School of Nursing and Health Professions
Dr. Eileen K. Fry-Bowers, Dean of the University of San Francisco School of Nursing and Health Professions, is Re-Elected to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing and the California Association of Colleges of Nursing Boards of Directors
SAN FRANCISCO (March 19, 2026) – Eileen K. Fry-Bowers, PhD, JD, RN, CPNP, FAAN,
Dean of the University of San Francisco (USF) School of Nursing and Health Professions, has been re-elected to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Board of Directors for a two-year term as a member-at-large, and the California Association of Colleges of Nursing (CACN) Board of Directors for a two-year term as Director and Chair of the Policy and Legislative Committee. These positions bring her leadership and experience, particularly public advocacy and informing policymakers and health care stakeholders, to the forefront of nursing education.
“I am honored to be re-elected to the AACN Board of Directors and to be selected as Director and Chair of the Policy and Legislative Committee for the CACN Board of Directors,” said Dean Fry-Bowers. “These leadership roles reflect a shared commitment to strengthening nursing education at a moment when our profession is central to the health and well‑being of our communities. I look forward to working alongside colleagues across California and the nation to advance evidence‑informed policy, expand equitable academic pathways, and support the development of a diverse, practice‑ready nursing workforce. Together, we can ensure that our programs remain innovative, mission‑driven, and responsive to the evolving needs of the populations we serve.”
“AACN applauds our newly elected Board and committee members for their commitment to leading at the intersection of higher education and healthcare at this pivotal time for the nursing profession,” said AACN Board Chair Jean Giddens, PhD, RN, ANEF, FAAN.
The CACN elected board was announced during their Semi-Annual Business Meeting held on February 25, 2026.
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About the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN)
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) is the national voice for academic nursing. AACN works to establish quality standards for nursing education; assists schools in implementing those standards; influences the nursing profession to improve health care; and promotes public support for professional nursing education, research, and practice. For more information, visit AACN
About the California Association of Colleges of Nursing
The mission of the California Association of Colleges of Nursing is to lead in advancing California baccalaureate and graduate nursing education. For more information, visit CACN.
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