Fellows program recognizes Dr. Jones’ exceptional leadership in education, research, policy and practice

University of Phoenix is pleased to share that College of Nursing faculty Sun Jones, DNP, RN, FNP-BC, who serves as the Systematic Plan for Evaluation and Curriculum Evaluator, has been selected for the 2024 Fellows of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (FNAAP) program. The American Association of Nurse Practitioners^® (AANP) recognizes the outstanding achievements and exemplary service of 33 AANP members who have been accepted into the prestigious FAANP program.

Practicing in 22 U.S. states, the select nurse practitioner (NP) leaders will be inducted on June 27 at the 2024 AANP National Conference in Nashville, Tennessee. The new Fellows will join an elite and diverse group of 942 NPs who make a positive and profound impact on national and global health.

“It is an honor to be inducted into the Fellows of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners,” states Jones. “This recognition means so much to me, not only as a professional, but because it highlights the unwavering support of our College of Nursing leaders and faculty. As a Fellow, I am privileged to represent the University of Phoenix and contribute to the advancement of nurse practitioners.”

The selection process for Fellows is rigorous and requires successful applicants to meet requirements in the areas listed below:

• Research Investigator led research, translational research and evaluative research with a focus on NPs and their practice. Extensive practice-based outcome research. Accomplishments documented could include the number of grants, awards, publications, and other dissemination activities.
• Clinical Practice Development of models to influence population health, establishing community-based programs contributing to local community needs, entrepreneurial activities associated with program development or non-traditional practice sites, and influencing professional evidence-based practice standards.
• Education Teaching innovations or presentations and curriculum development, or NP educational strategies influencing outcomes.
• Policy Involvement in local, regional, national and international issues, including exemplary service to professional organizations, and interacting with policy or decision-makers that affect health policy.

In addition to meeting the requirements above, candidates for the FAANP must secure an invitation to apply from a primary sponsor and an endorsement to apply from a secondary sponsor. Dr. Jones was sponsored by Katherine (Kathy) Kenny, DNP, RN, ANP-BC, FAANP, FAAN Associate Dean of the Academic Enterprise at Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation at Arizona State University, and Evelyn L Cesarotti, PhD, FNP-BC, FAANP.

According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, the FAANP program is dedicated to the global advancement of nurse practitioners (NPs) and the high-quality health care NPs deliver. Comprised of recognized NP leaders who have made outstanding contributions to NP education, policy, clinical practice or research, the Fellows work toward furthering the NP role, developing NP leaders of the future and enhancing AANP's mission.

“The College of Nursing congratulates Dr. Sun Jones on her induction into the Fellows of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners,” shares Raelene Brooks, Ph.D., RN, dean of College of Nursing at University of Phoenix. “Dr. Jones exemplifies the spirit of a servant leader, deeply dedicated to fostering community health and well-being. Her induction into this prestigious fellowship is a testament to her exceptional contributions, and we are honored to celebrate her remarkable achievement."

Jones is an esteemed bilingual family nurse practitioner who has served her Korean community for over 23 years. She holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree and a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in Family Nurse Practitioner from Arizona State University. Jones serves as Systematic Program and Curriculum Evaluator and an interim Program Chair for the Family Nurse Practitioner program, and as associate faculty. Her contributions extend beyond academia; she is a contributing author to the book, Journey to Equity: Strengthening the Profession of Nursing, and presents at various conferences.

A dedicated mentor, Jones guides FNP students and has received accolades for her preceptorship. Committed to community health, she founded the Arizona Korean Nurses Association in 2010 and the Korean American Nurses Foundation in 2021, focusing on the Asian and Pacific Islander communities' well-being. Her leadership and volunteer efforts were recognized with awards, including a commendation from the Arizona Governor for her role in COVID-19 vaccination clinics, which reached thousands of minority community members. Jones was the recipient of the March of Dimes HEROES IN ACTION Leadership Award in 2022. In 2024, Jones was selected to co-present, alongside other leaders from the University of Phoenix College of Nursing, during a prestigious podium presentation at the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Diversity Symposium.

Jones has been a faculty member with the University of Phoenix since 2011.

Learn more here about the College of Nursing at University of Phoenix.

About University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix innovates to help working adults enhance their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant courses, interactive learning, skills-mapped curriculum for our bachelor’s and master’s degree programs and a Career Services for Life® commitment help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. For more information, visit phoenix.edu.

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