Thomas Kippenbrock, a professor in the College of Education and Health Professions Eleanor Mann School of Nursing, was recently inducted as a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing at its annual health policy conference.

Kippenbrock was among a distinguished cohort of nurse leaders who were recognized for their substantial and sustained impact on health and health care. This year's conference, "Courageous Transformations Towards an Equitable Future," was held Oct. 31 to Nov. 2 in Washington, D.C.

"Being invited to join the academy as a fellow is both an honor and a privilege," Kippenbrock said. "I am deeply grateful for the recognition of my contributions to improving health both nationally and globally. With more than 3,000 current fellows, I will have the distinct honor of joining nursing's most accomplished leaders across policy, research, administration, practice and academia."

Earning a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing credential is a significant recognition of a nurse leader's accomplishments and signifies future impact.

"Induction into the academy represents the highest honor in nursing," Academy President Linda D. Scott said in a press release announcing the 2024 Class of Fellows.

The newest fellows represent 37 states, the District of Columbia, Guam and 14 countries. Scott said the fellows were selected from a competitive pool of applicants and represent a cross-section of nursing's most dynamic leaders who champion health and wellness.

Kippenbrock's research and publication contributions have routinely focused on men's health, men in the nursing profession and advanced practice nurses in rural areas, particularly in the Mississippi Delta and Southern states. His scholarly publications also include examinations of professional issues and practices, such as hospitalized patient falls, student attrition and nursing administrator turnover.

Kippenbrock was instrumental in creating a chapter of the American Association for Men in Nursing for U of A students in 2022. It was the third time he spearheaded efforts to establish such a chapter at a large state university. Kippenbrock, who served as director of the Eleanor Mann School of Nursing from 2003 to 2008, also helped establish chapters at Indiana University and the University of Nebraska, where he previously held teaching and administrative roles.

The association's goals include encouraging men of all ages to become nurses and join all nurses in strengthening and humanizing health care. The number of male nurses in Arkansas is below the national average.

Before working in academia, Kippenbrock served as a surgical and medical ICU staff/charge nurse and a clinical research nurse coordinator at university and public hospitals in Indiana.

Kippenbrock received his master's degree in nursing and his doctorate in higher education administration from Indiana University, where he went on to serve as assistant chair of nursing administration and teacher education. He also served as associate dean and interim director of the University of San Francisco School of Nursing and as assistant dean of the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Nursing. He was also chair of the Nursing Department in the Arkansas State University College of Nursing and Health Professions, where he launched the first nurse anesthetist program in the state.