OU College of Nursing Students Selected as Jonas Scholars

Jonas Nursing, a leading supporter of doctoral nursing education in the U.S., and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, announced that Caitlin Dressler and Catherine Harris, B.S.-Ph.D. students in the Fran and Earl Ziegler College of Nursing at the University of Oklahoma, have been selected as Jonas Scholars for the program’s current cohort. This program aims to improve health care by expanding the pool of doctoral and Doctor of Nursing Practice-prepared nurses needed to educate the next generation of nurse leaders.

Dressler and Harris join 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 Jonas Scholars, they will receive financial support, mentorship and a curriculum tailored to provide them with the learning experiences needed to transition into a faculty role.

“We are delighted that Caitlin Dressler and Catherine Harris will benefit from Jonas Nursing’s remarkable support that will help launch their nurse scientist faculty careers focused on improving neonatal/pediatric and maternal health among populations living in rural and underserved areas. The meaningful leadership training and mentorship in this program will position them to effectively take up the nurse faculty role in coming years,” said Emily Jones, Ph.D., program director for the college.

This group of Jonas Scholars comprises many research interests focused on the country’s most pressing challenges, including underserved populations in nursing, mental health and veterans’ health.

“OU Fran and Earl Ziegler College of Nursing has had multiple Jonas Scholars over the last decade, and we are very proud that Dressler and Harris are joining our alumni as leaders in nursing with the support of this stellar philanthropic organization,” stated Melissa Craft, Ph.D., interim dean for the college.