American association of colleges of nursing | graduate nursing admissions professionals (gnap) conference | April 10-12, 2023 | Nashville, TN

Erin GinnErin Ginn

Senior Director of Admissions, Herzing University - Wisconsin Campuses

Erin Ginn, an accomplished Regional Senior Director of Admissions, brings a wealth of expertise with over 15 years of experience in higher education and recruitment. Her proven track record in guiding aspiring students towards academic success underscores her leadership in the field. Erin's passion for fostering inclusive and diverse educational communities is a driving force behind her contributions and shines through in her daily work and the work on the Inclusion and Community Impact committee at Herzing University.

Session(s):

“Owning the Arena: A Guide to Confident Presence for Recruitment and Networking”
“Crafting Success: Strategies for External Recruitment and Branding”


Kendra M BarrierKendra M. Barrier, PhD

Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Assistant Professor of Clinical Nursing

Dr. Barrier is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Nursing, serving as the Inaugural Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI; 2021 to present) and the former Assistant Dean for Student Services (2015-2021) at the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-New Orleans School of Nursing (LSUHSC-NO). She is also an Associate Faculty for the School of Graduate Studies, a National League for Nursing (NLN) Certified Nurse Educator (CNE), an American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Diversity Leadership Institute Fellow, and an AACN Elevating Leaders in Academic Nursing (ELAN) Fellow.

Through the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, her strategic vision has cultivated a culture of identity and belonging, so every student, faculty, staff, and stakeholder can be themselves and thrive, leading the SON on a trajectory for sustained DEI cultural change. She provides leadership in organizational change, generating approaches to cultural intelligence, and actualization of diversity. Dr. Barrier also provides leadership and expertise for managing conflict and having difficult conversations with empathy, professionalism, and confidentiality. Dr. Barrier’s dedication to inclusive excellence strategies has led to the implementation of inclusive admissions procedures, best practices documents, policy and procedure revision, advocated and implemented all gender restrooms, a lactation room, a food pantry for the SON, as well as providing outstanding pedagogical programs and projects to reduce health disparities for racial and ethnically underrepresented individuals and communities.

She has received many honors and awards, including the Louisiana Nurses Foundation (LNF) and the Louisiana State Nurses Association (LSNA) Nightingale Award for Nursing School Administrator of the Year (2023), the New Orleans District Nurses Association (NODNA) Legacy Award (2023); the NODNA Excellence in Nursing Beyond the Bedside for Academic School of Nursing (2019), Outstanding Alumna (2018), the School of Nursing Alumna of the Year (2016), four Daisy Faculty Awards (2011, 2014, 2015, & 2016), the School of Nursing’s Nursing Caring Award for Faculty (2013), an Academy for the Advancement of Educational Scholarship Educational Enhancement Grant Award, and the Faculty Recognition of an MN Student Award (2009). She was nominated for the Allen Copping Excellence in Teaching Award (2014) and the Faculty Daisy Award (2018).

She earned her BSN (2000) and MSN (2009), in Nursing Education, from LSUHSC, and received a PhD (2016), in Nursing Education and Administration, from William Carey University.

Katie PawloskiKatie Pawloski, PhD

Assistant Professor, Florida Gulf Coast University, School of Nursing

Dr. Pawloski recently joined Florida Gulf Coast University in Ft. Myers, Florida. Her nursing career commenced in 2001, transitioning to nursing education in 2004. Her academic achievements extend beyond a BSN, including an MSN as a Clinical Nurse Specialist, a post-master's certificate in Informatics, and a PhD in Nursing Education. The focus of her dissertation was on experiential learning clinical orientations in undergraduate nursing education. Alongside teaching and clinical roles, she has held director positions at two colleges and served as the Director of Education for a computer-based haptic virtual simulation company. Dr. Pawloski has contributed to AACN’s Faculty Leadership Network (FLN) and currently holds the chair-elect position for AACN’s Research Leadership Network (RLN).

Session(s):

"Artificial Intelligence Based Recruiting"


Marissa RoseMarissa Rose

Graduate Advisor, University of Central Florida College of Nursing

Marissa is a Graduate Advisor at the UCF College of Nursing. She has been working as an advisor for 2 years and recently received her Masters Degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. Her background in Psychology defines her approach to advising, and passion for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Focusing on an evidence-based approach to improve student outcomes

Ayanna LopezAyanna Lopez

Director, Academic Advising Graduate Student Services, University of Central Florida College of Nursing, Academic Health Sciences Center

Ayanna is currently the director of academic advising for graduate students at the UCF College of Nursing. She has been in the field of higher education for 17 years. After spending 7 years in international student and scholar advising, she transitioned to academic advising. Her role encompasses recruitment, admissions, advising, retention, graduation, clinical planning, and enrollment management. Her background in psychology and counseling is a key asset to her advising role.

Session(s): 

"Successes and Issues with Implementation of Holistic Admissions"

For questions, contact the AACN Conference Team today!