National association recognizes nursing professor

July 14, 2026 - DALLAS - College of Nursing professor Jacqueline Michael, PhD, has been inducted as a Fellow of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (FAANP), one of the profession's highest honors recognizing nurse practitioners who have made outstanding contributions to clinical practice, education, research and leadership.

Michael was among 59 nurse practitioners selected nationwide for the 2026 class of fellows. The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) is the nation's largest professional organization representing nurse practitioners and established its fellows program in 2000 to recognize leaders in the profession.

For Michael, the honor reflects people and communities that have shaped her career.

"Being inducted as a fellow was one of the most humbling and meaningful moments of my professional career," Michael said. "I see this recognition not as a personal achievement alone, but as a reflection of the thousands of nurse practitioners, students, faculty colleagues and patients who have shaped my journey."

During nearly four decades in nursing and more than 30 years as a nurse practitioner, Michael has focused on expanding access to care while preparing and mentoring future nurse practitioner leaders.

Her work has also expanded access to health care beyond the classroom. Michael developed community-based models integrating women's health and behavioral health services that have reached thousands of underserved patients through cervical cancer prevention, depression screening and mental health outreach. She also partnered with nursing organizations in India and Nepal to strengthen advanced practice nursing through leadership development and education.

"Looking back, I believe my greatest contribution has been building sustainable systems that expand the nurse practitioner workforce while improving access to high-quality care," Michael said. "Perhaps most rewarding has been mentoring future leaders who now serve as faculty members, administrators, practice owners and policy advocates."

As a fellow in the AANP, Michael joins a national network of nurse practitioner leaders advancing health care through policy, education and innovation.

"Joining the fellowship means becoming part of an extraordinary community of visionary nurse practitioner leaders who are shaping the future of health care," she said. "It is both an honor and a responsibility."

Michael believes the recognition will also benefit Texas Woman's University by strengthening opportunities for collaboration and increasing the visibility of its nationally recognized nursing programs.

"Receiving the FAANP designation strengthens my ability to serve as a role model, mentor and advocate for students and faculty," Michael said. "It enhances the national visibility of our nursing programs while reinforcing our commitment to excellence in advanced practice education, scholarship and community engagement."

She also expects the fellowship to strengthen relationships with health care organizations and preceptors supporting TWU's growing nurse practitioner programs, particularly at the Dallas campus.

"My students benefit from learning alongside faculty members who are recognized for leadership and service at the national level," Michael said. "I hope this recognition inspires them to pursue excellence in clinical practice, leadership, advocacy and lifelong learning."

Michael and the 2026 class of Fellows were inducted during the AANP National Conference in Las Vegas in June.

Page last updated 2:51 PM, July 14, 2026