INDIANAPOLIS — Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing (Sigma) today inducted Professor Liz Westcott as President during the 48th Biennial Convention House of Delegates.
Professor Westcott will serve a two-year term and becomes only the second non-US president, and the first from Europe, in Sigma’s 103-year history.
“It’s an incredible honor to lead such a remarkable global community of students and nurse leaders,” said Westcott.
“Sigma opens doors to collaboration, lifelong learning, and real impact. I invite all nurses to get involved and experience the difference that belonging to Sigma makes.”
Currently a Visiting Professor in the Faculty of Health, Science and Technology at Oxford Brookes University, Professor Westcott is a published author and executive coach. Drawing on her doctoral research, she helps nurses transform their careers and strengthen their leadership impact.
“Liz brings an unmatched blend of clinical insight, academic depth, and global perspective. Her unwavering commitment will ensure Sigma continues to lead the way in advancing nursing globally," said Sandra C. Garmon Bibb, outgoing president of the Sigma Board of Directors.
A nurse for more than 47 years, Professor Westcott most recently served as Head of Nursing at Oxford Brookes University, where she helped design and launch the Oxford School of Nursing and Midwifery. Her leadership was instrumental in introducing the Nursing Doctorate, pre-registration master’s programs, and a suite of foundation degrees.
Professor Westcott’s early career included clinical roles at Great Ormond Street Hospital and The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in London, where she developed a deep foundation in neuroscience care. She later advanced into senior nursing leadership positions in neurosurgery at Oxford’s Radcliffe Infirmary, where she was recognized for her commitment to clinical excellence, patient-centered innovation, and education.
Professor Westcott has long been an active leader within Sigma. She served as President of the Phi Mu Chapter (England) from 2019 to 2023, as Europe Regional Coordinator from 2021 to 2023, and was elected President-elect of Sigma’s International Board of Directors in 2023.
“Professor Westcott brings both vision and momentum to Sigma’s next chapter," said Lucas M. Davis, Chief Executive Officer of Sigma. “Together, we’ll carry forward the great work of Dr. Bibb and others as we move Sigma Forward to advance, elevate, and transform the way we serve nurses worldwide.”
Read the 2025-2027 Organizational Call to Action: Lead Together.
Download Liz's presidential photo.
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ABOUT SIGMA
The Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing (Sigma) is a nonprofit organization with the mission of developing nurse leaders anywhere to improve healthcare everywhere. Founded in 1922, Sigma has more than 100,000 active members and 600 chapters at institutions of higher education and healthcare partners from Armenia, Australia, and Botswana to Thailand, the United States, and Wales. Sigma members include clinical nurses and administrators, academic nurse educators and researchers, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and others working to fulfill the organization’s vision of connected, empowered nurses transforming global healthcare. Learn more at SigmaNursing.org.