Dr. Audria Denker, DNP, RN, FAADN, ANEF, Chief Clinical, Integration, and Experience Officer at Galen College of Nursing, has officially been inducted as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing (FAAN), one of the nursing profession’s most prestigious honors.

The induction ceremony took place during the American Academy of Nursing’s 2026 Health Policy Conference in Washington, D.C on Saturday, October 10. The organization welcomed 275 distinguished nurse leaders into the Academy’s 2026 Class of Fellows.

Galen President and Chief Academic Officer Dr. Tracy Ortelli joined Dr. Denker in Washington to celebrate the milestone.

“Being selected as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing is one of the greatest honors of my career,” said Dr. Denker. “As a first-generation college student, former high school dropout, nurse, educator, and leader, this recognition is both humbling and deeply meaningful.”

The American Academy of Nursing’s 2026 Class of Fellows represents 39 states, the District of Columbia, and 17 countries. With this year’s inductees, the Academy’s global Fellowship has grown to more than 3,600 nursing leaders.

Election as a Fellow recognizes nurses whose leadership and accomplishments have made a significant impact on health and healthcare. Academy Fellows represent leaders across nursing education, practice, research, management, and policy.

For Dr. Denker, the honor marks another milestone in a career dedicated to expanding opportunities in nursing education and strengthening the nursing profession.

Since joining Galen College of Nursing in 2005, Dr. Denker has played an integral role in the College’s growth and evolution. During her tenure, Galen has grown from a regional institution into a national nursing college with 25 campuses across 13 states, serving more than 20,000 students.

Dr. Denker began her own nursing education with an Associate of Science in Nursing from Pikeville College. She later earned a Master of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice from Bellarmine University.

In addition to her executive leadership at Galen, Dr. Denker serves as President of the Kentucky Board of Nursing and has contributed nationally through roles with the Organization for Associate Degree Nursing, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, and the National League for Nursing.

Her FAAN designation adds to a distinguished list of professional honors. Dr. Denker is also a Fellow of the Academy of Associate Degree Nursing (FAADN) and the Academy of Nursing Education (ANEF).

With her official induction into the American Academy of Nursing, Dr. Denker joins an international community of nursing leaders committed to improving health and advancing the profession. The recognition reflects a career defined by leadership, service, and a commitment to creating opportunities for the next generation of nurses.