MACON — Mercer University College of Nursing student Julia B. Whitaker Humphries has been selected as a Jonas Scholar for the program’s 2024-2026 cohort. The program aims to improve health care by expanding the pool of Ph.D. and DNP-prepared nurses needed to educate the next generation of nurse leaders.
“I feel extremely honored to be chosen as a Jonas Scholar,” Humphries said. “As always, the support of the faculty made this opportunity possible.”
Humphries, a Ph.D. student from Covington, joins a select group of 63 of the nation’s most promising doctoral nursing students chosen for their passion for teaching, academic excellence and research prowess. As a Jonas Scholar, Humphries will receive financial support, mentorship and a curriculum tailored to providing students with the learning experiences they need to successfully transition into a faculty role.
“The Jonas Scholar program aims to prepare future nursing faculty leaders through mentoring, leadership, policy, and teaching. We are so excited Julia was selected for the prestigious Jonas Nursing 2024-2026 cohort of doctoral Jonas Nursing Scholars,” said Dr. Lanell M. Bellury, Mercer University College of Nursing professor, associate dean for graduate programs and Ph.D. coordinator. “Her interest in rural health aligns with national research priorities. Given the nationwide faculty shortage, her goal to gain a faculty position after graduation is critical to our nation’s health.”
This group of 63 Scholars contains a multitude of research interests focused on some of the country’s most pressing challenges, including underserved populations in nursing, mental health and veterans’ health.
Humphries, currenlty in her sixth semester of her B.S.N.-Ph.D. program, is currently working as an emergency department registered nurse and simulation and skills instructor for undergraduate nursing students. Her research focuses on rural emergency nursing including telehealth and triage processes.
“As a Jonas Scholar I hope to network with nurse researchers, grow as a nursing scholar and build upon my program of research,” Humphries said. “I am very excited about the knowledge and skills I will acquire, and I am hopeful that I will be able to use those knowledge and skills to contribute to the nursing profession.”
About Jonas Nursing
The mission of Jonas Nursing is to enhance the nursing profession by developing nurse leaders who will address the nursing shortage by educating the future nursing workforce and by investing in the health and well-being of our most underserved communities. For more information on Jonas Nursing, visit aacnnursing.org/jonas-nursing.
About the American Association of Colleges of Nursing
AACN is the national voice for academic nursing representing more than 875 schools of nursing nationwide. AACN establishes quality standards for nursing education, influences the nursing profession to improve health care, and promotes public support of baccalaureate and graduate nursing education, research, and practice. For more information about AACN, visit aacnnursing.org and connect on LinkedIn, Facebook and/or X.
