Academy for Cultural Pioneering Nurse Leaders

Academy for Emerging Nurse Leaders

Empowering emerging and aspiring nursing changemakers

July 21 – 25, 2025 | Nashville, TN

Vanderbilt University School of Nursing
Nashville, TN

A five-day, immersive leadership development program designed to equip new nurse leaders and faculty with skills, knowledge and a network of colleagues and mentors for career advancement.

Section Contents

The Academy for Emerging Nurse Leaders was developed to help new nursing faculty and new nurse leaders build the skills, gain the knowledge and build a network of colleagues and mentors to help them advance their careers and in turn, mentor other emerging nurse leaders.

After three successful years and life-changing results, academy leadership decided to offer the Emerging Academy alongside an Aspiring Academy for nurses not yet in leadership, providing further opportunities for mentoring, networking and growth for both sets of fellows.

Program Details

What you’ll learn

Fellows will be empowered as leaders through ongoing mentorship, self-discovery and discussion of key topics including:

  • How to thrive as a nurse leader pioneer
  • Strategies for progressive nurse leadership
  • A historical perspective of nursing and medicine
  • Theories in leadership and management 
  • Productive conflict resolution
  • Developing an effective leadership presence
  • Managing and mediating bias
  • Principles and best practices for transformational leadership

Plus support and understanding from national leaders and a community of colleagues from around the country. The group will explore topics such as:

  • Navigating external challenges and divergence on the leadership path and in health care
  • The impact of personal experiences
  • Strategies on how—and why it’s necessary—to build your community

Applicant requirements

  • A Master of Science in Nursing is preferred
  • Less than 3 years' experience serving in a leadership role

Tuition

  • $3,000

Commitment

  • Five-day in-person academy at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing in Nashville, TN
  • Commitment to expanding and supporting pioneering, belonging, collaboration and growth through nursing leadership
  • Support from your dean, chief nursing officer or direct supervisor
  • Support of a mentor at your home institution
  • Design and implementation of a leadership project for which the time commitment will vary
  • Post-academy monthly meetings with your academy mentor for six months

Leadership project

As part of the academy, each attendee will design a project that addresses an issue connected to their workplace. While each project should be specific to individual needs and strengths, projects should align with current workplace’s organizational goals and objectives. Both the institutional and academy mentors will work to facilitate the design and/or implementation of the project.

Start Your Application

FAQs

  • What is the cost of the program?

    $3,000. Apply by April 30, 2025, to receive a 15% discount ($400 value).

  • Is financial support available?

    Yes. Information on fellowships will soon be available.

  • What are the selection criteria for the program?
    • A Master of Science in Nursing degree in nursing preferred
    • Serving in a leadership role less than 5 years
    • Are committed to expanding and supporting pioneering, belonging, collabortion and growth in nursing leadership
    • Leadership support from your dean, chief nursing officer or direct supervisor
    • Have identified a mentor at your institution or organization
  • Other than attending the academy sessions, what is the ongoing time commitment for each fellow?

    You will need to design and implement a leadership project; the time commitment for it will vary. You will have post-academy monthly meetings with your academy mentor for six months.

  • What is the deadline to apply?

    June 15, 2025

  • When will fellows be notified of acceptance?

    June 17, 2025 or sooner.

  • How do I apply?

    Fill out an application here.

  • Will CEUs be offered for the academy?

    Yes. Information on CEUs will be forthcoming.

  • Why do I need to have a mentor at my own organization?

    Mentors will facilitate implementation of your leadership project. They will assist in removing any barriers related to implementation and will serve as a resource/support person for you. As leaders themselves, they will be able to provide recommendations as you develop your project to completion.

  • How do I select a mentor at my organization?

    We recommend you follow these steps when making your selection:

    1. Establish specific goals. Think about what you want to achieve during the program and beyond and how a mentor can help you reach these goals.
    2. Identify successful professionals in your organization. Try to find someone that has achieved what you hope you might achieve and who meets our mentor and eligibility requirements below.
    3. Approach your proposed mentor. Inform them of the program requirements and the expectations for mentors, and ask if they are able to commit to mentoring you through this cohort year.
  • What are the expectations for mentors* at my home institution?

    Mentors will:

    • Guide their mentee through the yearlong program
    • Facilitate their mentee’s project completion and learning
    • Commit time to mentoring, making it a priority
    • Build a relationship with their mentee
    • Establish regular meetings with their mentee, e.g., twice a month, for at least 45 minutes
    • Actively listen and give feedback without judgment
    • Work through issues that arise throughout the year as well as in the mentor/mentee relationship
    • Evaluate the process

    * Adapted from University of Maryland Mentor Leadership Institute

  • If I receive a Fellowship, is there criteria for how it can be used?

    Yes. The recommended and expected uses of the academy fellowship funds are:

    1. Travel to the Academies for Emerging and Aspiring Nursing Leaders
    2. Accommodations/lodging and meals at the Academies for Emerging and Aspiring Nursing Leaders
    3. Project development
    4. Mentor outreach/travel
  • What if I am unable to attend after being accepted and submitting my payment?

    If you are accepted for the academy but are unable to attend, you may defer your acceptance for that session and instead attend the next academy. Your payment will transfer over to that session.

  • When is payment due?

    Full payment must be submitted no later than two weeks from the start of the academy.

  • Am I eligible for tuition discounts through my nursing organization?

    The Academy for Cultural Pioneering Nurse Leaders are endorsed by several nursing organizations including the National Association of Hispanic Nurses and the American Association of Men in Nursing. Active members benefit from a 10% tuition discount* upon validation of membership. A discount code will be provided upon acceptance and prior to payment. Please contact your organization or Beth Sims for more details.

  • Who do I contact for more information?

    Co-Directors Mamie Williams, mamie.g.williams@vumc.org or Rolanda Johnson, rolanda.johnson@vanderbilt.edu

Are you an emerging or aspiring nurse leader?

Request more information about the academies.

Sign Up