Three NIU School of Nursing faculty members were named as 2026 Nurse Educator Fellows by the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE).
Patrice Alsaden, Rhoda Jefferson and Cristan Sabio join other Illinois nurse educators in the 2026 class after being selected based on their accomplishments, contributions to the nursing program and efforts to advance equity and diversity in nursing education.
“Having three NIU faculty members selected for the IBHE Nurse Educator Fellowship Award is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the exceptional talent, dedication, and expertise within our School of Nursing,” said Jeanette Rossetti, interim chair, NIU School of Nursing. “Each of these educators has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence in teaching and to advancing the nursing profession. Their recognition is well-deserved and reflects the high caliber of faculty who enrich our nursing students’ learning every day.”
The IBHE Nurse Educator Fellowship, which includes a $10,000 award, was established to help retain well-qualified nursing faculty at universities that grant nursing degrees.
Alsaden said the monetary award will allow her to directly impact her students.
“I feel the award is recognition for all the work I have done through the years as a clinician and clinical research nurse- all of which I can translate into hands-on in-class experiences for the students,” said Alsaden, who is a Huskie alumna and former student-athlete. “I am always looking for new techniques to keep students engaged, (and this) grant will allow me to do just that by being able to attend a conference about changing the way we educate nursing students, visit nursing education thought leaders, and visiting/observing the author of a textbook which the students currently use for pathophysiology.”
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