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Himmelfarb Headlines: Faculty Profile - Interview with Adriana Glenn, Director of RN-BSN Program Track

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Faculty Profile - Interview with Adriana Glenn, Director of RN-BSN Program Track

Faculty Profile

Himmelfarb Library continues this feature in our newsletter that lets us become better acquainted with our friends and colleagues at the George Washington University. In this issue, we learn more about Adriana Glenn, Director of RN-BSN Program Track; Interim Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Assistant Professor

Tell us a little bit about yourself, and about the work you are currently engaged in?
Thank you for the opportunity to share. I have been an RN for 36 years, an FNP for 33 years and have worked in higher education for about 20 years. I came to GW in fall 2017 to work in the pre-licensure undergraduate accelerated nursing program (ABSN). I was appointed one of two ABSN Academic Success Coaches and also the Director of the RN-BSN Program Track in 2020. I also maintain an active practice as a nurse practitioner at GW’s Student Health Center. I am the weekend NP and work about once a month as needed. Most recently, I was appointed the Interim Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the School of Nursing (SON) and continue as the Director for the RN-BSN Program. I have learned a lot in my new role as an Associate Dean for DEI. One of the best parts of the position is I get to interact with many more people, from students to staff and faculty from both undergraduate and graduate levels in our school. Furthermore, I have many more opportunities to connect with faculty and staff from across the university. So, in my time at GW, I have been very blessed to serve the school/university in a variety of capacities.

What inspired you to work in your field?
Actually, a funny story, a TV show from the 1960s called Julia inspired me to pursue a nursing career. Diane Carroll played a Black nurse and I just wanted to be her! I thought she was so smart and beautiful, and she got to help people which is what I love to do.

What brought you to GW?
I chose to come to GW from another university because of the amazing people I met from GW and for the opportunities to engage in research.

What is your favorite aspect of your work?
Seeing that undergraduate student have that “lightbulb moment”. You know when you can literally see something click in that person’s thinking process. Also, I am always so amazed at the amount of learning I am able to witness from our undergraduate students in such a short period of time. Truly amazing and very fulfilling.

Part of your role within the School of Nursing is Interim Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - what do you see as the greatest challenges/opportunities in the area of diversity, equity, and inclusion?
What I see as the greatest challenges in my role as Interim Associate Dean for DEI at the SON relate to:

  • Addressing implicit bias
  • Providing financial and human resources for DEI initiatives, training, and programs (in a current nationwide climate which is pushing back; at GW SON we still embrace DEI)
  • How we actually measure the impact and effectiveness of DEI initiatives.

The opportunities I see include enhancing education outreach efforts through creative approaches. This would include education for students and training for faculty and staff.  Another area of opportunity is the infusion of DEI into SON policies.  As well as changes to the nursing curriculum, because we need to prepare our students for nursing that is inclusive of everyone in the 21st century.

What has been your most memorable moment and greatest professional challenge?
Oh, my there are so many memorable moments. However, I can say I truly enjoy SON pinning/ graduation and the Commencement on the Mall. The smiles, tears, laughs and proud family members/friends is just such an exhilarating experience for me every single time. Professional challenge? Well, trying to get more students interested in entering nursing education because I plan to retire sooner rather than later...LOL

What library resources or services have you found to be the most useful?
I must say by FAR, I love resource librarians. I have found each encounter with them so wonderful and helpful. They definitely can find what I need MUCH faster and with greater precision than I! I also appreciate that we have most journals and books I need to be able to do my job and support our students in their work.

Whom do you admire?
I admire the nurses who paved the way for me to be able to be the nurse I am today. Especially our nurses of color/Black nurses because we were not recognized for our efforts and contributions in the early years of professional nursing. Black nurses could not even join the American Nurses Association (ANA) until 1964!

How do you spend your free time? (or What do you do to relax?)
What free time? Relax, what is that? LOL. Seriously, I love to spend time with my family. I am a widow, so my two college sons and I are very close. I love to travel, hike and eat! I enjoy the outdoors when it is not too steamy or cold.

What advice would you give to a new faculty member just starting at GW?
Take advantage of the many resources available to faculty. We are so very rich in terms of culture, diversity, and opportunities for growth. There are many opportunities to engage in research so find your people and create the knowledge we need to drive science forward. Push yourself outside of your comfort zone and your school! Interprofessional collaboration and research are the future!