Professor Honored as One of Field’s Most Accomplished Leaders by American Academy of Nursing

Professor Judith Bacchus Cornelius PhD, MS, RN has been selected to be a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing. Induction into the Academy is a significant milestone in a nurse leader’s career in which their accomplishments are honored by their colleagues within and outside the profession. Fellows are selected based on their contributions and impact to advance the public’s health.

The Academy recognizes nursing’s most accomplished leaders in policy, research, practice, administration, and academia. Fellows contribute their collective expertise to the Academy, engaging with health leaders nationally and globally to improve health and achieve health equity by impacting policy through nursing leadership, innovation, and science.

Cornelius has been a faculty member in the School of Nursing for 16 years. She has served as chair of various committees on the unit, college, and university level. Presently she is the chair of the College’s International Committee. She serves as Vice President on the Board of Directors for RAO Community Health, Advocacy Lead for the Black Treatment AIDS Network, and Community Lead for the Faith Based HIV Prevention Initiative for Mecklenburg County Health Department.

“We’re very pleased to know that Dr. Cornelius’ contributions to the nursing profession have been recognized by the American Academy of Nursing. Her HIV research has made a difference in the lives of countless families and communities across the United States,” said Dena Evans, director of the UNC Charlotte School of Nursing.

Through a competitive, rigorous application process, the Academy’s Fellow Selection Committee, which is comprised of current fellows, reviewed hundreds of applications to select the 2021 Fellows. Cornelius was one of 225 individuals selected to be inducted into the 2021 Class of Fellows.

The 2021 Fellows represent 38 states, the District of Columbia, and 18 countries. Cornelius and fellow inductees will be recognized for their significant contributions to health and health care at the Academy’s annual Health Policy Conference in October.