RUSH College of Nursing's assistant professor and director of the nationally recognized Transformational Leadership Program, Melinda Earle, DNP, RN, has achieved a remarkable milestone by being selected as a fellow in the American Academy of Nursing's prestigious 2023 Class of Fellows. This honor reflects her exceptional contributions to the nursing field and her dedication to educating the future leaders of health care.
Earle is set to be officially inducted into the fellowship during the Academy of Nursing's annual Health Policy Conference, scheduled for Oct. 5 to 7, 2023, in Washington, D.C. Christine M. Kennedy, PhD, RN, the John L. and Helen Kellogg Dean of Nursing, praises Earle's commitment to inspiring and guiding her students toward success. Kennedy remarks, "Dr. Earle is a shining example of the kind of nurse-educator who inspires her students and encourages their success. Becoming the newest RUSH faculty member inducted into this outstanding fellowship is an honor Dr. Earle unequivocally deserves."
At the forefront of Earle's impressive portfolio is her directorship of the Transformative Leadership: Systems program, consistently ranked among the nation's best. This program equips nurses with the expertise needed to enhance outcomes and spearhead change at the systemic level. Under her guidance, nearly 140 doctorally prepared nurse leaders have joined the national workforce, making a substantial impact on health care delivery.
Reflecting on her induction as a fellow, Earle expresses her deep sense of fulfillment, stating, "Being among this cohort of fellows feels particularly rewarding. I am extremely proud to be recognized amongst this group of incredible nurses and am honored to have my work celebrated by our national organization."
Earle's journey to RUSH College of Nursing followed a successful career marked by leadership and consulting roles throughout Chicago. Until 2015, she served as the associate vice president of Hospital Affairs and director of RUSH Children's Hospital. Her prior experience encompassed diverse areas such as hospital operations, cardiology, oncology, and women's and children's services.
For the past 10 years, Earle has led the Illinois Organization of Nurse Leaders Fellowship Program, an annual statewide fellowship that has expanded the leadership capacity of over 270 nurse leaders.
She also made history as the first nurse elected to the Heartland Alliance Health board of directors and currently serves as its chair, having dedicated eight years to the role. Her expertise also led to an invitation to join the national executive committee of Heartland Alliance, where she focuses on anti-poverty and human rights issues, both at the national and international levels.
Earle's affiliations include past presidencies of the Illinois Organization of Nurse Leaders and the National Association for Women's Health. In 2013, she earned recognition as a Robert Wood Johnson Executive Nurse Fellow. She is a member of organizations such as the American College of Healthcare Executives, the Illinois Organization of Nurse Leaders, the Chicago Health Executive Forum and Sigma Theta Tau-Gamma Phi. In 2022, she was inducted as a fellow of the American Organization for Nursing Leadership.
"I am supremely proud of the work I have done in my career," Earle says. "My hope is that I have inspired and mentored the next generation of nursing leaders to transform health care for the better.
Earle joins more than 60 faculty and alumni from RUSH College of Nursing who achieved this landmark accomplishment.
