Academy Overview and Requirements
The Academy of Associate Degree Nursing honors excellence and outstanding service in Associate Degree Nursing and inspires the next generation of leaders within the ADN community. This esteemed opportunity recognizes individuals who inspire others while showcasing their contributions to students, faculty, and institutions. OADN Academy Fellows model exemplary dedication as change agents with a demonstrated commitment to the health of their communities.
Application to the Academy of Associate Degree Nursing is a self-nominating process. (To nominate a fellow nurse or colleague who is retired, from outside the ADN community (eg. government official), or a non-nurse, use the honorary nomination form: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2026AADNhonorary)
It is highly recommended that nominees gather all required documents before completion to ensure all documents are included in the final packet. A complete Academy of Associate Degree Nursing nomination packet includes:
Application to the Academy of Associate Degree Nursing is a self-nominating process. (To nominate a fellow nurse or colleague who is retired, from outside the ADN community (eg. government official), or a non-nurse, use the honorary nomination form: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2026AADNhonorary)
It is highly recommended that nominees gather all required documents before completion to ensure all documents are included in the final packet. A complete Academy of Associate Degree Nursing nomination packet includes:
- The Academy nominee's personal information and the contact information for the two professional references
- A personal statement from the nominee of no more than 750 words validating your dedication to associate degree nursing education and practice
- Professional Head Shot: Submit an electronic photo of the nominee. Nominee's headshot should be between 400 x 400, at a minimum, to 7,680 (w) x 4,320 (h) in PNG or JPEG file.
- A 75-word bio-sketch
- Curriculum vitae
- A commitment from the nominee to attend the induction ceremony at the OADN National Convention at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel in Nashville, TN, on November 12, 2026, if selected
- The nominee should describe in 750 words how they have uniquely contributed to associate degree nursing education in one of the following areas:
- Innovative strategies in teaching and learning with enhanced student learning outcomes
- Advocacy for the profession through local, state, and/or national efforts
- Innovative clinical practices with enhanced student learning outcomes
- Research related to the efficacy of associate degree nursing education
- Leadership in education, practice, or policy that enhances associate degree nursing education
Two letters of recommendation from colleagues who can provide support for your work in associate degree nursing education. The following guidelines will assist in composing a letter of support for consideration for induction into the Organization for Associate Degree Nursing’s Academy of Associate Degree Nursing. Please submit a one- to two-page PDF version of the letter (no more than 500 words). The letter of support should include the following:
1) Be on professional letterhead and include your contact information.
2) Be addressed to the OADN Academy Committee.
3) State your affiliation with the candidate and how long you have known the candidate.
4) Describe the candidate’s commitment to associate degree nursing education.
5) Explain how the individual has mad unique contributions in one or more of the following areas. (Note: A candidate does not need to have contributions in each of the areas.):
• Innovative strategies in teaching and learning
• Advocacy for the profession
• Innovative clinical practices
• Research
• Leadership
6) Describe other exceptional qualities and/or professional attributes the candidate may possess.
• Innovative strategies in teaching and learning
• Advocacy for the profession
• Innovative clinical practices
• Research
• Leadership
6) Describe other exceptional qualities and/or professional attributes the candidate may possess.
As a reminder, all required materials must be submitted on or before June 30, 2026, 8 pm EST/5 pm PST, and the $150.00 non-refundable application fee must be included.