Press Release

Contact: Jasmine Melendez

(718) 210-0705 Ext. 1218

Jasmine@nsna.org

Trustees Elected to the FNSNA Board of Trustees

Brooklyn, NY - October 27, 2022 – The Foundation of the National Student Nurses’ Association, Inc. (FNSNA) is pleased to announce the re-election of Pamela Thompson, MS, RN, FAAN to serve as Treasurer to the Board of Trustees. Additionally, Shirley Quarles, EdD, RN, FAAN (COL, USAR, RET) has been elected to serve on the Board of Trustees and transition to her new role as Secretary for a three-year term.

 

In 2019, Mrs. Thompson joined the FNSNA Board of Trustees as Treasurer, but her contributions to the nursing profession and patient advocacy began years before. In 1971 she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Connecticut School of Nursing in Storrs, Connecticut. In 1979, she also earned her Master of Science degree from the University of Rochester School of Nursing in Rochester, New York.

 

Throughout her career, Mrs. Thompson developed programs aimed at empowering and supporting nurses, nursing students and patients as well as their families. Her latest work with the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE), now American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL) has had a profound impact on nurse leaders nationwide. As the Chief Executive Officer, she was instrumental in creating leadership development programs where current and aspiring nurse leaders can develop and enhance their leadership abilities. Her most notable work and accomplishment was in 2002, when she was inducted as a Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing.

 

Today Mrs. Thompson serves as the CEO Emeritus of AONL. She also continues her work as Treasurer on the FNSNA Board of Trustees. Her initial appointment three years ago started at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Her expertise and guidance during this unprecedented time allowed the FNSNA to continue accomplishing its mission of supporting nursing education and promoting the nursing profession. As Mrs. Thompson’s second term commences, she will continue to provide strategic financial leadership to the Board of Trustees, paving the way for future nurses to enter the workforce and advocate for their patients.

 

In 2020, the Trustees welcomed Dr. Shirley Quarles to FNSNA Board of Trustees. Dr. Quarles has a long and distinguished career and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Board. Her nursing career began when she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing Science from North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University in 1975. She continued her education at the University of North Carolina, Greensboro and earned a Master’s degree in Community Health Education in 1980. Dr. Quarles also served our country through various appointments in the US Army, culminating with her promotion to Colonel of the 3297th US Army Hospital in Augusta, Georgia, the largest hospital in the US Army Reserves. It was during this time of service that Dr. Quarles also earned her Doctorate degree in Higher Education Administration from North Carolina State University in 1997 and a second Master’s degree in Strategic Leadership from the US Army War College in 2005.

 

In addition to serving in the military, Dr. Quarles’ 28-year career included various university appointments at Georgia Health Sciences University (GHSU) where she provided support to both nursing students and nursing faculty. As the Division Chair, she led the development of a comprehensive orientation program for newly appointed faculty. As the Assistant Dean for Community Partnerships, she worked to expand faculty support and student recruitment efforts. For her leadership and expertise, Dr. Quarles was an appointed member of both the President’s Strategic Planning Committee and the President’s Diversity Workgroup. In 2008 Dr. Quarles was also inducted as Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing for her work on numerous health delivery programs which had significant national impact for vulnerable populations. Her experiences as a faculty member at the university level and her strategic planning experience as a military nurse give her a unique vision of what is needed to support the mission of the FNSNA.

 

Although now retired, Dr. Quarles continues her membership and support for various organizations including the FNSNA. First as Trustee, and now transitioning to the role of Secretary of the FNSNA Board of Trustees, Dr. Quarles continues to work with the full Board to ensure that nursing students have funding to continue their education. On her election, Dr. Quarles stated, “having served as a Trustee for the Foundation of the National Student Nurses Association (FNSNA), it is my esteemed pleasure to continue supporting this prestigious and meaningful organization as Secretary of FNSNA. This newly appointed administrative role enables me to continually assist with advancing the mission of FNSNA—to support nursing education and promote the nursing profession.”

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The Foundation of the National Student Nurses’ Association Inc. (FNSNA), was created in 1969 to honor Frances Tompkins, the Association’s first Executive Director. Organization exclusively for charitable and educational purposes, the Foundation awards scholarships to qualified nursing students. Contributions to the FNSNA are tax-deductible. Since 1974, the FNSNA has awarded over $10.5 million in scholarship to undergraduate nursing students. The Foundation is organizations as a 501 C3 charitable foundation.

For more information visit www.forevernursing.org.