Position is a pivotal role in advancing nursing knowledge and health policy.
Debra J. Barksdale, PhD, FNP-BC, FAANP, ANEF, FADLN, FAAN, began her term as President of the American Academy of Nursing (AAN) on October 18, 2025. As Dean of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro’s School of Nursing, Dr. Barksdale brings extensive experience in health equity and strategic leadership to this pivotal role.
During her presidency, Dr. Barksdale will guide the AAN in implementing its 2025-2028 Strategic Plan to advance health by generating and sharing nursing knowledge, fulfilling the vision of Healthy Lives for All People. The AAN will focus on critical policy areas, including artificial intelligence in health care, protecting research infrastructure, and enhancing Medicaid access and funding. She will lead efforts to boost Fellow engagement and increase the impact on federal policy and global health diplomacy.
“It’s a privilege to lead this organization at such a pivotal moment,” said Dr. Barksdale. “As we navigate a rapidly changing health care landscape, we must embrace diversity of thought and leverage our collective expertise for evidence-informed solutions that ensure access to quality care. I am committed to enhancing the influence and power of the nursing profession.”
Since becoming the Dean of the School of Nursing in 2021, Dr. Barksdale has led the school to significant achievements. The school has increased its research capacity by recruiting new research faculty members and prioritizing research productivity focused on health disparities in vulnerable populations. Student enrollment has doubled, including the introduction of two innovative degrees, many of which are firsts for the UNC system: the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Direct Admission for first-year students, and the Prelicensure Master of Science for college graduates seeking a career change into the nursing profession. Others are in areas of high need, such as the family nurse practitioner and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner programs.
About UNC Greensboro
UNC Greensboro is a learner-centered public research university with 18,000 students in eight colleges and schools pursuing more than 150 areas of undergraduate and 200 areas of graduate study. Recognized nationally for helping first-generation and lower-income students find paths to prosperity, UNCG is ranked No. 1 most affordable institution in North Carolina for net cost by the N.Y. Times and No. 1 in North Carolina for social mobility by The Wall Street Journal. Designated an Innovation and Economic Prosperity University by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, UNCG is a community-engaged research institution with a portfolio of more than $67M in research and creative activity. The University creates an annual economic impact for the Piedmont Triad region in excess of $1B. Please visit uncg.edu and follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram, Bluesky, and LinkedIn.
About the American Academy of Nursing
The American Academy of Nursing serves the public by advancing health policy and practice through the generation, synthesis, and dissemination of nursing knowledge. With more than 3,200 Fellows, the Academy represents nursing’s most accomplished leaders in policy, research, administration, practice, and academia. Please visit: aannet.org