September 24, 2018

Rolanda Johnson, PhD, MSN, assistant dean for academics and associate professor of nursing, has been named assistant dean for diversity and inclusion for Vanderbilt University School of Nursing. She replaces Assistant Professor Jana Lauderdale, who returned to her faculty role. As assistant dean for diversity and inclusion, Johnson oversees VUSN’s efforts to support and foster…

June 12, 2018

When Assistant Dean Jana Lauderdale, PhD, FAAN, took the stage at the National Student Nurses’ Association (NSNA) 66th Annual Convention plenary session presented by Johnson & Johnson, she introduced herself in a unique way: “I’m a Comanche Indian and I’m a nurse.” Johnson & Johnson later featured her in an article in its “Nursing Notes” newsletter. Read more / Watch Lauderdale’s presentation.

August 24, 2017

How do you cash your paycheck if the banks are closed when you get off work? What is your alternative to leaving your underage children home alone if you don’t have childcare? And how can you get to work, meet with assistance providers or attend health care appointments when you don’t have transportation? Health care…

April 7, 2017

Jana Lauderdale, assistant dean for the Office of Diversity and Inclusion in the School of Nursing, received the second Joseph A. Johnson, Jr. Distinguished Leadership Professor Award ever given by Vanderbilt University The honor recognizes faculty leadership in equity, diversity and inclusion in academic endeavors and was presented during Vanderbilts spring faculty assembly. “I am so very honored,” Lauderdale said after receiving the award. “When you aren’t expecting something and it happens–it makes you all the more appreciative and grateful.”

January 21, 2016

As a child in Africa, Rita Adeniran, DNP, R.N., had never heard of Martin Luther King Jr. It wasn’t until she was an adult that she learned of his teachings and used them to inspire her to be a strong, successful black woman. She shared her story during the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative…