Indianapolis – Today, Jonas Nursing, a leading supporter of doctoral nursing education in the U.S., and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), announced that Rileigh Fagan, a B.S.N. to Ph.D. student, and Ashley Howle, a Ph.D. student, at the Indiana University School of Nursing, have been selected as Jonas Scholars for the program’s 2024-2026 cohort. This program aims to improve health care by expanding the pool of Ph.D. and D.N.P.-prepared nurses needed to educate the next generation of nurse leaders.
Fagan and Howle join a select group of 63 of the nation’s most promising doctoral nursing students chosen for their passion for teaching, academic excellence, and research prowess. As Jonas Scholars, Fagan and Howle will receive financial support, mentorship, and a curriculum tailored to providing students with the learning experiences they need to successfully transition into a faculty role.
“It’s a tremendous honor to be chosen as a Jonas Scholar, and we are proud of the accomplishments that brought Rileigh and Ashley to this point in their careers. This opportunity will provide invaluable mentorship to prepare them with skills essential for serving as future nurse leaders and change agents for improving healthcare. It’s an exciting time for them,” said Dr. Rebecca Bartlett Ellis, professor and executive associate dean of academic affairs for the Indiana University School of Nursing. “We are grateful for the continuing support of Jonas Nursing. They are deeply committed to shaping nurse leaders and through those efforts, changing the landscape of healthcare.”
Fagan and Howle join an incredibly diverse group of doctoral nursing students, with over 50% of its 2024-2026 cohort representative of Black, Latino, and other communities of color, ensuring that burgeoning nursing leaders reflect the patient population of their diverse communities. This group of 63 Scholars contain a multitude of research interests focused on some of the country’s most pressing challenges, including underserved populations in nursing, mental health, and veterans’ health.
Fagan’s research focuses on the symptom experience in adolescents with conservatively managed glomerular chronic kidney disease (CDK). Her advisor is Dr. Janet S. Carpenter, Ph.D., R.N., F.A.A.N.
“I am extremely honored to have been selected as a recipient of the 2024-2026 Jonas Scholars Program. This tremendous award offers opportunities for collaboration and support with nurse leaders nationwide, and I am beyond grateful to have been selected to work alongside them as I begin my own research journey to improving health outcomes for children and adolescents,” said Fagan.
Howle’s research focuses on nurse well-being from the lens of psychological safety among new graduate nurses working in acute care. Her advisor is Dr. Deanna Reising, Ph.D., R.N., A.C.N.S.-B.C., F.A.A.N., F.N.A.P., A.N.E.F.
“It is a privilege to have been chosen for this remarkable opportunity, and I am delighted to receive this ongoing support throughout my doctoral experience. I look forward to joining the network of nurse leaders who are committed to advancing the nursing profession and improving the health and well-being of communities nationwide,” said Howle.
Read the AACN press release.
About Jonas Nursing
The mission of Jonas Nursing is to enhance the nursing profession by developing nurse leaders who will address the nursing shortage by educating the future nursing workforce and by investing in the health and well-being of our most underserved communities. For more information on Jonas Nursing, visit www.aacnnursing.org/jonas-nursing.
About the American Association of Colleges of Nursing
AACN is the national voice for academic nursing representing more than 875 schools of nursing nationwide. AACN establishes quality standards for nursing education, influences the nursing profession to improve health care, and promotes public support of baccalaureate and graduate nursing education, research, and practice. For more information about AACN, visit www.aacnnursing.org and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and/or X.