Congratulations to our own Executive Vice President of Nursing, Audria Denker, DNP, RN, for her induction into the Academy of Associate Degree Nursing (AADN) in November of 2021. The AADN was established to recognize those individuals who model exemplary dedication to associate degree nursing education and practice, and who have worked as change agents to advance health and education through associate degree nursing. Academy members are those actively engaged in associate degree nursing education or practice, with proven records of excellence in their institutions and a demonstrated commitment to the health of their communities.
“I am thankful and humbled to be among some of the best nurse educators in the country here at Galen,” exclaimed Dr. Denker. The honorary academy fellowship recognizes those individuals who have worked to transform health and education through associate degree nursing throughout the breadth of their careers. Honorary fellows have worked in education and practice, as well as other fields such as advocacy and service.
In the Fall of 2021, Dr. Denker was also elected as Director Southeast Region by the Organization of Associate Degree Nursing (OADN) for a two-year term. In addition, Dr. Denker has been appointed as an alternate member for a three-year term to the NCLEX® Examination Committee by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) Board of Directors beginning on October 1, 2021.
After several decades of experience in clinical practice and healthcare management, Dr. Denker joined Galen College of Nursing in 2005. As Executive Vice President of Nursing, she is responsible for day-to-day program operations, staffing and workload, clinical operations, simulation, and student support; as well as additional academic responsibilities for campus expansions in partnership with Healthcare Corporation of America (HCA). During her tenure as EVP, all prelicensure RN programs obtained ACEN programmatic accreditation and all program pass rates have exceeded state and national averages.
Dr. Denker is an active leader in numerous civic and charitable organizations and holds a Kentucky Governor-appointed position on the Executive Committee of the Kentucky Board of Nursing since 2018. Dr. Denker received the Associate of Science Degree in Nursing from Pikeville (Kentucky) College (now the University of Pikeville), and the Master of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice from Bellarmine University in Louisville.
