PDF Print Email

Academy Fellows

The American Academy of Nursing's approximately 2,068 Fellows are nursing leaders in education, management, practice and research. Fellows represent association executives; university presidents, chancellors and deans; state and federal political appointees; hospital chief executives and vice presidents for nursing; nurse consultants; and researchers and entrepreneurs.

Invitation to Fellowship is more than recognition of one's accomplishments within the nursing profession. Academy Fellows also have a responsibility to contribute their time and energies to the Academy, and to engage with other health care leaders outside the Academy in transforming America's health care system by

  • Enhancing the quality of health and nursing care;
  • Promoting healthy aging and human development across the life continuum;
  • Reducing health disparities and inequalities;
  • Shaping healthy behaviors and environments;
  • Integrating mental and physical health care; and
  • Strengthening the nursing and health care delivery system, nationally and internationally.

Honorary Fellows

Each year, by awarding Honorary Fellowship in the Academy, AAN recognizes individuals in honor of their extraordinary contributions to nursing and health care who are not eligible for membership of a regular fellow. Learn more about Honorary Fellows

Living Legends

The Academy recognizes a small group of Fellows as Living Legends in honor of their extraordinary contributions to the nursing profession, sustained over the course of their careers. Although these Fellows have typically stepped down from the positions that they made their legendary contributions, their work continues to have a positive, ongoing impact on the profession. Learn more about Living Legends

Past Presidents

1973-1974: Rheba de Tornyay
1974-1975: Faye G. Abdellah
1975-1976: Ellen C. Egan*
1976-1977: Mary E. Reres*
1977-1978: Donna C. Aguilera
1978-1979: Mary Elizabeth Carnegie*
1979-1980: Linda H. Aiken
1980-1981: Mary E. Conway
1981-1983: Vernice Ferguson*
1983-1985: Carolyn A. Williams
1985-1987: Gladys E. Sorensen
1987-1989: Rhetaugh G. Dumas*
1989-1991: Nancy Woods
1991-1993: Nola J. Pender
1993-1995: Angela B. McBride
1995-1997: Barbara A. Donaho
1997-1999: Joyce J. Fitzpatrick
1999-2001: Ada Sue Hinshaw
2001-2003: Margaret L. McClure
2003-2005: Joan L. Shaver
2005-2007: Linda Burnes Bolton
2007-2009: Pamela Mitchell
2009-2011: Catherine Gilliss

*Deceased