Illinois 40 Under 40 Emerging Nurse Leaders Award Winner Highlight: Angela Andrews

Angela Andrews

Meet Dr. Angela Andrews of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. An accomplished scholar, exemplary academician, and model of healthcare service. Her interests are varied and she strives to positively impact all aspects within her reach. She has been nominated for the class of 2023 Illinois Nurses foundation 40 Under 40 Emerging Nurse Leaders Award. Designed to highlight young nurses that are making a lasting difference in the healthcare industry, this award celebrates those who shape the future of nursing.

Dr. Angela Andrews: A Leader in Nursing Scholarship, Service, and Education

The nursing profession is filled with exceptional individuals who go above and beyond in their pursuit of excellence to make a positive impact. Dr. Angela Andrews is one such remarkable leader, demonstrating outstanding achievements in nursing scholarship, service, and education. She has made remarkable efforts to leadership contributions, highlighting her commitment to improving medication adherence, enhancing nursing workforce diversity, and fostering educational excellence.

Advancing Medication Adherence Research

Dr. Andrews’ doctoral work focused on addressing medication adherence among older adults with heart failure, exemplifying her dedication to improving patient outcomes. Since completing her doctoral work in 2018, she has continued to collaborate with colleagues nationwide, investigating and disseminating scholarly work on medication adherence and management. Dr. Andrews’ research contributions have the potential to significantly impact patient care and inform best practices in medication management for older adults.

Promoting Nursing Workforce Diversity and Readiness:

As the Primary Investigator of a grant sponsored by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Dr. Andrews leads a project titled “Increasing Nursing Workforce Diversity and Readiness to Practice Utilizing an Innovative 4 R Approach.” This initiative aims to recruit a diverse student nurse population by collaborating with school districts and local hospitals. The project also emphasizes retention efforts for pre-nursing students, innovative clinical experiences in underserved locations, and revised curricula addressing the effects of social determinants of health on patient outcomes. Dr. Andrews’ leadership in this area is critical to addressing health disparities and cultivating a more inclusive nursing workforce.

Active Engagement in Professional Organizations

Dr. Andrews’ leadership extends beyond her academic institution. She actively participates in professional nursing organizations, demonstrating her commitment to advancing the nursing profession on a broader scale. As an Early Research Committee Founding Leader of the International Society for Patient Medication and Adherence and a member of the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning, she actively contributes to research and simulation education initiatives. Additionally, Dr. Andrews is a member of esteemed nursing organizations such as Sigma, the Midwest Nursing Research Society, the American Nurses Association, and the National League for Nursing. Her active involvement in these organizations highlights her dedication to professional growth and collaboration within the nursing community.

Scholarly Contributions and Conference Presentations

Dr. Angela Andrews’ commitment to advancing nursing knowledge is reflected in her numerous peer-reviewed publications and presentations at local, regional, and international conferences. By disseminating her scholarly work, she contributes to the collective body of nursing research and promotes evidence-based practice. Dr. Andrews’ dedication to sharing her expertise and insights further elevates her status as a leader in the nursing profession.

Dr. Angela Andrews: Innovative Leader in Nursing Education

Dr. Angela takes an active role in leading shared governance processes within the SIUE School of Nursing. Serving as the faculty council chair and chair of the Dean’s Advisory Committee, she actively contributes to curriculum evaluation and collaborates with colleagues to implement innovative course revisions. Recognized as an exceptional educator, Dr. Andrews has been nominated for the Teaching Excellence Award, a testament to her dedication and impact in the classroom. Her commitment to faculty development and sharing her expertise in nursing education further solidifies her role as a leader in this field.

Dr. Angela is an exceptional leader in nursing scholarship, service, and education. Her contributions to medication adherence research, commitment to nursing workforce diversity, and dedication to educational excellence highlight her impact on the nursing profession. Dr. Andrews’ leadership extends beyond her academic roles, actively engaging in professional organizations and disseminating her scholarly work. Her passion for improving patient outcomes and advancing nursing practice serves as an inspiration to colleagues and aspiring nurses alike. The nursing profession is fortunate to have leaders like Dr. Angela Andrews who continually strives to make a difference and shape the future of healthcare.

Congratulations to Dr. Angela Andrews and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville for this prestigious honor! The Illinois Nurses Foundation 40 Under 40 Award for Emerging Nurse Leaders is proven to open career doors for its recipients. INF is proud to celebrate nurses like Angela who have made a lasting impact in the healthcare industry. 

For more information on the INF 40 Under 40 Award Ceremony, click this link.

Illinois Nurses Foundation: Support Education, Advocation, and Recognition for Nurses

The Illinois Nurses Foundation is a non-profit organization that supports nurses through various programs, empowering them, promoting excellence, and advancing the nursing profession while also recognizing and celebrating the remarkable achievements of young nurses through the INF 40 Under 40 Emerging Nurse Leaders Award, highlighting their talent and potential for the field’s growth and evolution. Donate to INF today and you can help empower nurses and improve healthcare!