Angela McNelis, Ph.D., RN, FAAN, ANEF, CNE, joined the school of nursing in 2016 as professor of nursing and associate dean for scholarship, innovation, and clinical science. She also served as interim associate dean for research in 2016-2018 and 2021. Dr. McNelis was instrumental in developing the Ph.D. program at the school, as well as mentoring students in the program and teaching several graduate and undergraduate courses. She was the dissertation chair of our first two Ph.D. graduates.
During her time at GW Nursing, Dr. McNelis served as principal investigator (PI) and co-PI on grant projects totaling more than $1 million from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing and the Health Resources and Services Administration.
Dr. McNelis served as a faculty mentor for her colleagues and received the GW Nursing 2022 Excellence in Faculty Development award. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing awarded her with the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning for her sustained contributions to nursing education and inspiring others to become nurse educators.
During her 7 1/2 years at GW, Dr. McNelis and her husband, Michael, generously supported multiple initiatives. Their donations helped fund the new simulation lab, including an exam room in memory of Michael’s mother, Joan Tarpey, who was a nurse. Their donations also supported student scholarships for B.S.N. students and dissertation awards for Ph.D. students.
We are grateful for all her contributions to the GW Nursing community and the nursing profession. We wish her continued success in her next role as the Ph.D. program dean at the Vanderbilt University School of Nursing and in all future endeavors.