Ph.D. Candidate Kristin Filler Named Jonas Scholar
Virginia Commonwealth University student Kristin Filler (B.S. ’09), RN, is one of 142 nursing doctoral candidates nationwide selected for the Jonas Nurse Leaders Scholar Program of the Jonas Center for Nursing Excellence. The program provides financial assistance, leadership development and mentoring support to expand the pipeline of future nurse faculty into research-focused and practice-focused doctoral nursing programs.
Filler is the first VCU School of Nursing student to participate in the program. She will be mentored by Debra Lyon, Ph.D., RN, FNP-BC, FNAP, FAAN, the Judith B. Collins and Joseph M. Teefey Distinguished Professor and chair of VCU’s Department of Family and Community Health Nursing.
“We are excited and proud to have Kristin represent VCU Nursing in this prestigious leadership development program,” Dr. Lyon said. “This opportunity is consistent with our efforts to remain one of the nation’s best schools for educating nursing leaders. ”
Filler is enrolled in the Post-B.S to Ph.D. option of VCU Nursing’s doctoral program. Her selection as part of the third cohort of Jonas Scholars brings the program to a national scale this fall with all 50 states represented. Launched in 2008 with six scholars in three states, the Jonas Scholars program now includes more than 200 students in nearly 85 schools across the U.S. It is the largest program addressing the nation’s dire shortage of nursing faculty by preparing nurses with doctoral degrees to step into this critical role.
“Our mission is to improve health care through nursing, and by reaching all 50 states, we can improve health care for all Americans,” said Darlene Curley, Jonas Center executive director. “Enthusiastic support from our donor and education partners has made all the difference as we built this innovative way to support future nurse leaders to improve patient care and reduce health care costs.”
According to Curley, in addition to growing the ranks of nursing faculty (as graduates are expected to teach), Jonas Scholars will also expand the number of advanced practice nurses who can serve as primary care providers and health care leaders – a vital role as the nation’s health care system is undergoing sweeping transformations.
Scholars will receive $10,000 in financial support from the Jonas Center, with a match from their academic institution. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing will administer the scholars program, bringing its vast experience and expertise in nursing leadership programs.
A full list of partner colleges and universities is available on the Jonas Center’s web site.
