SONHP Dean Receives Distinguished Alumnus Award from The University of Rochester

As stated by the University of Rochester award, as dean, Fry-Bowers is committed to collaborating with individuals, families, and community stakeholders to transform health care and eliminate health inequity. She believes we must act intentionally to create a workforce that supports the development, promotion, and maintenance of optimal mental, physical, and spiritual health.

Under Dean Fry-Bowers’ leadership, the USF School of Nursing and Health Professions continues to work towards our vision to eliminate health inequity and promote health justice locally and globally while preserving human dignity. To this end, Dean Fry-Bowers launched in 2023 the Nurse Health Equity Scholars program in partnership with the Alameda Health System to have students dive deeply into public service and the work of a safety net healthcare system, learn to care for diverse and high-need population, and demonstrate a commitment to health equity. The program has been expanded in 2024 to the San Francisco Department of Public Health.

The Dean has also hosted two cohorts of five students to participate in the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Student Policy Summit in Washington, DC. Students attended didactic program sessions focused on the federal policy process and nursing’s role in professional advocacy and joined me in meeting with Congressional Staff. To prepare for this experience, they were mentored by a past scholar and reviewed federal legislation and policy issues. Advocacy topics included the potential impact of the Future Advancement of the Academic Nursing Act (FAAN)(S.3770; H.R. 7266), diversifying the workforce through Title VIII, which supports disadvantaged students in higher education, and expanding health care to underserved populations. The scholars will soon be sharing their experiences with our SONHP community. As students advocate for students, faculty, patients and communities, we are filled with hope and pride. At SONHP, we are changing the health of the world.

It was a lovely event and I was proud to accept this award with my family in attendance. It reminded me of the impact that we, as an educational institution, have on students.”