Nurses Educational Funds, Inc.

Four NEF Scholars have been named 2026 Fellows by the National League for Nursing Academy of Nursing Education, recognized for their contributions as leaders in higher nursing education:

• Jennifer Alderman, 2017 NEF Scholar
• Danilo Lovinaria, 2026 NEF Scholar
• Caitlin Nye, 2024 NEF Scholar
• Jennifer Roye, 2021 NEF Scholar

NEF congratulates all of the 2026 NLN Fellows on this recognition for their contributions to nursing education.

The Mount Sinai Phillips School of Nursing (MSPSON) has been a consistent supporter of NEF and, in 2026, it was the $10,000 Sapphire Sponsor of the organization’s annual gala reception.

Dean Kimberly Glassman, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, FAONL, FAAN, and NEF Board Member, shared why it is important for nursing schools, and MSPSON in particular, to support NEF’s scholarships for graduate nursing education:

"Along with fellow leading institutions of nursing education, we are proud to sponsor NEF's scholarships, allowing more students to have the financial support to continue their education to reach their professional goals."

Four NEF Scholars have been named 2026 Fellows by the American Academy of Nursing, recognized for their contributions as nurse leaders:

• Yvette N. Conyers, 2017 NEF Scholar
• Suja P. Davis, 2019 NEF Scholar
• Jennifer D. Eccles, 2016 NEF Scholar
• Annie George, 2018 NEF Scholar

NEF congratulates all of the 2026 Fellows on their achievements and well-earned recognition.

The 2026-2027 NEF Board of Directors was confirmed and celebrated on June 3, including the election of Edwidge Thomas, DNP, FAAN, as President and Kelly Reilly, PhD, RN-MC, as Secretary. Kimberly S. Glassman, PhD, RN, FAAN, and Annie J. Rohan, PhD, RN, FAANP, FAAN, have joined the board, and Jerelyn Peixoto Weiss, MS, JD, FNP, RN, has returned to it, following her retirement as Executive Director of NEF.

The combined Advisory Board and Board of Directors is now comprised of 22 leaders from the nursing, education, and business communities, donating their time and talent to the advancement of the nursing profession.

Robert V. Piemonte, EdD, RN, CAE, FAAN, championed the nursing profession as the Executive Director of the National Student Nurses’ Association and other leading nursing organizations. As an advocate of shared governance, he transformed hundreds of nursing school student nurse “clubs” into pre-professional nursing associations. In preparation for professional nursing careers, students participated in decision-making and policy development at school chapters, state associations, and nationally in NSNA.

Countless colleagues credit Dr. Piemonte with advancing their careers and enhancing their professional development. Through this scholarship fund, initially funded by Diane J. Mancino, EdD, RN, CAE, FAAN, his legacy of extraordinary leadership will continue to advance his beloved profession by supporting graduate studies for RNs to become nurse educators.

Once a graduate nursing student is awarded a scholarship from Nurses Educational Funds, they are forever a member of NEF’s Circle of Scholars. Scholarship recipients are nurse leaders from across the U.S., and as they advance in their careers, the connection made between NEF Scholars can last a lifetime.

NEF Scholars are invited to submit a request to join our networking group on LinkedIn to meet other scholarship recipients, share their professional news, and learn about ways to get involved with NEF.