I am honored to submit my candidacy for the Governance Committee of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing (Sigma). With a deep commitment to advancing the mission of Sigma, I bring extensive leadership experience at both the chapter and regional levels, a proven record of fostering membership growth, and a dedication to supporting excellence in nursing scholarship, leadership, and service.
My service to Sigma spans many years and includes holding multiple local officer positions—President, Vice President, Secretary, Counselor, and Treasurer. As the President of the Nu at-Large Chapter, I worked diligently to strengthen our chapter through intentional member engagement and community partnerships. Under my leadership, Nu at-Large experienced a 25% increase in membership, reflecting a concerted effort to recognize outstanding nurses and nursing students across diverse practice and academic settings.
In addition to my local chapter service, I have had the privilege of serving two terms as the Regional Chapter Coordinator for Region 8. In this capacity, I provided guidance and mentorship to chapters across the region, strengthening their governance processes and membership engagement strategies. Among my proudest accomplishments was assisting two chapters in achieving chapter-at-large status. This expansion of chapter boundaries directly increased the recognition of esteemed nurses in their communities, reinforcing Sigma’s mission to honor nursing excellence worldwide.
I am an Associate Professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing. I serve as the Co-coordinator for the Family Nurse Practitioner Program and teach in the Doctor of Nursing Practice track. It is an honor and a privilege to guide students in their career goal of becoming a nurse practitioner. I was awarded the UAB President’s Award in Excellence in Teaching, which was especially meaningful as the nomination came from my students.
The Governance Committee plays a critical role in shaping the life and progression of Sigma, and I am deeply aware of the responsibility that comes with this role. Governance is more than procedural oversight—it is about ensuring our organization remains inclusive, responsive, and future-focused. My experience as a chapter president and regional coordinator has taught me the importance of strong bylaws, clear policies, and consistent support for chapters in all stages of development. I recognize the necessity of reviewing bylaws annually to ensure they align with Sigma’s mission while protecting the rights and interests of our members.
I am also particularly passionate about the role the Governance Committee plays in supporting chapters and determining membership eligibility. In an evolving nursing landscape, it is critical to apply best practices and inclusive strategies for determining eligibility across all types of nursing programs, including non-traditional programs. Ensuring that Sigma can recognize all qualified nurses reflects our commitment to equity and excellence in the nursing profession.
I would be honored to bring my experience, passion for governance, and unwavering dedication to the Sigma Governance Committee. Together, we can continue to strengthen our organization, support our chapters, and ensure Sigma remains the global leader in honoring and advancing nursing excellence.