for a presentation and discussion on how we can unite as a profession to advance shared goals, lead innovation, and maintain excellence in both healthcare and higher education.

10:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.	Like-Schools Focused Discussions Join member peers from similar institution types to discuss issues of mutual interest, share solutions to challenges, and learn through dialogue to advance priorities in academic nursing. Small/Liberal Arts Colleges Public Colleges/Universities Private Colleges/Universities Academic Health Centers

12:00-7:00 p.m.	Exhibitor Showcase Open

12:15-2:00 p.m.	Lunch (on your own)

12:45-1:45 p.m.	NursingCAS Luncheon A Demonstration of AACN’s Student Application and Admissions Management Portal Discover NursingCAS, AACN’s free student application service that provides member colleges with an online platform to efficiently manage all aspects of the admission process. Learn why nearly 300 colleges of nursing used NursingCAS during the last enrollment cycle to process more than 115,000 nursing school applications. Pre-Registration required. Limited seating.

12:45-1:45 p.m.	Solution Circle: Nursing Courseware for the TikTok Generation Sponsored by UWorld Nursing Join us for an introduction to UWorld’s modular, course-level resources, designed specifically to support nursing program goals in an increasingly dynamic educational landscape. Discover how UWorld’s digital-first, topic-based learning modules engage today’s students, support active learning, and seamlessly fit into diverse course formats—whether online, hybrid, or in-person. Note: AACN does not endorse any specific company, product, or service.

2:00-3:00 p.m.	Keynote Plenary Dr. Ted Mitchell, President of the American Council on Education (ACE), will present a compelling session on the current state of higher education, addressing the most critical and pressing challenges in today’s environment. ACE serves as the major coordinating body for the nation’s colleges and universities, working closely with Congress, the executive branch, and the private sector to develop policies and innovative practices that support the country’s postsecondary learners.

3:30-4:30 p.m.	Leadership Plenary Shaping the Future: Nursing Leadership in Evidence and Policy Nursing leaders are uniquely positioned to transform healthcare by bridging evidence, policy, and practice. In this session, Dr. Aaron E. Carroll, President and CEO of AcademyHealth, will outline his vision for advancing health services research and highlight the pivotal role nursing can play in driving innovation and real-world impact. Practical insights will be shared on how academic nursing can lead the charge in translating evidence into action, navigating change with creativity, and shaping the future of healthcare.

5:00-6:00 p.m.	Geraldine “Polly” Bednash Award Lectureship Dr. Kathleen Reeves, President and CEO of The Arnold P. Gold Foundation, is the 2025 recipient of the Geraldine "Polly" Bednash Lectureship Award. An accomplished leader with a passion for optimizing interprofessional alliances, Dr. Reeves will share insights gained while leading a national nonprofit organization dedicated to championing humanism in healthcare and discuss opportunities for incorporating the human connection into nursing education and healthcare.

6:00-7:00 p.m.	Deans Networking Reception

March 31

6:30-7:30 a.m.	Running and Walking Groups (optional)

6:30-11:30 a.m.	Registration Open

6:30-8:00 a.m.	Light Continental Breakfast

7:00-8:30 a.m.	Tips and Tools for Effective Capitol Hill Visits Effective messaging is the essence of successful advocacy on Capitol Hill! Join State Grassroots Liaisons and AACN‘s Government Affairs Committee for practical information, insights and guidance in preparation for your Monday afternoon meeting with Members of Congress. Attendees will be seated with their state delegations.

7:30-8:30 a.m.	Peer-to-Peer Dialogue: Issues of the Day Join your colleagues to discuss recent hot topics impacting academic nursing. Come share your insights while listening to and learning from your peers.

9:00-10:00 a.m.	Plenary Using Technology to Transform Healthcare and Higher Education: Insights from the Experts Join us for an enlightening and engaging conversation with two thought leaders who will explore how to leverage technology to unlock innovation and advance excellence in nursing education. An accomplished roboticist, NASA scientist, and scholar, Dr. Ayanna Howard will share her visionary insights on achieving results at the intersection of technology, healthcare, and education. Formerly the Chief Nursing Officer at Microsoft, Molly McCarthy will lead an enriching armchair discussion on the power of uniting technology, practice, and patient engagement to improve care delivery, safety, and outcomes. Discover lessons learned that can be applied at your school of nursing and with practice partners.

10:30-11:30 a.m.	AACN Business Meeting The AACN Business Meeting is only open to member deans/directors, emeritus and honorary members, and invited prospective member deans/directors. Access Business Meeting Materials using MyAACN Login

1:00-4:30 p.m.	Caucus and Connect Location: 902 Hart Senate Office Building AACN Deans, Directors, and students are invited to “Caucus and Connect” in-between their Capitol Hill visits to sit and reflect, enjoy light refreshments and snacks, and strategize prior to the next Hill Visit.

1:00-5:00 p.m.	Capitol Hill Visits Bus service to Capitol Hill begins at Noon from the Fairmont (M St. Entrance) with continuous loops until 4:30 p.m. As a reminder, students attending AACN's Student Policy Summit will be in attendance for Hill Day and are encouraged to travel with their Dean to Capitol Hill. To ensure you are registered for Hill Day and can join your students on these visits, please contact Rachel Minahan at rminiahan@aacnnursing.org.

5:00-6:30 p.m.	AACN Congressional Reception Last Bus leaves Hill at 6:45 p.m. Location: Rayburn Foyer, Rayburn House Office Building AACN Deans, Directors and Students will be able to celebrate a productive and impactful day on Capitol Hill with members of Congress and their staff. Heavy Hors d’oeuvres will be served.

Continuing Education

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

For questions, contact the AACN Conference Team today!

Phone: 202-463-6930 | Email: conferences@aacnnursing.org | Website: www.aacnnursing.org/conferences