HARRISONBURG, VA (James Madison University) — James Madison University (JMU) School of Nursing professors Andrea Knopp and Jeannie Corey will be inducted as Fellows in the American Academy of Nursing (AAN) in October.  

 Academy Fellows are inducted into the organization for their extraordinary contributions to improve health locally and globally, according to AAN. With more than 3,000 Academy Fellows worldwide, the academy represents nursing’s most accomplished leaders in policy, research, administration, practice and academia.  

“There’s a small number of nurses in the world that receive this recognition, so it’s quite an honor,” Corey said.  

Knopp added, “It’s the highest award you can receive as a nurse.”  

Corey serves as the coordinator for the graduate health policy certificate program and teaches in the graduate nursing programs. During her career, she has designed leadership curriculum at three universities, focusing on interprofessional education and practice, health policy advocacy and nursing’s unique contributions to improving healthcare outcomes.  

She also started national research teams that explored doctoral nurse program practices   related to curriculum, practicum, project types and more.  

Knopp is a professor and associate director of graduate programs in the JMU School of Nursing. Her contributions to nursing primarily relate to international healthcare work, which started in her undergraduate studies.  

 At JMU, Knopp has continued her global efforts with support from faculty and leadership, enabling her to lead student clinical experiences in Kenya, Tanzania and Ghana. These experiences, she said, expose students to collaborative practices that improve health outcomes.