VCU School of Nursing Dean Receives VNA’s Highest Honor
Nancy Langston, Ph.D., R.N., FAAN, dean of the VCU School of Nursing, was presented with the Virginia Nurses Association’s highest honor for nursing excellence, the Nancy Vance Award, on Sept. 24 during the VNA annual meeting at the Jefferson Hotel.
Created in 1948, the award is meant to inspire nurses to the same selfless service that Miss Vance practiced so successfully throughout her life. As a leader in nursing in Virginia during the early twentieth century, Miss Vance created the Five-Point Program for Health for Virginia school children, which resulted in improved health for thousands of Virginia’s children. In addition, her personal commitments were to maternal child health and to improving the care of people with cancer. The award, the five-point star, is a constant reminder of nursing excellence.
“Dr. Langston is the ideal recipient for this honor, given her commitment to the highest nursing standards throughout her career,” said Susan Motley, executive director of the Virginia Nurses Association. “Her exemplary leadership has made a significant impact on nursing education, research and service in the community.”
The Virginia Nurses Association also recognized two VCU School of Nursing faculty members among the top 40 nurses under age 40 in the Commonwealth for their leadership, dedication to innovation, research and advocacy; and community engagement. Alison Montpetit, Ph.D., R.N., critical care clinician and associate professor, and Angela Starkweather, Ph.D., R.N., researcher and associate professor, were recognized with the 40 under 40 2011 Future of Nursing Leadership Award. VCU School of Nursing alumni Kevin Shimp, BSN, and Joyy Intal, BSN, MS, both nurse managers at VCU Medical Center, were also recognized with this honor.
“I am pleased to see our faculty and alumni being recognized for their leadership,” Dr. Langston said. “This acknowledgment reflects the quality of the education students receive at the School of Nursing.”
Dr. Langston has served as a faculty member and in administrative positions at several different nursing schools prior to joining VCU in July 1991. Under her visionary leadership, the VCU School of Nursing has become one of the top nursing schools in the nation for research funded by the National Institutes of Health, a leading graduate school for nursing education and a trailblazer in community outreach.
Dr. Langston’s commitment to service extends beyond the School of Nursing. She has a lengthy record of involvement in local civic organizations, such as the Richmond Fan Free Clinic Board of Directors and on the disaster management planning committee of the Richmond Chapter of the American Red Cross. In addition, she has an extensive history of involvement in professional nursing organizations at local, state, regional and national levels. At the national level, she served on numerous committees of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing and served as the president of the National League for Nursing, the oldest nursing organization in the U.S. The recipient of numerous awards, including the 2007 Richard B. Caspari Award from the Richmond Chapter of the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses and the 2004 Outstanding Leadership Award from the National League for Nursing, Dr. Langston was inducted as a Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing in 2001.
Dr. Langston holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Arkansas, a master’s degree in nursing from Emory University and a doctorate in education from Georgia State University, with a focus on administration in higher education.
Corrine Dorsey (left), a 1954 MCV School of Nursing alumna, presented the VNA Award to Dr. Nancy Langston (right).