UNC School of Nursing named among first recipients of NLN Program of Excellence for Research-Focused Doctoral Programs

The UNC School of Nursing has been named one of the first recipients of the National League for Nursing (NLN) Program of Excellence for Research-Focused Doctoral Programs Award, recognizing PhD programs that foster nursing research, prepare future nurse scientists and support research that advances public health.

The award, established in 2025, recognizes exemplary research-focused doctoral programs in nursing. The inaugural recipients will be honored during the 2026 NLN Education Summit, Sept. 23-25, in Washington, D.C.

The 2026 recipients are:

Louisiana State University
Texas Woman’s University
University of Alabama at Birmingham
University of Florida
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

“I’m honored that our PhD program has been named a National League for Nursing Program of Excellence,” said Jessica Williams, PhD, MPH, PHNA-BC, FAAN, assistant dean of the PhD program at the UNC School of Nursing. “Research-focused doctoral education is essential to the future of the nursing discipline, and this recognition underscores our program’s role in developing scholars who generate the evidence that improves patient care, reshapes health policy and advances health for individuals, families and communities. I’m proud of our faculty who mentor with such dedication and our students whose scholarship together earned our program this national distinction.”

The NLN said the inaugural award recognizes programs that create environments supporting nursing research, influencing the health of the public and preparing students to ethically address current priorities and emerging trends in nursing science.

“We are delighted to celebrate the achievements of these outstanding PhD programs and expect with excitement the scholarly contributions by the students and nurse faculty scientists whose research will advance the health of the nation and global community,” said Carolina Nursing alumna Yolanda VanRiel, PhD ’09, RN, MEDSURG-BC, OCN, CNE, ANEF, FAAN, chair of the NLN Board of Governors.

Fewer than 150 research-focused doctoral programs currently exist within U.S. colleges of nursing. According to the NLN, the award encourages colleges and schools of nursing to strengthen nursing science and expand research-focused doctoral education.

For more information about the award and the inaugural recipients, read the NLN’s official announcement at NLN.org.