Stephan Davis, D.N.P., MHSA, FACHE, FAAN, associate dean for inclusive excellence and belonging at the VCU School of Nursing and the College of Health Professions, has been selected for the inaugural class of fellows of the Academy of Diversity Leaders in Nursing (ADLN). The new fellowship, established by the National Black Nurses Association (NBNA), recognizes nurse leaders for their significant and sustained contributions to advancing justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) in nursing and healthcare. 

Davis will officially be inducted as a distinguished fellow of ADLN at the NBNA conference in San Francisco, California at the fellow induction ceremony on July 25. At the conference, Davis will also deliver a presentation on a paper he co-authored with Katie Boston-Leary, Ph.D., RN, NEA-BC, and Rumay Alexander, Ed.D., RN, FAAN, titled “Leveraging Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs to Build Nursing’s More Inclusive Future,” which was published in Nursing Administration Quarterly earlier this year. 

“The VCU School of Nursing community is thrilled to congratulate Dr. Davis on his induction into this new important academy,” said Patricia Kinser, Ph.D., RN, WHNP-BC, FAAN, professor and interim dean. “We are grateful for his leadership at the school, across the health sciences campus and university, and nationally to advance diversity and inclusion in health professions education and in healthcare.”  

I am so honored to be inducted as a distinguished fellow in the Academy of Diversity Leaders in Nursing alongside so many nursing leaders who I respect and admire tremendously, including my mentor Dr. Ken White. I look forward to collaborating with members of this new academy to continue advancing our endless pursuit of inclusive excellence. 

Stephan Davis, D.N.P.

Since joining VCU in 2022, Davis has expanded diversity and inclusion educational offerings for the university community and raised the profile of VCU’s diversity-related efforts, positioning the institution as a nationally prominent leader in fostering inclusivity and equity. He spearheaded the VCU College of Health Professions application for the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Health Professions award, successfully earning the honor for the college in October 2023. That same year, he was recognized by the Association of University Programs in Health Administration as a recipient of their Teaching Excellence Award for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging, and Social Justice. 

The announcement of Davis’ professional society fellowship follows his recent national webinar, “Leading While Black in Academic Nursing” attended by more than 250 participants across the country. The topic of the program reflects his ongoing commitment to addressing the lived experiences and perspectives of historically underrepresented and systematically excluded individuals and communities in nursing, healthcare, and healthcare leadership.

In addition to Davis, Kenneth R. White, Ph.D., APRN, FACHE, FAAN, a VCU School of Nursing alumnus and Davis’ mentor, will be inducted into the new academy as a luminary fellow. Luminary fellows are recognized for significant and sustained contributions to JEDI over a 30+ year period in the nursing profession. 

“I am so honored to be inducted as a distinguished fellow in the Academy of Diversity Leaders in Nursing alongside so many nursing leaders who I respect and admire tremendously, including my mentor Dr. Ken White”, said Davis. “I look forward to collaborating with members of this new academy to continue advancing our endless pursuit of inclusive excellence.” 

About NBNA

Founded in 1971, the mission of National Black Nurses Association is “to serve as the voice for black nurses and diverse populations ensuring equal access to professional development, promoting educational opportunities and improving health.” NBNA represents over 350,000 black registered nurses, licensed vocational/practical nurses, nursing students and retired nurses from the USA, Eastern Caribbean, and Africa, through 111 chartered chapters, in 34 states and the District of Columbia. Learn more at NBNA.org.