GVSU nursing dean elected to leadership role on national board

Cynthia McCurren, dean and professor of Kirkhof College of Nursing, was elected to serve in a top leadership role for the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, the national voice for academic nursing.

McCurren will serve as chair-elect for two years and then serve as AACN's board chair in 2022-2024. 

McCurren has served on the AACN board for four years and said she looks forward to this leadership opportunity to advance the goals of the organization, including strengthening partnerships between nursing education and practice. She is the current co-chair of AACN's Essentials Task Force, helping to re-envision the educational preparation of undergraduate and graduate nursing students. 

"Leaders from nursing education and practice make up the task force, and represent a diversity of thought, experience and perspective. Together we are working on how best to deliver education, prepare students for transformative leadership, and ensure health equity," she said.

McCurren joined KCON as dean in 2007 following teaching and leadership roles at the University of Louisville. She also serves on the board of the Michigan Organization of Nursing Leaders, is past president of the Michigan Association of Colleges of Nursing, and was an appointed member of the Michigan Task Force for Nursing Education/Michigan Nursing Education Council. She is a member of the board of directors for Metro Health University of Michigan Health, and on the quality and safety committee for the Spectrum Health Board.