Congratulations, Class of 2026 Nursing Owls! | | |
On May 8, Florida Atlantic University hosted its spring commencement ceremony for Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing students on the Boca Raton campus. The new graduates will join more than 9,200 College of Nursing alumni who have graduated from Florida Atlantic since the establishment of the first nursing degree program in 1979.
Prior to commencement, Freshman Direct Admit, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) spring graduates participated in the college's traditional Pinning Ceremony and celebrated at a reception afterward with families and friends. The annual ceremony symbolizes the beginning of their nursing careers, and several graduates received awards for academic achievement and outstanding service during the event. Read More | View Photos
| | FAU Ranks Among 2026 Best Graduate Schools in U.S. News & World Report | Florida Atlantic University has been ranked among the 2026 Best Graduate Schools by U.S. News & World Report. The Doctor of Nurse Practice degree program is ranked at No. 86 this year, up from No. 90 in 2025. Also making considerable gains is the percentage of graduates practicing in underserved areas or health profession shortage areas, ranked at No. 20, up from No. 27 in 2025. Read More | | BSN Program Achieves 97% NCLEX Pass Rate, Surpassing State and National Averages | | |
The Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing’s BSN program achieved a first-quarter 2026 NCLEX first-time pass rate of 97.14%. Well above both Florida and national averages, this milestone reflects the care and commitment behind the program.
Thank you to our dedicated faculty and staff for your continued support and guidance. Recent graduates – we are so proud of your success!
| | Driving Data and Vehicle Sensors Help Detect Early Cognitive Decline | | |
As the population ages – especially in places like Florida, home to millions of older drivers – there is a growing opportunity to identify early signs of cognitive decline before safety becomes a concern. In an ongoing study, FAU researchers in the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing and the College of Engineering and Computer Science analyzed nearly 4,800 real-world trips from 36 older drivers using sensors installed in their vehicles, alongside detailed cognitive testing.
The results, published in the journal Sensors, found clear differences in driving patterns: those with early cognitive impairment showed less consistent pedal control, shorter trips and less efficient speed regulation, while cognitively unimpaired drivers demonstrated steadier control, higher average speeds and more responsive braking. Read More
| | Cross Country Healthcare, FAU Release 2026 State of Nursing Report | | |
Cross Country Healthcare, in collaboration with the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, released its fifth annual report, Purpose Under Pressure: The State of Nursing in 2026, based on responses from more than 2,000 nurses and nursing students nationwide. Findings show that purpose remains a defining force, with 83% of nurses entering the field to make a meaningful impact, up from 66% in 2022. At the same time, the report reveals rising strain across the profession since 2022.
“Today’s nursing students are entering the profession with optimism, purpose and a realistic understanding of the challenges ahead,” said Cameron Duncan, Ph.D., DNP, APRN, the Holli Rockwell Eminent Dean at FAU’s Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing. “That combination matters. It gives healthcare leaders, educators and workforce partners an important opportunity to better prepare, support and retain the next generation of nurses.” Read More
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Thank You, Nurses!
National Nurses Week 2026, which took place May 6 to 12, focused on the theme, "The Power of Nurses." To honor FAU College of Nursing students, faculty, staff, alumni and nurses everywhere who lead with knowledge, compassion and purpose, Dean Cameron Duncan shared this video message. Watch Video
| | | | | Last Call! Register Now for ABI's Summer Academy | | |
Don't miss your chance to register for the Anne Boykin Institute's 2026 Summer Academy, from May 27 to 29, taking place both in-person and online. This year's theme, "Caring at the Edge of Chaos: Transforming Interprofessional Practice and Healthcare," aims to inspire reflections on the critical importance of developing knowledge in caring science that informs and guides nursing practice.
Tim Porter-O’Grady, co-author of Quantum Leadership: Building Better Partnerships for Sustainable Health, will open the academy with inspiring reflections about leading in challenging times. Featured artist-in-residence Thomas Hyatt will create space for aesthetic re-presentations of the manifestations of caring in interprofessional practice. Register Here
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Attention undergraduate and graduate nursing students! Don’t miss your chance to secure funding for your education. Log in to Scholarship Universe to explore scholarships you may be eligible for and submit your application today! Deadline to apply is July 10.
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College of Nursing spring graduates attended the Florida Atlantic University Alumni and Community Engagement's Toast to the Grads event on May 6. Congratulations, Class of 2026, on this exciting milestone! View Photos
Missed the event but still want to stay connected? Stay engaged with the college after graduation and join the Nursing Professionals Alumni Network.
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The 2026 Nursing Scholarship Showcase, held on April 22 and hosted by the Sigma Iota Xi At-Large Chapter along with the College of Nursing, featured transformative research projects from undergraduate and graduate students and faculty members. The presentations showcased a wide range of research that will advance nursing knowledge and reflect a strong commitment to caring in practice. View Photos
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FAU recognized outstanding student and faculty achievement during its 57th annual Honors Convocation. Several College of Nursing members were recognized for their excellence in research, scholarship, teaching and service. Congratulations to seniors Sarah Lievano, Sydney Gibbons and Melyssa Mitchell, and faculty members Mary Ann Leavitt, Ph.D., and Armiel Suriaga, Ph.D. Read More
| | Senior Spotlight: Sarah Lievano | | |
Congratulations to senior Sarah Lievano, a Freshman Direct Admit Nursing BSN student, who was named the 2026 Undergraduate Researcher of the Year for the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing! Lievano received the award at Florida Atlantic University’s 57th annual Honors Convocation in April.
“I am deeply honored to receive this award,” Lievano expressed. “Four years ago, I never would have pictured myself in this position. As my academic interests and ambitions have grown and shifted, receiving this recognition has reassured me that I am pursuing the path meant for me.” Read More
| | Alumna Spotlight: Melissa Emerson, BSN '04, MBA '18 | | |
Melissa Emerson, BSN '04, MBA '18, was named a 2026 Distinguished Alumni by the Florida Atlantic University Alumni Association. Together with other honorees, Emerson was recognized in April during the 2026 Hall of Fame and Distinguished Alumni Award Ceremony and Reception. Emerson has remained actively engaged with the College of Nursing. For the past two years, she has served on the college’s Advisory Board.
“This role allows me to stay connected to the college, while supporting its continued growth and impact,” shared Emerson. “Giving back is important to me because FAU helped shape both my career and my calling. Investing in the next generation of nurses and leaders is not only meaningful, but a responsibility I carry with gratitude.” Read More
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FAU hosted its annual Horizon Society Luncheon, which brought together university donors whose vision and generosity are shaping Florida Atlantic for generations to come. Dean Cameron Duncan attended the event along with several impactful College of Nursing supporters, whose planned gifts and lasting commitments are creating opportunities that aid students, strengthen programs and move the university forward. View Photos
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Thank you to everyone who turned out to support the Share Your Caring Heart event at The Cove Brewery on April 26, hosted by the Caring Hearts Auxiliary. Missed the event, but still want to support care partner programs and day center scholarships for the Louis and Anne Green Memory and Wellness Center? Give Here
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The College of Nursing’s FAU/Northwest Community Health Alliance Community Health Center was proud to take part in the 19th annual Celebrate Westgate Festival on April 11. Clinic staff, students and faculty welcomed residents to the tents for free blood pressure and weight checks, mental health screenings and information about the clinic's array of services.
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Advance your education! The College of Nursing offers a range of professional development courses, all based in the caring philosophy of our college, which are designed to fit your schedule and your life. Learn more about our certificates including Caring Science, Telehealth and Telemetry/Progressive Care here.
| | Following a rigorous and highly competitive application process, Professor Terry Eggenberger, Ph.D. (at left), and Assistant Professor Laurie Martinez, Ph.D., have been accepted as Global Academy of Holistic Nursing (GAHN) Scholars. GAHN is a global community of scholars committed to the advancement of the philosophies, theories and praxes of holistic health and health care transformation. | | |
Beth A. Pratt, Ph.D., has been promoted to associate professor with tenure at the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing. She also serves as a faculty fellow in the university's Institute for Human Health and Disease Intervention (I-Health) and associate director for Canines Providing Assistance to Wounded Warriors (C-P.A.W.W.®).
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Erika Yates, DNP, will serve as the new director of simulation. With a background as a neurosurgical intraoperative nurse and an open-heart ICU nurse at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach, Yates served in various leadership roles in hospital systems. She transitioned to a career in education in 2023, first as an adjunct and later as full-time faculty at Florida Atlantic University.
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Rose Haklitz, Ed.D., will serve as the college's new Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) coordinator. She joined the College of Nursing faculty in 2022. A registered nurse for over 30 years, Haklitz specializes in critical care and post-anesthesia care.
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This spring, Michelle Ferguson, DNP, assistant professor practice teaching within the college, received her Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certification from the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing.
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Call for manuscripts! Baptist Health is seeking manuscripts for Volume 9 of its Nursing & Health Sciences Research Journal. Contributions covering the topics of research studies, quality improvement/evidence-based practice and case studies are strongly desired. The submission deadline is Monday, June 8. Learn More
| | College Recognizes 2026 Outstanding Scholarship, Research Award Recipients | | |
The annual Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing's Faculty and Staff Assembly, held at the end of April, celebrated the outstanding accomplishments in scholarship, research and grant activity during the 2025–26 academic year.
The 2026 Faculty Award for Excellence in Research was presented to Christine Toledo, Ph.D., MSN, APRN, FNP-C, assistant professor, in recognition of her contributions to advancing nursing research. The 2026 Faculty Award for Outstanding Scholarship was awarded to Lenny Chiang-Hanisko, Ph.D., RN, FTNSS, associate professor, and Armiel Suriaga, Ph.D., MPH, MSN, RN, for their continued commitment to scholarly excellence.
Other honors were also presented during the event, including Daisy Awards and Challenge Coins. Congratulations to all of this year's esteemed winners! View all of the winners here.
| Research Takes Center Stage at Annual FAU Research Renewal Event | |
More than 200 researchers gathered at FAU's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute on May 5 for the annual Research Renewal event aimed at showcasing the variety of research and potential collaboration opportunities across the university.
With the Indian River Lagoon as a backdrop, 22 speakers represented 10 colleges and four research institutes, alongside opening remarks from university leadership. In addition, more than 20 student researchers showcased their work in poster sessions. Beth King, Ph.D., associate professor, was among the presenters. Read More | View Photos
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Davie Campus: Free Yoga Classes for All FAU Faculty, Staff and Students!
On Monday, May 18, yoga classes will start on the Davie campus and will continue every other week through the summer (June 1, June 15, etc.). Yoga mats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own mats.
🌟Every other Monday at 12 p.m. | SD 105 (Heritage Hall)
Slow Flow Yoga in Davie
A slower-paced vinyasa class links breath with movement through a sequence of poses, gradually building from warm-up to standing poses before settling into rest in shavasana.
🌟Every other Monday at 12 p.m. | SD 105 (Heritage Hall)
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Dean Cameron Duncan was featured on the front page of the South Florida Hospital News and Healthcare Report (May edition), in an article where he shared that he has discovered his "new family" at Florida Atlantic University's College of Nursing.
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Anne Geggis, a reporter for The Palm Beach Post, covered the driving evaluation and research underway at the College of Nursing in a front-page, April 26 article, "When is it time to hand over the keys?" Research Recruiter Kelley Jackson, Ph.D., led Geggis through her physical and cognitive testing results at the Louis and Anne Green Memory and Wellness Center on the university's Boca Raton campus.
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MedicalXpress republished the Florida Atlantic University's story, "Cross Country Healthcare, FAU Release 2026 State of Nursing Report," which revealed findings from the fifth annual joint survey conducted by the College of Nursing and Cross Country Healthcare.
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PEER-REVIEWED PAPERS:
*Levarity, B., Adenmosun, E., & Liehr, P. (in press). Preliminary evidence of internal structure validity of the Ease Measure among Bahamians exposed to the trauma cluster of Hurricane Dorian and COVID-19. Journal of Nursing Measurement.
#*Malatyali, A., Cidav, T., Wiese, L. A., Zou, J., Brown, M. J., Ma, J., … Thiamwong, L.
(2026). Rural–urban differences in cognitive outcomes among older adults: The roles of falls and depressive symptoms. Journal of Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease, 3(1), 13. https://doi.org/10.3390/jdad3010013
(* = Data-based, # = Caring Science)
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