Dr. Maria Krol, interim executive director of healthcare programs in the College of Health and Human Services and professor of nursing, has been accepted as a Fellow into the American Academy of Nursing (Academy) as a member of the class of 2026. The Fellows represent a distinguished cohort of nurse leaders recognized for their substantial contributions to improving health outcomes and who are poised to continue transforming health and health care for years to come.
The newest Fellows represent 39 states, the District of Columbia, and 17 countries and will be honored at the Academy’s annual Health Policy Conference, taking place on October 8–10, 2026, in Washington, D.C. Their collective expertise will deepen the thought leadership of the Academy’s Fellowship, growing its strength to more than 3,600 dedicated nurses—who together will advance the Academy’s mission focused on impacting policy through nursing leadership, innovation, and science.
“It is a privilege to celebrate these remarkable nurse leaders whose vision, dedication, and accomplishments represent the very best of our profession,” said Debra J. Barksdale, PhD, FNP-BC, FAANP, ANEF, FADLN, FAAN, American Academy of Nursing president. “Through evidence-based innovation, leadership, and scholarship, they have improved outcomes, shaped policy and practice, strengthened nursing education and care delivery, and advanced scalable solutions that promote healthy lives for all people. Their accomplishments demonstrate the depth and reach that define Fellowship in the Academy.”
The 2026 Class of Fellows reflects the powerful role nurses play in promoting health and well-being. These newest Fellows are catalysts for change, leveraging their clinical expertise and scientific knowledge to address patient needs and solve complex health care challenges.
Krol’s work at Southern has focused on academic leadership, nursing education, workforce development, and initiatives related to access and equity.
Since joining Southern 14 years ago, she has served on more than 25 university committees, including her most recent role as co-chair of the Council of Academic Chairpersons and Faculty Leaders. During Connecticut’s statewide nursing shortage, she worked with university and external partners to secure more than $6 million in grant funding to support academic and career readiness, provide scholarships, and develop new programs, including a part-time evening and weekend nursing track and a second cohort of the Accelerated BSN program.
Krol has also led experiential learning opportunities for students, including service trips to Peru, study abroad programs in Chile, and community healthcare initiatives in Bridgeport and New Haven. Her work has included efforts related to holistic admissions, mentoring, student organizations, and scholarship support for nursing students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Krol holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree in leadership and education from Oakland University and a Master of Science degree in nursing in patient services administration from Sacred Heart University, where she was inducted into the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.
