HSC College of Nursing faculty member Dr. Cheryl Thaxton inducted into American Academy of Nursing 2024 Class of New Fellows

Cheryl Thaxton 240x300Dr. Cheryl Thaxton, DNP, APRN, CPNP, FNP-BC, CHPPN, ACUE, FPCN, FAANP, was recently named a 2024 Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing. Each year, AAN inducts a distinguished cohort of nurse leaders recognized for their substantial and sustained impact on health and health care.

Thaxton, who serves as associate dean/chair for graduate studies and professor for The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth’s College of Nursing, is one of five fellows from Texas. This year’s class represents 37 states, the District of Columbia, Guam and 14 other countries. They join more than 3,000 Academy Fellows who together, leverage their expertise to advance AAN’s vision of healthy lives for all people.

“We are so proud of Dr. Thaxton in achieving this great honor,” said Dr. Cindy Weston, HSC’s College of Nursing founding dean, who is also an AAN fellow. “Earning the Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing credential is a milestone recognition of her accomplishments and leadership in the fields of palliative care and hospice nursing.”

Thaxton has more than 30 years of experience in nursing, including critical and primary care and nursing leadership. As a graduate of George Washington University’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program, she spent several years researching the specific needs of children and adults with life-limiting illnesses with specialized expertise in hospice and palliative care nursing. Thaxton is board certified as a pediatric nurse practitioner and is also a fellow in the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and in Palliative Care Nursing.

“It is a tremendous honor and privilege to be inducted as a Fellow for the Class of 2024,” Thaxton said. “I am excited to continue contributing to nursing research, education, clinical practice and health care policy, in alignment with the mission and vision of AAN, HSC and the College of Nursing.”

The Class of 2024 fellows, selected from a competitive pool of applicants, represent a cross-section of nursing’s most dynamic leaders who are making positive change in their systems and communities to champion health and wellness.

AAN will honor this year’s new fellows at the induction ceremony and soiree on Nov. 2, 2024. This event is a special tribute to showcase nursing leadership, science and innovation where colleagues, family, friends and sponsors can gather in Washington, D.C., to celebrate the power of nursing to transform health.

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