Widener University’s Jack & Nancy Dwyer School of Nursing was named a Best School for Men in Nursing by the American Association for Men in Nursing, or AAMN.
This is the first time Widener’s nursing program has earned the one-year designation. Widener was one of only 16 schools recognized.
The prestigious award recognizes the Dwyer School of Nursing for its work to recruit and retain men in nursing, provide male students with a supportive educational environment, and educate faculty, students, and the community about the contributions that men make to the nursing profession.
Since chartering its AAMN chapter in 2012, Widener’s nationally celebrated nursing school has made strides to bolster the male representation across its programs, including a steady year-over-year increase in male faculty members.
The school continues to strengthen its engagement of male nursing students. Today, the campus chapter hosts events and collaborates with university and community partners to promote men’s health and influence the practice, education, research, and leadership for men in nursing.
Normajean Colby, associate professor of nursing, director of the nursing education program, and director of the graduate clinical nurse specialist program, led the efforts to earn the designation.
Colby, who is the faculty lead for Widener’s chapter, received the award at the AAMN’s 50th annual conference in Orlando, Florida.
“This is an exciting moment for our nursing program,” said Colby. “Since establishing the Widener chapter for Men in Nursing, we’ve made significant strides in engaging our male nursing students and helping to define and celebrate what it means to lead in the nursing profession.
“Widener also has an unwavering commitment to inclusion and belonging, so it is gratifying to see the nursing school recognized this way. I am excited for what lies ahead for our chapter and program.”
Widener University is a private institution that offers students an agile, innovative, and inclusive approach to learning. Industry-shaping faculty provide close, personal mentorship and share powerful connections that help students build professional networks.
Recognized as one of the Philadelphia region’s leading universities, Widener offers programs and experiences that empower our community of learners to discover and create better futures as scholars, leaders, and globally engaged citizens.
