Newly Released 'Transforming Care' Magazine Celebrates College of Nursing Students, Programs | |
The Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing is pleased to announce the release of its 2025 Transforming Care magazine. This year's issue highlights how the college's exceptional faculty, staff and students, together with alumni and community supporters, are fostering a culture of caring through its innovative academic and outreach programs. In addition, it profiles how the college is working to provide much-needed services for our growing South Florida community through the FAU/NCHA Community Health Center and Louis and Anne Green Memory and Wellness Center. We invite you to read the online edition of the 2025 Transforming Care magazine here. | |
Nursing Students, Staff Attend Florida Atlantic Day at the State Capitol | |
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Three Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing graduate students, Nicole Carty-Mullings, Zaysheron Keora Francis and Tracey Saint-Louis, joined a delegation of University leaders, students, alumni and elected officials for Florida Atlantic Day at the Capitol on Feb. 18. Together with Dean Cameron Duncan and Assistant Dean for Strategic Affairs and Public Engagement Suzanne Ffolkes, the group spent the day meeting with state legislators.
“Representing Florida Atlantic at the state capitol was an incredible honor,” shared Carty-Mullings, a nursing Ph.D. student. “It felt empowering to be part of a more significant movement advocating for the future of health care and higher education. Seeing so many passionate individuals together for a common cause was truly inspiring.”
For Saint-Louis, a BSN to DNP student, it was important for her to attend, especially as a social worker, mental health therapist, educator and registered nurse.
“As a health professional who works the frontline, I see various issues and concerns that could be addressed,” noted Saint-Louis. “I saw attending as an opportunity to offer up my first-hand encounters which can help the representatives and senators understand today’s pressing dilemmas and help set solutions in motion.”
Keora Francis, a part-time Family Nurse Practitioner student, also met with state legislators who play a key role in shaping the future of nursing education.
“We discussed the importance of increased funding to help address the growing need for health care professionals in Florida. Additionally, I advocated for advanced clinical facilities that will better prepare us before we go to clinical sites and enter the workforce,” stated Keora Francis. “I especially enjoyed meeting Senator Barbara Sharief and learning that she is a nurse practitioner. It was inspiring to see her advocating for nurse practitioners from a legislative position.” View Photos
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College of Nursing to Honor New Nursing Students at Annual White Coat Ceremony | |
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The Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing will host its annual White Coat Ceremony on Thursday, March 20, at 5 p.m., in the Carole and Barry Kaye Auditorium, on the Boca Raton campus. The traditional ceremony marks a commitment to provide compassionate care and the pursuit of nursing excellence among the incoming Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students.
Hank Drummond, Ph.D., senior vice president and chief clinical officer at Cross Country Healthcare, will deliver the keynote address. In his roles, Drummond oversees the organization’s clinical, quality, education and regulatory compliance.
As our students boldly step into nursing, they need the support of the collective community like never before. Please consider gifting towards our students’ scholarship fundraisers, by visiting the Foundation Lamplighter and White Coat Scholarship webpage. Monies raised will be evenly divided between these two scholarships.
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Record Number of Students Attend Spring 2025 Nursing Career Fair | |
The College of Nursing Career Fair attracted a record-breaking number of attendees during the Feb. 11 event, held in the college's atrium on the Boca Raton campus. Nearly 200 students turned out to network with local and national employers. Hosted in collaboration with Florida Atlantic's Career Center, the event provided valuable career insights and pathways to future opportunities in health care. View Photos | |
Florida Atlantic Joins the Nation's Most Elite Research Universities and Colleges | |
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Florida Atlantic University has officially established itself among the most prestigious colleges and universities in the United States for its notable accomplishments in research. It now holds the esteemed designation of “R1: Very High Research Spending and Doctorate Production” by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, and shares this status with less than 5% of the nearly 4,000 universities in the U.S.
In the competitive landscape of higher education, the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education plays a pivotal role in determining a university’s standing. To qualify for the R1 status, institutions must meet a stringent set of criteria such as the number of research doctorates awarded and total research expenditures. Florida Atlantic is now the sixth institution in the Florida State University System to hold R1 status. Read More
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Florida Atlantic University Board of Trustees Select Adam Hasner to be Eighth President | |
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The Florida Atlantic University Board of Trustees voted unanimously to select Adam Hasner the university’s eighth president on Feb. 10, and the Florida State University System (SUS) Board of Governors confirmed Hasner on Feb. 20. As the next president, President Hasner will build on the university's legacy and growing national recognition, while working with faculty and staff to chart new strategies for the future.
“Florida Atlantic University is a shining example of what a modern university can achieve – academic excellence, cutting-edge research, student access and success, all while maintaining a strong connection to the communities it serves,” said Hasner. “I am honored to be chosen to lead this incredible institution and work alongside its talented students, top-tier faculty, and dedicated staff to drive FAU’s mission forward. Together, we will continue to innovate, inspire and make a lasting, positive impact in the lives of our students, our community and the state." Read More
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For the fourth consecutive year, the College of Nursing has partnered with Cross Country Healthcare to present the annual "Future of Nursing" survey which is now live for Florida Atlantic College of Nursing students and faculty to complete. Participate now and help shape the future of nursing! Survey closes on Monday, March 17. Take Survey
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Florida Atlantic University's spring break will begin on Saturday, March 1. Classes will resume on Saturday, March 8. Have a safe and enjoyable break!
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Florida Atlantic's Graduate College will host the ninth annual Three Minute Thesis Competition (3MT®) live, in-person at the Boca Raton campus Student Union, Monday, March 10 and Tuesday, March 11. The Championship Round will take place on Wednesday, March 12. The 3MT® competition challenges graduate students to pitch their research in only three minutes to a live audience.
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Registration for Intersession, Summer, and Fall 2025 will be available starting Monday, March 24. Learn More
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An Accelerated BSN track information session will be held on Tuesday, March 11, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. This limited-access, four-semester program is a fast track to a professional nursing career. Sign up for the event here.
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The Student Publication Ceremony on Wednesday, March 19 will showcase various written works that Florida Atlantic students had published in Summer 2024, Fall 2024 and Spring 2025. Undergraduate and graduate students are welcome to participate. Submitted works can be scholarly/academic, professional or creative, and you can make more than one submission. The submission deadline is Wednesday, March 12. Learn More
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Our Freshman Direct Admit track is a full-time, four-year program for currently enrolled high school seniors who are interested in pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Join the virtual information session on Thursday, March 13, from 3 to 4 p.m. to learn more. Click here to register.
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The deadline to apply for the College of Nursing's Ph.D. program is Saturday, March 15. The focus of the program is to prepare nurses as scholars in conducting nursing research about practice problems and creating innovative responses to practice issues. To learn more about the program, click here.
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The RN-BSN track will hold an informational session on Thursday, March 20, at 2 p.m. This track is for applicants who have completed a diploma or associate's degree nursing program at an ACEN-accredited institution, possess an unencumbered RN license in the state of residence and seek to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Click here to register.
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Enrolled Florida Atlantic College of Nursing DNP and Ph.D. students are invited to attend monthly Zoom meetings, held on the fourth Tuesday of every month. Join the Tuesday, March 25 meeting at 6 p.m. here.
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Florida Atlantic's Graduate College will host a virtual Graduate Information Session on Thursday, March 27, at 5 p.m. This session will include information regarding financial aid, test preparation and graduate admissions. Learn more and register for the event here.
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Call for abstracts: posters! The Sigma Iota Xi Chapter-at-Large invites all Florida Atlantic nursing students, faculty and staff to submit poster abstracts for the Nursing Scholarship Showcase. Entries are due by Friday, March 28 by 11:59 p.m. For complete entry requirements, email asuriaga2016@health.fau.edu. The showcase will take place on Wednesday, April 16, from 2 to 5 p.m. in the college's atrium.
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The Schmidt College of Science will host its annual Pre-Health Professions Week and Graduate and Professional School Fair, Monday, March 31 to Thursday, April 3. All events are open to Florida Atlantic undergraduate and graduate students, including meet with admission representatives from various health-related graduate and professional programs. Learn More
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Visit FAU's Career Center to get free headshots, professional clothing to dress for success, guidance on selecting a major, resume reviews to make your application shine and more! Be sure to follow the center on Instagram for updates on events, services and career tips. You can also check out the latest hot jobs in Handshake.
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Alumna Spotlight: Breanne Levarity ’24 | |
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Accomplished alumna Breanne Levarity, BSN-Ph.D. ’24, had such a positive academic experience at Florida Atlantic that she took a job after graduation as an adjunct clinical instructor for the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing. “I truly appreciate the caring culture of the College of Nursing,” shared Dr. Levarity. “They don’t just teach caring; they live it, and that spirit is contagious.”
As a nurse educator, Dr. Levarity strives to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead change in clinical settings and beyond. Her research focuses on trauma clusters, a concept she developed to describe the occurrence of two or more natural disasters experienced simultaneously or consecutively within a short period of time. This concept emerged following the dual trauma experienced by the Bahamian population during Hurricane Dorian and the COVID-19 pandemic. Through her research, Dr. Levarity seeks to shift a change in disaster response by developing and implementing nursing interventions that focus on resilience and coping skills, rather than solely on the loss and suffering caused by the disaster. Read More
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Calling all alumni! You are invited to attend the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing Alumni Reunion on Thursday, April 3, from 5 to 7 p.m. Come meet Dean Cameron Duncan, Ph.D., reconnect with fellow alumni, join the new Nursing Alumni Network and discover ways to engage with your alma mater! Space is limited. Registration is open until Friday, March 21, or until capacity is filled. Register Here
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Participants are needed for a peer-to-peer study on self-care for diabetes among Afro-Caribbean adults 18 years or older who can commit to a one-hour, virtual focus group. For details, contact Dr. Raquel Brown at 561-297-2383 or rbrown2014@health.fau.edu.
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Florida Atlantic University’s Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute will celebrate its efforts to advance brain science and health with “Brainy Days” events during the month of March throughout Palm Beach County. “Brainy Days” includes free community events and educational lectures with world-renowned experts to promote brain health, share neuroscience discoveries and reduce the stigma associated with brain disorders. Learn More
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The Division of Research will host the sixth annual Art of Science gallery reception on Tuesday, March 11, 4 to 6 p.m. at FAU Galleries Ritter Art Gallery. Experience stunning images and videos showcasing the beauty of scientific discovery, plus special exhibits like a robotic dog and holographic imaging system. Free food, wine and swag. Open to the public. Attendance is free, but registration is requested. Learn More
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Florida Atlantic's Center for the Future Mind will host its third annual MindFest on Wednesday, March 12 and Thursday, March 13. The two-day event is free for all Florida Atlantic faculty, staff and students. Be a part of cutting-edge discussions with thought leaders about the future of intelligence, especially artificial intelligence. Learn More
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The college's spring semester Research Colloquia wraps up on Thursday, March 13, at 12 p.m. Join Dr. David Newman, professor and statistician at the College of Nursing, for his Zoom presentation on data science along with Assistant Professor Dr. Debarshi Datti. Register Here
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All are invited to join a special hybrid event, “Earth Caring: Tending Our Common Home,” on Wednesday, March 26, at 9 a.m. This program is a collaboration between Florida Atlantic University, the Anne Boykin Institute and the Sigma Iota Xi at-Large Chapter. Register Here
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Admitted students and parents are invited to attend an exclusive student experience to discover what it’s like to be a Florida Atlantic Owl! Tour campus and residential halls, speak with financial aid and admissions counselors and get a feel for College of Nursing life! The College of Nursing will host newly admitted nursing students on Friday, March 28 on the Boca Raton campus. Learn More
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Join free yoga sessions every Tuesday at noon in the College of Nursing building, Room 115, Boca Raton campus. Open to all Florida Atlantic students, faculty and staff.
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Save the dates! The Anne Boykin Institute's 2025 Summer Academy will take place June 4-6, both in-person and online. This year's theme is "Caring: Essential Knowledge for Nursing Practice." Learn More
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Interested in contributing to the success of our students? Become an NP preceptor for the Spring 2025 term. To view the preceptor handbook and the guidelines for applying for participation points, click here. Questions? Contact Charles Owens at cowens11@health.fau.edu.
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Narciso Quidley-Rodriguez, Ph.D., Receives Sigma Funding | |
Assistant Professor Dr. Narciso Quidley-Rodriguez was awarded $4,567 by Sigma for his first-of-a-kind study that explores the relationship between companion animals and LGBTQIA+ veterans. His research project, entitled "Companion Animals and LGBTQ+ Veterans: Exploring the Benefits and Risks of Furry Friends," is a qualitative exploration of the benefits and drawbacks provided by companion animals to our LGBTQIA+ military veterans. | |
College of Nursing faculty were among presenters at the Southern Nursing Research Society (SNRS) conference in Memphis on Feb. 19. Drs. Clarene Brown-King, Beth Pratt, Kyndall Mammah, Wanda Morancy, Howard Butcher, Rita Gengo, Mary Ann Leavitt and Armiel Suriaga showcased their research and won the “Team Spirit” award. Dr. Ashley Rivera serves as the SNRS director of communications. | |
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Drs. Nancy Harris and Kathy Kazdan led the college’s spring semester study abroad trip in rural areas of Guatemala including the village of Chi Don Juan in San Marin Jilotepeque and Sacatepequez, Pastores in February. Nursing students and faculty conducted screenings for 514 patients and provided health information to local residents who have limited access to medical care.
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Assistant Professor Dr. Armiel Suriaga delivered an oral presentation on "Unintentional vs. intentional deaths among people with mitragynine exposures" during the fourth International Kratom Symposium held at Lake Nona, Orlando, Feb. 4-7. Dr. Suriaga received travel support from the University of Florida College of Pharmacy and the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing to present this study.
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The State University System of Florida (SUS) announced the success of its nursing programs on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). The nine Florida universities that are above the national benchmark of a 92% passage rate include Florida Atlantic's College of Nursing, which tied for sixth place (WOKV, Feb. 12).
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Dr. Joy Longo, associate dean of academic programs at the College of Nursing, was featured in the South Florida Sun Sentinel article, "Florida’s nursing grads aren’t passing licensing exams as major staffing shortage looms" (February 2025).
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PEER-REVIEWED PAPERS:
*#Brown-King, C. E., Pratt, B. A., Mammah, K., & Morancy, W. (2025). Exploring the experience of family members caring for a relative with alcohol use disorder: A phenomenological inquiry. Scandinavian journal of caring sciences, 39(1), e13306. https://doi.org/10.1111/scs.13306
*# Coelho, D.R.A., Yang, C., Suriaga, A., Manasa, J., Bain, P.A., Vieira, W.F., Papatheodorou, S., & Salvi, J.D. (2025). Glutamatergic medications for Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA Network Open, 8(1), e2452963. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.52963
*Galvin,J.E., Germain, D.M., Moore, C.P., Jeanty, J.A., Tofaeono, V., & Lisa K. Wiese (2025). The Dementia Literacy Assessment (DeLA): A novel measure of Alzheimer's disease and related disorders health literacy in diverse populations. Translational Research and Clinical Interventions. e-print ahead of publication, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.1002/trc2.70054
*Girardi, A., Marshall, J., & Snyder, B.L. (2024). Prelicensure Nursing Students’ Anxiety in the Mental Health Clinical Setting: A Qualitative Study. Teaching and Learning in Nursing. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.teln.2024.11.005
NON-PEER-REVIEWED PAPERS:
#Abshire, D., An, K., Ashcraft, P.F., Catarelli, B., Davis, S., McNeill, C., Mumba, M.N., Loerzel, V., Prevost, S.S., and Rivera, A. (2025). Defining Research for PhD and DNP Prepared Nurses: A Collaborative Approach. Research in Nursing & Health. 48(2) https://doi.org/10.1002/nur.22448
(* = Data-based, # = Caring Science)
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Invest in our nursing students today to prepare for Florida’s health care needs tomorrow. | | | | |
