Huffman Selected as a Jonas Scholar
Jonas Nursing, a leading supporter of doctoral nursing education in the U.S., and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), has announced that Jill Huffman, a DNP student in the School of Nursing at UNC Wilmington has been selected as a Jonas Scholar for the program’s 2026-2028 cohort. This program aims to improve health care by expanding the pool of PhD and DNP-prepared nurses needed to educate the next generation of nurse leaders.
Huffman joins a select group of 80 of the nation’s most promising doctoral nursing students chosen for their passion for teaching, academic excellence, and research prowess. As a Jonas Scholar, she will receive financial support, mentorship, and a curriculum tailored to providing students with the learning experiences they need to successfully transition into a faculty role.
Dr. Sara Hubbell, assistant director of doctoral programs and clinical professor in the School of Nursing, expressed that, "The Jonas Scholars Program recognizes emerging leaders who are committed to advancing the nursing profession through scholarship, innovation, and service. We in the School of Nursing and DNP Program are thrilled to see Jill Huffman receive this prestigious honor and join a distinguished community of nurse leaders shaping the future of health care."
Huffman is actively involved in advancing interprofessional, trauma-informed education across College of Health and Human Services and the community. Her work focuses on strengthening student preparation and community impact through Community Resiliency Model (CRM) and interdisciplinary collaboration, with the goal of equipping students with the skills needed to thrive in today’s workforce.
Upon receiving this news, Huffman said, "I am truly honored and grateful to be selected as a Jonas Scholar for the 2026–2028 cohort. This opportunity means so much to me, and I deeply appreciate the support and recognition. I look forward to continuing to grow as a scholar, leader, and nurse while contributing to the future of the nursing profession."
Huffman joins an incredibly talented cohort of doctoral nursing students. This group of 80 Scholars contains a multitude of research interests focused on some of the country’s most pressing challenges, including pediatrics, mental health, and veterans’ health.
For more information about the Jonas Scholars program, please visit aacnnursing.org/jonas-nursing.
About Jonas Nursing
The mission of Jonas Nursing is to enhance the nursing profession by developing nurse leaders who will address the nursing shortage by educating the future nursing workforce and by investing in the health and well-being of our most underserved communities. For more information on Jonas Nursing, visit aacnnursing.org/jonas-nursing.
About the American Association of Colleges of Nursing
AACN is the national voice for academic nursing representing more than 890 schools of nursing nationwide. AACN establishes quality standards for nursing education, influences the nursing profession to improve health care, and promotes public support of baccalaureate and graduate nursing education, research, and practice. For more information about AACN, visit aacnnursing.org
Huffman joins a select group of 80 of the nation’s most promising doctoral nursing students chosen for their passion for teaching, academic excellence, and research prowess. As a Jonas Scholar, she will receive financial support, mentorship, and a curriculum tailored to providing students with the learning experiences they need to successfully transition into a faculty role.
Dr. Sara Hubbell, assistant director of doctoral programs and clinical professor in the School of Nursing, expressed that, "The Jonas Scholars Program recognizes emerging leaders who are committed to advancing the nursing profession through scholarship, innovation, and service. We in the School of Nursing and DNP Program are thrilled to see Jill Huffman receive this prestigious honor and join a distinguished community of nurse leaders shaping the future of health care."
Huffman is actively involved in advancing interprofessional, trauma-informed education across College of Health and Human Services and the community. Her work focuses on strengthening student preparation and community impact through Community Resiliency Model (CRM) and interdisciplinary collaboration, with the goal of equipping students with the skills needed to thrive in today’s workforce.
Upon receiving this news, Huffman said, "I am truly honored and grateful to be selected as a Jonas Scholar for the 2026–2028 cohort. This opportunity means so much to me, and I deeply appreciate the support and recognition. I look forward to continuing to grow as a scholar, leader, and nurse while contributing to the future of the nursing profession."
Huffman joins an incredibly talented cohort of doctoral nursing students. This group of 80 Scholars contains a multitude of research interests focused on some of the country’s most pressing challenges, including pediatrics, mental health, and veterans’ health.
For more information about the Jonas Scholars program, please visit aacnnursing.org/jonas-nursing.
About Jonas Nursing
The mission of Jonas Nursing is to enhance the nursing profession by developing nurse leaders who will address the nursing shortage by educating the future nursing workforce and by investing in the health and well-being of our most underserved communities. For more information on Jonas Nursing, visit aacnnursing.org/jonas-nursing.
About the American Association of Colleges of Nursing
AACN is the national voice for academic nursing representing more than 890 schools of nursing nationwide. AACN establishes quality standards for nursing education, influences the nursing profession to improve health care, and promotes public support of baccalaureate and graduate nursing education, research, and practice. For more information about AACN, visit aacnnursing.org