By Townhall Chicago News Staff
Rush University College of Nursing doctoral student Kristie Coleman has been selected as a Jonas Scholar for the program’s 2026-28 cohort, the university announced Thursday.
The Jonas Scholar program supports PhD and DNP-prepared nurses who aim to educate the next generation of nursing leaders. Coleman joins a group of 80 doctoral nursing students chosen nationally for their passion for teaching, academic excellence and research, according to a university news release.
“I am honored to be selected as a Jonas Scholar and grateful for the opportunity to participate in this program,” Coleman said in the release. “I look forward to learning from the mentorship and experiences provided through the Jonas Scholars program as I continue to develop as a nurse leader and researcher.”
Coleman’s research focuses on sex differences in the management of atrial fibrillation. She works under the supervision of Barbara Swanson, associate dean for research and professor in the Department of Adult Health and Gerontological Nursing at Rush.
“We are incredibly proud of Kristie Coleman’s selection as a Jonas Scholar,” Swanson said in the release. “This prestigious recognition reflects her dedication to advancing nursing science, her commitment to academic excellence and her potential to become a future leader in nursing education and research.”
As a Jonas Scholar, Coleman will receive financial support, mentorship and a curriculum designed to prepare students for the transition into faculty roles. The program addresses a persistent shortage of nursing educators that contributes to bottlenecks in nursing school enrollment nationwide.
Coleman’s cohort includes students with research interests spanning pediatrics, mental health and veterans’ health, according to the release.
Jonas Nursing, the organization behind the program, is a leading supporter of doctoral nursing education in the United States and works in partnership with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.
“I am thankful to Jonas Nursing, AACN, Rush University, and my mentors for their support and guidance,” Coleman said.
Rush University’s College of Nursing consistently earns high national rankings from U.S. News & World Report. The university, located on Chicago’s West Side, integrates its academic programs within Rush University Medical Center and is known for its practitioner-teacher model.
The selection comes at a time when the nursing workforce faces significant strain. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing has identified a shortage of qualified faculty as a primary barrier to expanding enrollment in nursing programs across the country.
