Effective October 1, 2025, there are newly elected and re-elected Commissioners who will join the Board and newly elected representatives joining the Nominating Committee.
Each Commissioner will serve a four-year term from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2029. The 17 Board of Commissioners represent the following roles: 11 nursing education representatives, 3 nursing service representatives, and 3 public representatives. This diversification ensures your ACEN Board of Commissioners are able to give balanced representation from across identified constituencies insofar as possible.
The Board of Commissioners is a governing board and has the authority of a governing board, which is (1) ensuring the financial resources of the ACEN such as setting the fee schedule, budget, and reviewing the audit; (2) setting policy such as the policies found in the Accreditation Manual and the Standards and Criteria; and (3) most importantly, having the sole authority to determine the accreditation status of nursing programs.
The Nominating Committee prepares the slate of candidates for the ACEN Board of Commissioners from the nominations made. The newly elected Nominating Committee representatives will serve a four-year term effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2029.
We are very excited to congratulate our new and returning members of the Board of Commissioners and Nominating Committee Members!
The 2026 ACEN Board of Commissioners and ACEN Nominating Committee election will begin on April 1, 2026. Votes may be cast until May 31, 2026, and newly elected members will take office October 1, 2026.
The following positions are open:
ACEN nurse administrators will receive an email invitation on April 1st to vote via our third-party service, BigPulse. For assistance, please contact us.
Dr. Rita Armstrong, EdD, DNP, MSN Ed, RN, FAADN, is a dual doctorally prepared nursing education leader with extensive experience in accreditation, regulatory compliance, and academic program leadership. She currently serves as Dean of Nursing for the RN ADN and Practical Nursing programs at Bryant & Stratton College in Virginia, where she provides strategic leadership for program innovation, accreditation readiness, faculty development, and student success initiatives.
Dr. Armstrong has led multiple nursing programs through successful accreditation and regulatory processes, including securing full approval from the Virginia Board of Nursing, maintaining Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) candidacy, and meeting all five ACEN standards during a Fall 2024 site visit. Under her leadership, RN NCLEX pass rates improved to sustained 100% outcomes, and she successfully launched a Practical Nursing program with 100% licensure pass rates across initial cohorts. Her leadership has resulted in measurable improvements in student retention, enrollment growth, and program quality.
At the national level, Dr. Armstrong has served as an ACEN Peer Evaluator since 2023, participating in multiple accreditation site visits and earning selection to serve as Team Chair, reflecting recognition of her expertise in accreditation and continuous quality improvement. She is also an invited curriculum writer and reviewer for CNA I and II programs with the Virginia Department of Education and a contributor to the 2026–2027 Saunders Clinical Judgment and Test-Taking Strategies textbook.
Dr. Armstrong holds a Doctor of Education in Organizational Transformational Leadership and Change from St. Edward’s University and a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nursing Education from Chatham University. Her scholarly and professional interests include accreditation excellence, NCLEX success strategies, faculty mentorship, student retention, and advancing quality and integrity in nursing education.
Dr. Mary Benn, DNP, MSN-Ed, RN, CDOE, is the Practical Nursing Program Director, Health Science Department Chair, and Assistant Professor at New England Institute of Technology (NEIT) in East Greenwich, Rhode Island. She has over 40 years of nursing experience spanning critical care, cardiovascular services, quality improvement, and nursing education, with more than a decade dedicated to academic leadership and program development.
Dr. Benn has led practical nursing and associate degree nursing initiatives that achieved and maintained the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accreditation and strengthened clinical partnerships while advancing student success and workforce readiness. She is actively engaged in associate degree and practical nursing education across the region through professional service and collaboration.
She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the New England League for Nursing Education (NELNE), is Co-Chair of the NELNE Education Committee supporting nursing education across all program levels, and serves as Co-Chair of the NELNE Prelicensure Committee representing ADN and PN programs. Nationally, she has contributed to nursing education through service as an ACEN Peer Evaluator in the roles of Site Visit Team Member, Team Chair, and Evaluation Review Panel Team Member, and participation with NCSBN NCLEX Item Development initiatives and Panel of Judges.
Dr. Benn remains committed to advancing associate degree and practical nursing education, supporting faculty development, and promoting excellence in nursing program outcomes and student preparation for practice.
Ms. Michaelle Bliss, MSN, RN, is a nurse educator and academic administrator with more than 19 years of nursing experience and over a decade of postsecondary nursing education leadership. She currently serves as Director of Nursing and Allied Health at Colby Community College in Colby, Kansas, where she oversees the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN), Practical Nursing (PN), and CNA/CMA programs.
In her role as Director, Ms. Bliss leads faculty development, curriculum oversight, program evaluation, budgeting, and accreditation compliance. She works collaboratively with healthcare partners to ensure high-quality clinical experiences and maintains a strong focus on continuous quality improvement to meet the needs of students, employers, and the communities served by the college.
Ms. Bliss has served as an Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) Peer Evaluator since 2023 in the role of a Site Visit Team Member, and has been selected to serve on both the Evaluation Review Panel (ERP) and the ACEN Appeal Panel Committee. She genuinely values participating in site visits, as they provide meaningful opportunities to learn from colleagues nationwide and deepen her knowledge of the ACEN Standards and Criteria. These experiences have strengthened her accreditation insight and would enhance her contributions to the ACEN Board of Commissioners.
Prior to her current administrative role, Ms. Bliss served as a nursing instructor (ADN and PN) for six years, teaching across the curriculum in pharmacology, mental health, medical-surgical, and maternal-child nursing. She has experience in clinical coordination, curriculum development, test writing and analysis, mentoring faculty, and preparing students for NCLEX success, including volunteer work in NCLEX-NGN test item writing.
Her clinical background includes 15 years at Trego County-Lemke Memorial Hospital, a critical-access hospital in rural Kansas, where she provided acute care, emergency services, and outpatient services. She also served as the Education and Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, leading staff development and coordinating interdisciplinary emergency preparedness training at both the hospital and county levels.
Ms. Bliss holds a dual Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Nursing Education from Chamberlain College of Nursing, an Associate Degree in Nursing from Northcentral Technical College, and a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education/Adapted Physical Education from Fort Hays State University.
An engaged professional leader, Ms. Bliss maintains active membership in the National League for Nursing (NLN), Organization for Associate Degree Nursing (OADN), American Nurses Association (ANA), and multiple Kansas nursing education organizations. She is committed to advancing excellence, accountability, and innovation in nursing education through accreditation, leadership development, and collaborative practice.
Dr. Jodi Dorrough DNP, MS, RN, is an experienced nurse educator and administrator with a strong commitment to quality assurance and continuous improvement in nursing education. Since 2022, Dr. Dorrough has served as a Peer Evaluator for the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), contributing to multiple accreditation reviews and demonstrating a thorough understanding of ACEN standards and processes.
Most recently, Dr. Dorrough has served as a Team Chair, providing leadership and guidance to evaluation teams and supporting institutions throughout the accreditation review process.
Dr. Dorrough has been a faculty member at Hudson Valley Community College (HVCC) since 2015 and has served as Department Chair since 2020. In this role, Dr. Dorrough has been heavily involved in strengthening accreditation standards within the HVCC Nursing Program, with a sustained focus on continuous improvement, regulatory compliance, and measurable program outcomes. Dr. Dorrough’s work reflects a deep investment in student success, program effectiveness, and graduate readiness.
In addition to peer evaluation work, Dr. Dorrough serves on the ACEN Appeals Committee and the Evaluation Review Panel, contributing to fair, consistent, and evidence-based decision-making. She is also involved in the Council of AND Nursing for New York State, serving as the Board Secretary.
As a candidate for the Associate Program position on the ACEN Board of Commissioners, Dr. Dorrough is committed to advancing ACEN’s mission and supporting high-quality nursing education through collaborative leadership, sound judgment, and a student-centered approach.
Dr. Linda Godley, PhD, currently serves as Professor of Nursing, Director of the Center for Accreditation, Assessment, Compliance, and Evaluation Management, and Professor in the Graduate Nursing Program at Alcorn State University. She is an active member of the Planning, Management, and Evaluation Committee and the Graduate Council, and serves on multiple university and School of Nursing committees, including Promotion, Rank, Tenure, and Leave; the Institutional Review Board; the School of Nursing Administrative Council; and the School of Nursing Faculty Organization.
Dr. Godley brings 46 years of experience in nursing education within institutions of higher learning. She was a member of the founding faculty of Alcorn State University’s Department of Associate Degree Nursing in 1977. After leaving Alcorn in 1990, she served as an Assistant Professor of Nursing at Louisiana State University at Alexandria for two years and at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette for three years. She returned to Alcorn State University in 1995, where she served as Assistant Professor and Chair of the Department of Associate Degree Nursing for ten years. Her subsequent leadership roles include Chair of the Graduate Nursing Program for three years and Dean of the School of Nursing for five years.
Since 2008, Dr. Godley has served as an Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) Peer Evaluator, functioning in both team chair and team member roles. She has previously served on the ACEN Evaluation Review Panel and the Appeals Panel. Dr. Godley is also a member of the current ACEN Board of Commissioners and serves as Chair of the ACEN Substantive Change Committee.
Dr. Godley earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Louisiana at Monroe (formerly Northeast Louisiana University) and her Master of Science in Nursing from Northwestern State University of Louisiana. She completed her Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing at Southern University and A&M College.
Dr. Elizabeth Ana Levine, PhD, RN, has dedicated her career to advancing nursing science and supporting nurses’ professional growth. With more than 37 years of leadership experience in nursing, she has held senior academic roles including Chairperson and Dean, overseeing curriculum development, accreditation, faculty development, and student success. She has also served as Chief Nurse in hospital and outpatient settings, ensuring high-quality patient care while maintaining fiscal accountability.
Dr. Levine is a graduate of Jackson Memorial Hospital School of Nursing. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing Education from Barry University in Miami Shores, Florida. She completed post-graduate coursework as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner at Florida International University and obtained a post-graduate degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner from Miami Regional University in Miami, Florida. She also earned a research-focused doctoral degree from Barry University.
Her doctoral research focused on improving outcomes for at-risk young adults aging out of foster care, mentoring students before and throughout their community college experience. For this work, she received a prestigious Research Award and the Icon Award for Leadership from the Florida Nurses Association.
Dr. Levine is a member of the American Nurses Association, Florida Nurses Association, National Association of Hispanic Nurses, Black Nurses Association (Miami Chapter), and Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. She also served as a board-appointed member of the Miami-Dade County Public Schools Health & Wellness Committee. Her scholarly contributions include podium lectures and poster presentations on authentic leadership, lateral violence, patient-aligned care for veterans, and foster care, as well as published work in pediatric healthcare.
Dr. Leanne Moreira, PhD, MSN, RN, is an accomplished nursing educator and academic leader with over a decade of experience in higher education, curriculum development, and clinical practice. She currently serves as Dean of Nursing at the Maine College of Health Professions (MCHP), overseeing all nursing programs, faculty, staff, and departmental operations, including budgeting, accreditation, and strategic program development.
Dr. Moreira has led multiple successful accreditation efforts with the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), securing accreditation for the Practical Nursing (PN) and RN-BSN programs. She has played a pivotal role in expanding access to nursing education in Maine by launching the state’s first Practical Nursing program in 2019, which has maintained a 100% NCLEX-PN pass rate since its inception.
In addition to her administrative leadership, Dr. Moreira brings extensive clinical experience across long-term care, medical-surgical, and rehabilitation settings. She is a licensed Registered Nurse in Maine and has held leadership roles, including Nursing Supervisor and Clinical Coordinator.
Dr. Moreira holds a PhD in Higher Education Administration from Liberty University, where her research focused on the relationship between student self-efficacy and success in prelicensure nursing programs. She also holds a Master of Science in Nursing Education and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the State University of New York Institute of Technology. She actively contributes to the profession as an ACEN and New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) site visitor and serves on multiple institutional and regional committees.
Beyond her professional work, Dr. Moreira is a devoted mother to a one-year-old and wife to her high school sweetheart. She enjoys kayaking the rivers of Maine and hiking its beautiful trails. She strongly believes in volunteerism and is committed to helping the nursing profession grow by developing nurses who are not only compassionate but also skilled in clinical judgment.
Dr. Hannah Williams, DNP, RN, CNE, believes that nursing education is the foundation of a resilient healthcare system. With a career spanning from her own roots as an Associate Degree Nursing student to her current role as a doctoral-level Dean, she is driven by a passion for creating accessible, high-quality pathways for the next generation of nurses. Her philosophy is simple: “To elevate the profession, we must first empower the student and support the educator.” She brings this student-centered advocacy to every committee and classroom she leads.
As the Dean of Nursing at Aiken Technical College, Dr. Williams provides strategic oversight for ADN, LPN, and PCT programs. She is recognized for her ability to bridge the gap between academic rigor and clinical necessity, evidenced by her successful implementation of regional nurse externship partnerships and flexible evening program pathways.
Dr. Williams is a seasoned expert in the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accreditation process, currently serving as a Peer Evaluator and a member of the Evaluation Review Panel. This "insider" knowledge of quality standards allows her to identify and cultivate the leadership traits necessary for ACEN’s continued excellence. Her governance experience is extensive:
Educational Foundation
"As a member of the Board of Commissioners, I will leverage my diverse experience—from the bedside to the Dean’s office—to ensure ACEN is led by visionary individuals who are committed to the integrity of our profession and the success of our students. I would be honored to earn your vote."
Dr. Brenda Kay Trigg, DNP, GNP, RN, CNE, is a distinguished nurse leader, educator, and accreditation consultant with more than 39 years of experience in clinical practice, nursing education, and academic administration. She holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Duquesne University and a Master of Science in Nursing with a focus in Gerontology from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. She is a Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) and was previously certified in Gerontological Nursing Practice. Dr. Trigg is also educated as a Faith Community Nurse.
Dr. Trigg currently serves as Interim Director of Nursing and Adjunct Faculty at Pensacola State College, where she oversees three nursing programs—including LPN, ADN (traditional and career mobility), and RN-to-BSN—serving approximately 450 students. She provides leadership in accreditation compliance (SACSCOC and ACEN), curriculum development, faculty mentoring, budget management, regulatory oversight, and strategic program assessment. She also teaches in RN-to-BSN and master’s nursing programs, works as an independent program consultant, and participates as a Peer Evaluator for the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) in site visits for initial and continuing nursing program accreditation.
Previously, Dr. Trigg served as Professor and Director of Nursing at Ouachita Baptist University, where she led the development and successful accreditation of multiple BSN program tracks, including traditional, hybrid, and fully online RN-to-BSN options. Upon retirement, she was honored by the Board of Trustees as Nursing Professor Emeritus and Nursing Director Emeritus. Her earlier leadership roles include Chair of Nursing at Southern Arkansas University and Assistant Professor at Henderson State University, where she taught across undergraduate nursing curricula, developed innovative blended learning strategies, and led systematic program reviews.
Throughout her career, Dr. Trigg has demonstrated expertise in curriculum design, program development, faculty leadership, and improving NCLEX outcomes. She has developed both LPN and BSN programs, chaired numerous faculty search committees, and contributed extensively to academic governance at the department, college, and university levels. Her clinical leadership experience includes serving as Agency Director for home health and hospice, Advanced Practice Nurse in memory research, Assistant Director of Nursing in correctional healthcare, and various supervisory and case management roles.
Dr. Trigg is an active leader in professional nursing organizations. She has served in executive and board roles with the Arkansas Nurses Association and the Arkansas Center for Nurses and held leadership positions within Sigma Theta Tau International. She has frequently presented at state and national conferences, including ACEN, AACN, ARNA, and research forums, with scholarship focused on teaching and learning, NCLEX success strategies, curriculum innovation, and nursing leadership.
Recognized for her commitment to excellence in nursing education, Dr. Trigg continues to mentor faculty, advocate for the nursing profession, and support program quality through accreditation consulting and academic leadership.
Dr. Mary Grady, DNP, RN, CNE, CHSE, has 40 plus years of experience in the nursing profession. She began her journey in 1982 as a Licensed Practical Nurse and became a Registered Nurse in 1989 after obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She furthered her education by obtaining a Master of Science in Nursing, and a Doctorate of Nursing Practice.
Dr. Grady’s journey in the nursing profession has taken her down numerous paths. She has been a nurse at the bedside in the specialty of pediatrics, medical surgical nursing, rehabilitation, and public health. In the area of academia, she has taught nursing students entering LPN and RN associate degree programs in the role of an Adjunct Clinical and Lab Instructor, full-time Nursing Lab Coordinator, full-time faculty (lecture, lab, and clinical duties), and managed simulation lab coordination for a total of 20 years. Since 2020, Dr. Grady has served as the Nursing Programs Administrator at Lorain County Community College (LCCC) located in the city of Elyria, Ohio. She oversees the practical nursing and associate degree nursing programs that serve over 400 students.
Dr. Grady believes strongly that nursing education is the gateway to nursing practice. Believing so strongly in that statement has led her to publish and present scholarly work over the years on topics related to nursing education and how to engage with students.
Dr. Grady’s background includes leadership in professional nursing organizations such as the Ohio League for Nursing and Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), serving as a Peer Evaluator and on the Board of Commissioners.
When Dr. Grady is not busy doing nursing related activities, you can find her baking. Last year she made a different cookie each month as a New Years resolution she knew she could keep. This year she is into making pies!
Dr. Donna Brown-Richards, DNP, BS, PPCNP-BC, APRN, RN, is a nursing educator, administrator, and accreditation peer evaluator with more than 20 years of nursing practice, 15+ years in nursing education, and nearly seven years of executive leadership as Chairperson of a school of nursing. She currently serves as a Chairperson at the Benjamin León School of Nursing at Miami Dade College, where she provides oversight for practical and associate degree nursing programs, ensuring continuous compliance with the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) standards, state regulatory requirements, and institutional governance expectations.
Dr. Brown-Richards holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of Alabama, a Master of Science in Nursing, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and a Post-Master’s Certificate in Nursing Education from Florida International University, an Associate of Science in Nursing from Miami Dade College, and a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management from Florida A&M University. She is currently pursuing an EdD in Higher Education to further strengthen her expertise in academic leadership, policy, and governance.
As an ACEN Peer Evaluator since 2019, Dr. Brown-Richards has participated in accreditation reviews across multiple program types. Dr. Brown-Richards’ professional background also includes service as an Assistant Professor, Lead Pediatric Faculty, Curriculum Committee Chair, and Adjunct Faculty at public and private institutions. Her clinical foundation in pediatric and emergency nursing informs her commitment to patient safety, clinical judgment development, and workforce readiness, core priorities for practical nursing education.
Dr. Brown-Richards seeks to serve on the ACEN Board of Commissioners (Practical Nursing Program Seat) to contribute her expertise in accreditation, governance, and outcomes-driven program leadership.
Dr. Heather Bailey, DNP, RN, C-EFM, CNE, is a lifelong resident of Oklahoma but has spent most of her nursing career working in Arkansas. She has worked in both acute care and education settings with most of her bedside career in labor and delivery.
Dr. Bailey began her nursing career as a bedside nurse in an acute care facility in labor and delivery in 2002. Committed to nursing education, she began as an adjunct instructor for Carl Albert State College in 2004, where she worked in either a full-time or adjunct capacity until 2020. In 2018 she became the Director of Women and Infant Services at Washington Regional Medical Center (WRMC) where she continues her work to ensure equitable care for women throughout Northwest Arkansas. She is a member of the Arkansas Perinatal Quality Collaborative and the POWER workgroup where she collaborates with peer facilities to decrease maternal morbidity and mortality. WRMC has been named a high performing hospital for Maternity Care (Uncomplicated Pregnancy) by the U.S. News and World Report for three years based on quality outcomes.
Dr. Bailey has served the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) since 2015 as a Peer Evaluator, Team Chair, and a member of the Evaluation Review Panel. She also began service as a Nursing Service representative for the Board of Commissioners in 2024. She continues to work as an adjunct instructor for several schools teaching pre-licensure and RN-to-BSN students. Additionally, she serves as an instructor for the Intermediate Fetal Monitoring Course offered through AWHONN.
Dr. Bailey graduated with her Associate degree from Carl Albert State College, then received her Baccalaureate and Master’s in Nursing from Northeastern State University, before she earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice from Samford University in 2015, focusing on improving processes in obstetric care.
Dr. Tasha Jones Nelson, DNP, MBA, PMHNP-BC, A-GPCNP-BC, MSN-Ed, is a nurse practitioner, educator, and servant leader whose work continues to shape the future of nursing, mental health, and community care. She is a proud graduate of Bishop State Community College, the University of Mobile, Maryville University, and Samford University, for which she serves on the Samford Alumni Executive Council and serves as the chair of the Samford University Mobile Alumni Chapter.
Dr. Jones Nelson is the Immediate Past President of the Bay Area Nurse Practitioner Association and Treasurer of the Alabama State Nurses Association (ASNA), District IV. She also serves nationally on the Board of Advisors for the Association of Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners, serves on the Steering Committee for Nurse Practitioner Alliance of Alabama, a new Peer Evaluator for the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, and other community and civic organizations serving the community.
Founder of OmniForce Foundation and co-founder of Nurse Mentor Consultant Services, Dr. Jones Nelson is deeply committed to mentorship, access, and opportunity for the next generation of nurses. Academically, she holds affiliations and adjunct roles with Post University, Capella University, the University of South Alabama College of Nursing, and coordinator of a certified nursing assistant program at a local public high school.
Her leadership and service have been recognized with honors, including the Lillian Holland Harvey Award (ASNA), the Nurse Practitioner Rising Star Award (NPAA), the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Health & Human Service Award, and the Mobile Medical Museum Community Health Leadership Award.
Whether in the classroom, the clinic, or the community, her legacy is rooted in service, leadership, and lifting others. Above all, she is most proud of her faith, family, and joy-filled life, spending meaningful time with her loving and supportive husband, Eric, their children, grandchildren, extended family, and friends.
Dr. Alex Jawharjian, PharmD, MPH, MBA, FACHE, is a healthcare executive and community minded leader with extensive experience in organizational governance, operations, and patient advocacy.
Dr. Jawharjian currently serves as Chief Operating Officer at Cal Rehab, where he oversees day to day hospital operations and works closely with interdisciplinary teams to ensure high quality care, operational excellence, and a positive experience for both patients and employees. As one of the organization’s earliest team members, he has played a key role in building a culture centered on accountability, collaboration, and service.
In addition to his executive role, Dr. Jawharjian is a licensed pharmacist and has served as Director of Pharmacy in various acute care practice settings. His work has included participation on national committees focused on clinical standards and resource stewardship.
Dr. Jawharjian brings a strong background in accreditation, compliance, and governance, including service with the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education, the federally recognized accrediting body for occupational therapy programs. He is also a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives.
Committed to education and mentorship, Alex serves as an adjunct professor at the USC School of Pharmacy, supporting the development of future healthcare professionals.
Dr. Jawharjian earned his B.S. in Biology and Master of Public Health from UCLA, his Doctor of Pharmacy from USC, and an MBA from California State University, Los Angeles. He is passionate about applying his leadership experience to volunteer service and contributing thoughtful, mission driven governance in support of the community.
Dr. Maureen Doyle-Scharff, PhD, MBA, FACEHP, is a visionary change agent who is an expert in brokering public-private partnerships that drive changes in the global healthcare ecosystem. Recently retired from Pfizer Inc, she spent nearly 25 years leading a cross-functional global team focused on enabling healthcare communities to advance science and close gaps in care through independent and collaborative grants and partnerships. In addition, she spent the last few years leading Pfizer’s Institute of Translational Equitable Medicine (ITEM), focused on the science behind health disparities and translating new data and information to improve patient outcomes globally.
She has worked in the fields of medical and pharmacy education, continuing professional development, grants, quality improvement and behavior/systems change in a variety of capacities for over 30 years. Her global experience affords her a deep understanding and appreciation of the differences across countries and regions in terms of accreditation, credentialling and certification. Her passion and current work focus on empowering health equity through education and innovation; bridging care gaps with evidence-based approaches; and driving sustainable change via collaborative partnerships.
Active in the CME, CE and CPD communities around the world, Maureen has served as President of the Global Alliance for Medical Education (GAME), President of the Commission for the Certification of Healthcare CPD Professionals (CCHCP), is a former member of the AMA National Task Force on Provider/Industry CME Relationships, is founder and past president of the Ohio Chapter of the Healthcare Businesswomen's Association, and served for six years on the Board of Directors for the Alliance for Continuing Education in the Health Professions (ACEHP).
Maureen received her undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan, her MBA from St. Joseph University, and her PhD in Higher Education Leadership from Ohio University.
Ms. Elizabeth Santos, DNP-C, MBA, MSN, RN, NE-BC, NPD-BC, CNE, is a transformational leader in nursing, known for her commitment to advancing professional excellence, patient safety, and innovation in nursing education. With a career spanning both clinical and academic environments, she brings a strategic and compassionate approach to leadership, faculty development, and student success.
Currently serving as Associate Director of Nursing at Bryant & Stratton College in Virginia Beach, Ms. Santos provides visionary oversight of pre-licensure nursing programs. In this capacity, she mentors faculty, champions accreditation readiness, and cultivates a collaborative, evidence-based learning culture grounded in empathy and academic rigor.
With over a decade of leadership experience across acute care and higher education settings, Ms. Santos is widely respected for her ability to empower interdisciplinary teams through shared governance and democratic communication. Her dynamic leadership has resulted in enhanced curriculum alignment, improved program outcomes, and increased staff and student engagement. Her dual expertise in clinical practice and academic administration enables her to drive innovation while maintaining the highest standards of care and instruction.
Ms. Santos holds a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources, a Master of Science in Nursing Education, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She is board-certified as a Nurse Executive (NE-BC), Nurse Professional Development Specialist (NPD-BC), and Certified Nurse Educator (CNE), and serves as a licensed Medical Examiner in the state of North Carolina.
Dr. Angela Dotson, DNP, RN, CNE, is an Assistant Professor of Nursing in the School of Nursing at the University of Tulsa. She has taught a variety of medical-surgical courses across the undergraduate program and has held several leadership roles, including BSN Program Director and Coordinator of Community and Clinical Experiences. She currently teaches in the graduate program and coordinates the AGAC-DNP Project courses. Dr. Dotson has also played a key role in developing curriculum for both the online BSN program and the MSN program. She is deeply committed to accreditation and continuous quality improvement and has contributed to meaningful program enhancements throughout her career. She values accreditation for its role in promoting program excellence, improving student outcomes, and supporting meaningful improvement in nursing education.
Prior to joining the University of Tulsa, Dr. Dotson taught in associate degree nursing programs as well as other prelicensure health programs in technical college settings. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Tulsa in 2003, a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Oklahoma in 2018, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Samford University in 2021. Both of her graduate degrees include nursing education certificates. Dr. Dotson is also a Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) through the National League for Nursing.
In addition to her teaching and administrative roles, Dr. Dotson actively serves the university through various college and university committees, including the Faculty Senate. She serves as the college-appointed representative to the Faculty Senate Steering Committee, proudly representing the university’s clinical and contract faculty. Beyond the university, she is actively engaged in her community as Chairman of the Board for Counseling and Recovery Services of Oklahoma. She has served as a Peer Evaluator for the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) since 2022. She is a member of Sigma Theta Tau, Oklahoma Nurses Association, National League of Nursing, and American Association of Critical Care Nurses.
Dr. Dotson is passionate about her community, teaching and learning, and sharing the love of nursing with every type of student.
Dr. Michele R. Dickens, PhD, MSN, RN, FAADN, serves as Dean and Professor of Nursing at Campbellsville University, where she has provided transformative leadership in nursing education for more than eighteen years. A distinguished academic leader, Dr. Dickens has guided the School of Nursing through significant growth, major curricular redesigns, and multiple successful accreditation processes across undergraduate and graduate programs.
Throughout her tenure, Dr. Dickens has worked collaboratively with faculty to substantially strengthen program quality and student success, including achieving consistent 100% NCLEX pass rates across programs, developing new MSN APRN pathways, and leading the school’s transition into innovative instructional models. She is recognized for her work with the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), serving as a Program Evaluator in the roles of a Site Visitor and member of the Evaluation Review Panel.
A committed scholar, Dr. Dickens has contributed extensively to the field through conference presentations, poster sessions, and editorial review work for leading nursing textbooks. Her research and publications explore contemporary issues in nursing education, including the integration of mobile technology as an active learning tool. She has been honored with numerous awards, including the Campbellsville University Distinguished Professor Award, the JoAnn Maurer Wever Excellence in Nursing Education Award, and induction as a Fellow in the Academy for Associate Degree Nursing (FAADN).
In addition to her academic achievements, Dr. Dickens has provided influential service at the state level, including leadership roles with the Kentucky Board of Nursing, where she served as Vice President and Chair of the Consumer Protection Committee. She is also actively engaged in professional mentoring, faculty development, and community service, contributing to organizations and initiatives that support student advancement and the future of the nursing profession.
Dr. Dickens is honored to be selected as a candidate to run for a position on the ACEN Nominating Committee.
Dr. Edna Aurelus, DNP, RNC, PMHNPBC, FNP-BC, is the Director of Graduate Studies and an Associate Professor at Wagner College. She is the owner of EVS Health Services Clinic located in Staten Island, NY. Dr. Aurelus delivers care both for clients with primary and mental health needs. She is currently licensed to practice psychiatry and primary health in Arizona, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York.
Dr. Aurelus is pleased to be an active Program Evaluator for the Accreditation Commission of Education of Nursing (ACEN), where she enjoys completing the assigned tasks required from her every semester. She is currently assigned to complete an assignment in the Evaluation Review Panel (ERP) in the coming month, where she is eager to assume her new role. She is always looking forward to grow professionally with ACEN and is pleased to have accepted the nomination to run for a position on the ACEN Nominating Committee.
In the spring of 2014, Dr. Aurelus completed her Doctorate in Advanced Nursing Practice at Arizona State University. In the spring of 2018, she completed a Post-Doctorate Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She is dually board certified from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) as a Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
Dr. Aurelus’ extensive experience in psychiatry includes the old St. Vincent Hospital known now as Richmond University Medical Center (RUMC), South Beach Psychiatric Center in Staten Island, NY, Banner Behavioral Health Hospital and Perryville Prison, the only state female prison in Arizona. She is currently the Lead Professor for the psychiatric nursing course at Wagner College. She is the author of multiple peer-reviewed articles and co-authored a book chapter.
She is passionate about providing quality care to her patients and health literacy. She believes that in order to deliver quality care to patients, we must first build interpersonal relationships by meeting them at their comprehensive level. She advocates for her patients and knows that all patients must be treated with respect and dignity. She believes that everyone deserves to be heard no matter their social-economic status or ethnicity. She is very vocal for women empowerment through education and about social injustice everywhere, which is one of the many reasons she started her own foundation in her native country, Haiti in 2014 called EVS Smile Foundation.
The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) supports the interests of nursing education, nursing practice, and the public by providing specialized accreditation for all levels of nursing education programs.
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