Jacksonville, AL – As originally reported by Brett Buckner with JSU’s media department, Jacksonville State University announced that Dr. Betsy Gulledge, Associate Dean and Chief Nursing Administrator for the College of Health Professions and Wellness, has been selected to participate in the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN)-Wharton Executive Leadership Program.
The highly competitive fellowship is designed to help chief academic administrators strengthen their leadership skills, advance their academic careers, and prepare for increasingly complex leadership responsibilities.
“I was very honored and humbled,” Dr. Gulledge said. “This is a highly selective program and something I have had on my professional bucket list for many years. I finally applied and did not expect selection on the first attempt. I hope to learn a great deal that I can implement in the School of Nursing at JSU.”
Hosted by the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, the program begins with a three-day leadership institute led by Wharton faculty. The institute focuses on executive leadership topics and includes a variety of assessment experiences designed to enhance leadership development.
Dr. Gulledge said she is particularly interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the financial aspects of higher education and nursing programs.
“That is always a challenge, so I hope to learn more techniques and strategies to maximize funding opportunities that will positively impact our School of Nursing students and faculty,” she said.
The opportunity also holds personal significance for Dr. Gulledge. She shared that her father, who served as a business faculty member at a university, often encouraged her to attend Wharton for an advanced degree.
“In a small way,” she said, “I feel this is a little wink from him since I am finally making it to Wharton in some capacity.”
In addition to leadership training, the program offers opportunities to connect with nursing leaders from across the country. Dr. Gulledge said she looks forward to networking with fellow participants and bringing new ideas back to Jacksonville State University.
The fellowship continues throughout the year through online interactions and meetings held in conjunction with the AACN Annual Meeting.
“I am excited about the networking opportunities and the additional career support from other nurse leaders,” she said.
