GW Nursing Alumna Cheryl Thaxton, DNP, MA, CPNP, FNP-BC, CHPPN, FPCN, FAANP has followed a path defined by dedication, perseverance, and a profound love of nursing. Her career spans over three decades of exemplary service and leadership in the nursing profession and this fall, she will be inducted as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing (FAAN). "I am truly honored to receive this induction," Dr. Thaxton reflects. "It is a privilege to be acknowledged among so many remarkable and dedicated nurses. I would not be where I am without the unwavering support of my family, friends, and colleagues throughout the years."
Dr. Thaxton began her nursing career with a steadfast commitment to patient care, where she was continually inspired by the resilience of the pediatric patients and families she served in both acute and primary care settings. One of the most pivotal moments in her career was when she established a new pediatric palliative care program at Duke Children’s Hospital & Health Center. "This endeavor involved developing partnerships with key stakeholders, patients, and their families while building bridges to resources that improved the quality of life for pediatric palliative care patients," she recounts. This initiative not only addressed a critical need within the organization and community, but also highlighted her dedication to increasing access to resources for patients with life-limiting illness.
Her interest in pediatric palliative care was nurtured by key mentors such as Dr. Raymond Barfield and Dr. Margarita Bidegain, who guided her in understanding the unique needs of children with cancer and chronic medical conditions. Well-known nursing leaders such as Dr. Betty Ferrell and Mrs. Pam Malloy also provided invaluable guidance, helping Dr. Thaxton to align with the core values and principles of palliative and hospice nursing.
Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Thaxton finds joy in community service through church events and spending time outdoors. Her education at GW Nursing, where she completed both the post-master’s Family Nurse Practitioner program and Doctor of Nursing Practice program, has been instrumental in her career. “As a GW alumna, I take immense pride in the enduring support and lifelong connections that have been fostered. The story did not end when I graduated, though. Faculty remained involved in my growth over the years" she says, highlighting the influence of GW Nursing’s Professor Emerita Dr. Joyce Pulcini, who encouraged her to pursue a career in higher education.
"I have been so impressed in Dr. Thaxton's ability to move forward in her career and in her significant contributions to nursing since graduating from GW,” said Dr. Pulcini. “She is a great tribute to our school and I am proud to be her mentor."
Dr. Thaxton’s rise in academia is truly remarkable. In September 2023, she became the Founding Associate Dean, Professor, and Chair of Graduate Nursing at the University of North Texas Health Science Center (UNTHSC). She collaboratively supported the development of the Master of Science in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program and a Master of Science in Practice Innovation at UNTHSC. The new programs, led by Dean Cindy Weston, will serve students across Texas and within the great community of Fort Worth.
Her exemplary contributions to nursing have been recognized with numerous awards, including the Texas Nurse Practitioners Visionary Award (2023), the Estelle Osborne Award from New York University Rory Meyers College of Nursing (2022), the Ambassador Award from the National Black Nurse Practitioners Association (2022), the National Nessa Coyle Palliative Leadership Award (2022), and the DFW Great 100 Nurses Award (2021). She is also a Fellow in Palliative Care (FPCN) and a Fellow of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (FAANP). These accolades reflect her dedication to advancing the field of pediatric and adult palliative care and advanced practice nursing.
Dr. Thaxton’s work extends to underserved patients across the lifespan, with a unique emphasis on compassionate end-of-life care for neonates and support for grief and bereavement. She has provided national and international palliative care workshops and trainings, impacting thousands of undergraduate- and graduate-level nurses and interdisciplinary team members. Her leadership extends to her role as Co-chair of the National Pediatric Palliative Care Task Force, now known as the Pediatric Division for the National Coalition for Hospice and Palliative Care (nationalcoalitionhpc.org), where the Pediatric Division members advocated for national concurrent care legislation and other vital initiatives needed to support children with life-limiting illnesses. The Division membership is comprised of representatives from all 14 members of the Coalition, three family advocates, as well as representatives from aligned stakeholder organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Psychological Association, Association for Child Life Professionals, and the State Coalition Network.
Dr. Thaxton’s contributions to the nursing profession continue to inspire and pave the way for future generations of nurses. And her advice to nursing students is rooted in her own experiences: "There are many amazing opportunities in nursing that will allow you to pursue your passion for supporting patients and families. Seek to find nursing mentors in the field early on, and choose areas that align with your deepest interests and career goals. Ultimately, this will lead to a fulfilling and impactful career."