A world-class city filled with art and culture and an incredible campus that offers cutting edge resources–that’s what students receive at Penn Nursing. And that’s just the start. Penn Nursing and the wider university offer something for everyone, as well as a lifelong community.

Penn Nursing is globally known for educating dynamic nurses—because our School values evidence-based science and health equity. That’s where our expertise lies, whether in research, practice, community health, or beyond. Everything we do upholds a through-line of innovation, encouraging our exceptional students, alumni, and faculty share their knowledge and skills to reshape health care.

Penn Nursing students are bold and unafraid, ready to embrace any challenge that comes their way. Whether you are exploring a career in nursing or interested in advancing your nursing career, a Penn Nursing education will help you meet your goals and become an innovative leader, prepared to change the face of health and wellness.

Penn Nursing is the #1-ranked nursing school in the world. Its highly-ranked programs help develop highly-skilled leaders in health care who are prepared to work alongside communities to tackle issues of health equity and social justice to improve health and wellness for everyone.

Penn Nursing’s rigorous academic curricula are taught by world renowned experts, ensuring that students at every level receive an exceptional Ivy League education. From augmented reality classrooms and clinical simulations to coursework that includes experiential global travel to clinical placements in top notch facilities, a Penn Nursing education prepares our graduates to lead.

Dean Antonia M. Villarruel Honored for Diversity and Leadership

Margaret Simon Bond Dean of Nursing Dr. Antonia M. Villarruel, PhD, RN, FAAN—a graduate of Penn Nursing’s MSN program—has received the Dr. Gloria Twine Chisum Award for Distinguished Faculty. This award recognizes Dr. Villarruel’s commitment to diversity and inclusion on Penn’s campus.

May 23, 2018
Margaret Simon Bond Dean of Nursing Dr. Antonia M. Villarruel, PhD, RN, FAAN
Margaret Simon Bond Dean of Nursing Dr. Antonia M. Villarruel, PhD, RN, FAAN

The Dr. Gloria Twine Chisum Award for Distinguished Faculty is given by the James Brister Society and named for James Brister Society co-founder and University Trustee Emerita Dr. Gloria Twine Chisum. Dr. Villarruel was chosen unanimously by the James Brister Society selection committee for her profound commitment to supporting and maintaining a culturally diverse and inclusive University community through her leadership, scholarship, mentoring, and collaboration, as well as her commitment in the broader Philadelphia community and throughout the world.

Lisa Lewis, PhD, RN, FAAN, Assistant Dean for Diversity and Inclusivity at the School of Nursing, accepted the award on Dr. Villarruel’s behalf, noting that “a commitment to diversity is not just what occurs within our building. We are not doing our job unless our actions extend beyond our immediate community. A critical component of our strategic plan is to educate nurse leaders who are prepared to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse society; recruit faculty who are diverse themselves and who are committed to creating and conducting research that addresses all members of society, and particularly those experiencing disparities in health care.”

Dr. Villarruel is the first Penn Nursing alumna to receive the Dr. Gloria Twine Chisum Award for Distinguished Faculty. She is the second Dean of the School of Nursing to receive it—former Dean Afaf I. Meleis, PhD, DrPS, FAAN, LL was honored with the award in 2007. Other awardees include Herman Beavers, Professor of Africana Studies and Salamishah Tillet, Associate Professor of English and Africana Studies, among others

The University of Pennsylvania’s James Brister Society is a diverse group of Penn alumni who support and promote the University’s efforts to attract, encourage and maintain a culturally diverse community of faculty, students, administrators, staff and volunteers. The Society hosted its annual Student and Faculty Leadership Awards ceremony in April 2018.

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