Dr. Christine Verni, dean of Niagara University’s College of Nursing, has been appointed to serve as secretary of the board of directors for the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). This prestigious appointment was announced by the AACN on March 31 following the association’s Spring Membership Meeting in Washington, D.C.
Dr. Verni joins a distinguished group of national leaders on the 2026 Board, including its newly appointed chair, Dr. Julie Sanford from the University of Alabama. As the national voice for academic nursing, the AACN represents more than 890 member schools at public and private institutions nationwide.
In her role as secretary, Dr. Verni will help lead the association’s efforts to establish quality standards for nursing education, influence the profession to improve healthcare, and promote public support for professional nursing research and practice.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to work collaboratively with colleagues across the nation to strengthen nursing’s impact on improving health and healthcare,” said Dr. Sanford regarding the board’s collective mission.
“Dr. Verni’s leadership within the AACN ensures that Niagara University remains a key contributor to the strategic thinking and decision-making processes that develop the next generation of academic nurse leaders,” noted Dr. Tim Ireland, provost of Niagara University. The Niagara University College of Nursing offers a comprehensive range of academic pathways, including a traditional four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing and an Accelerated Second Degree B.S. for those already holding a degree in another field. For licensed professionals, the college provides an online RN-to-BS completion program and a unique Nursing RPN-to-BS pathway for Canadian students. At the graduate level, Niagara offers a Master of Science in Family Nurse Practitioner, a Master of Science in Nursing Education, and a Master of Science in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, as well as various advanced certificates.
