Named to the Academy's 2026 Class of Fellows are:
- Nichole Crenshaw, D.N.P., A.P.R.N., AGACNP-BC, ANP-BC, CHSE, FAANP, Associate Dean of Graduate Clinical Programs and Professor of Clinical, University of Miami School of Nursing and Health Studies.
- Elizabeth "Ellie" Smith, D.N.P., R.N., Associate Dean of Academic Health Centers Integration and Affiliate Faculty, University of Miami School of Nursing and Health Studies, and Chief Nursing Officer, UHealth – University of Miami Health System.
- Jessica MacIntyre, D.N.P., M.B.A., A.P.R.N., A.O.C.N.P., Affiliate Faculty, University of Miami School of Nursing and Health Studies, Executive Director of Clinical Operations at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, UHealth, and Director of the Oncology Nurse Practitioner Fellowship Program.
The Academy announced the 2026 Class of Fellows on June 25, recognizing a distinguished group of nurse leaders from across the United States and around the world whose work continues to improve health outcomes and transform health care.
"This prestigious recognition reflects the extraordinary talent, leadership, and impact of our faculty and clinical partners, said Hudson P. Santos, R.N., Ph.D., FABMR, FAAN, dean of the School of Nursing and Health Studies. " Please join me in celebrating our colleagues and thanking them for the many ways they advance the missions of the School, UHealth, their professions, and the communities they serve.”
Crenshaw has devoted her career to preparing future nurses by advancing nursing education. As Associate Dean of Graduate Clinical Programs, and a clinician and educator for nearly 30 years, her scholarship has focused on improving the delivery of acute and critical care services by bridging the gap between didactic preparation and competent clinical practice, as well as using technology and evidence to improve clinical decision-making. Her current initiatives examine equity and inclusion in health care by studying racial bias to inform future educational practices in nursing.
Smith serves as both Associate Dean of Academic Health Centers Integration at SONHS and Chief Nursing Officer for UHealth. Her dual leadership role strengthens collaboration between academic nursing education and clinical practice, helping prepare students while advancing patient care. Under Smith's leadership, the University of Miami Health System continues to foster an environment founded on evidence-based practice that encourages personal and professional development while delivering exceptional patient care.
MacIntyre serves as Executive Director of Clinical Operations at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and directs the Oncology Nurse Practitioner Fellowship Program while serving as affiliate faculty at SONHS. Her leadership has helped advance oncology nursing practice and the education of future advanced practice providers in one of the nation's leading cancer centers.
The three honorees exemplify the close partnership between the School of Nursing and Health Studies and UHealth, demonstrating how academic and clinical leaders work together to improve patient outcomes, educate future health professionals, and advance nursing practice.
According to the American Academy of Nursing, the 2026 Fellows represent 39 states, the District of Columbia, and 17 countries. Upon induction, they will join a Fellowship of more than 3,600 accomplished nurse leaders dedicated to advancing health policy and practice through nursing leadership, innovation, and science.
The Academy noted that the 2026 Fellows were selected for their substantial contributions to improving health outcomes and their continued commitment to transforming health and health care through evidence-based innovation, leadership, scholarship, education, and clinical excellence.
“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 designated Fellows will be formally inducted during the American Academy of Nursing's annual Health Policy Conference in Washington, D.C., with the Induction Ceremony taking place on October 10, 2026.
Their selection reflects the SONHS’ longstanding commitment to developing nursing leaders whose scholarship, clinical expertise, and service continue to shape the future of health care.
