Franklin University Faculty Member Receives National School Nurse Educator of the Year Award

Contact:

Sherry Mercurio
Executive Director, Office of Community Relations
(614) 947-6581
Email: sherry.mercurio@franklin.edu

Franklin University is proud to announce that Patricia Endsley, PhD, RN, NCSN, FNASN, lead faculty, RN to BSN/non-practitioner MSN programs and nationally recognized nursing educator, has been named the 2026 National Association of School Nurses (NASN) School Nurse Educator of the Year, one of the profession's highest honors recognizing excellence in school nurse education and leadership.

The award will be presented during the National Association of School Nurses Annual Conference in Las Vegas this June and recognizes Dr. Endsley's significant contributions to nursing education, professional leadership, and workforce development.

Dr. Endsley's accomplishments exemplify the expertise and industry engagement that define Franklin University's faculty. Her leadership in nursing education, research, and advocacy ensures our students learn from professionals who are actively shaping the future
of healthcare.

In addition to receiving the national award, Dr. Endsley recently presented at the 2026 New England School Nurse Conference, where she co-facilitated a panel discussion focused on lifelong learning and professional development for nursing professionals.

She also co-authored a national research study published in Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness examining school nursing emergency preparedness and response capabilities across the United States. The study contributes to ongoing efforts
to strengthen emergency planning, public health readiness, and student health services nationwide.

Further demonstrating her leadership within the profession, As National Association of School Nurses President-Elect, Dr. Endsley participated in the NASN Capitol Hill Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C. During the event, she met with U.S. Senator Susan Collins
to discuss federal priorities related to nursing workforce development, school health services, and support for school nurses serving underserved communities.

Dr. Endsley's national recognition reflects Franklin University's commitment to preparing healthcare professionals through workforce-aligned nursing programs taught by faculty who actively contribute to research, policy, and professional practice. By bringing
current industry knowledge and national-level expertise into the classroom, Franklin faculty help students develop the skills needed to lead in today's evolving healthcare environment.

FACT BOX: Dr. Patricia Endsley's National Impact in Nursing Education
Award: 2026 National Association of School Nurses (NASN) School Nurse Educator of the Year

Award Significance: National recognition honoring excellence in school nurse education and leadership

National Conference Presentation: 2026 New England School Nurse Conference presentation: Leading Your Journey Through Lifelong Learning: A Panel Discussion Focused on professional development, lifelong learning, and leadership growth in nursing

Published Research: Co-author of a national study published in Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness, article: School Nursing Emergency Response Study: A National Convergent Parallel Mixed Methods Cross-Sectional Survey, and research examined school nursing emergency preparedness and response capabilities across the United States

National Advocacy: As National Association of School Nurses President-Elect, participated in NASN Capitol Hill Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C.

Why It Matters: Demonstrates Franklin University's leadership in nursing education, and highlights faculty expertise that directly informs teaching and curriculum while advancing national conversations around healthcare workforce development, public health preparedness, and school health services, while ensuring Franklin nursing students learn from faculty actively shaping the future of the profession

About Franklin University

Accredited, nonprofit, and dedicated to educating adults since 1902, Franklin provides onsite course options at our Main Campus in downtown Columbus, Ohio, and is an innovator in providing personalized online education. The University offers applied in-demand undergraduate, masters, and doctorate programs that enable adult learners to achieve their educational and professional goals. Through agreements with partner institutions, the University also offers international academic programs, including its top-ranked MBA.

Franklin University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and holds specialized accreditations for specific academic programs through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, and the Commission on Accreditation of Health Informatics and Information Management Education. The National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security have designated Franklin University as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE).