| Washington, DC — In a year of upheaval and uncertainty, the steadfast leadership, wisdom and confidence that comes from a lifetime of career experience have proven to be invaluable assets, perhaps most importantly in confronting today’s health care challenges. With profound gratitude for her leadership since 2007 and in tribute to her decades of achievement in nursing and nursing education, the National League for Nursing Board of Governors has presented a special Award of Distinction to Beverly Malone, PhD, RN, FAAN.
NLN President Patricia S. Yoder-Wise, RN, EdD, NEA-BC, ANEF, FAONL, FAAN, Professor and Dean Emerita at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and president of The Wise Group, made the formal presentation in a surprise announcement during her remarks at the Opening Session today during the 2020 NLN Virtual Education Summit. The League’s Board had decided secretly to create the award to honor Dr Malone.
“We were determined to share with National League for Nursing membership the importance of having a CEO of Bev’s stature at the helm of this organization, especially during the trying times we and the world have weathered since the COVID-19 pandemic was unleashed,” said Dr. Yoder-Wise. “On behalf of the Board of Governors, I am honored to bestow this Award of Distinction, an expression of how much we value her leadership.”
Along with the award, Dr. Malone received personal tributes from the League’s officers and governors compiled for the occasion. Reflective of the sentiments was this one from President-elect Kathleen Poindexter, PhD, RN, CNE, ANEF, assistant dean of undergraduate programs at Michigan State University:
“Bev, you exemplify the core values of the NLN through your authentic expression of caring, commitment towards excellence, persistent dedication to diversity, and servant leadership with integrity. You are the heart of the NLN—leading with purpose, power, and passion—inspiring others to envision what can be and empowering them to take action in the advancement of quality health care for all.”
One of the governors-at-large, John Lundeen, EdD, RN, CNE, a professor and MSN program director at Galen College of Nursing, likewise reflected the sentiments of many:
“Bev, I have always admired your ability to command a room, yet never make others in it feel inferior or unwelcome. Your trademark smile and nod of the head with closed eyes instantly puts anyone in your presence at ease with an understanding that you have a desire to not only hear but also truly listen and care. While we often put great leaders on pedestals, you have always been one to reach out and show how we can get out our own pedestal! Knowing and working with you has been one of my greatest pleasures.”
One of Dr. Malone’s most recent career accolades is her selection by the National Center for Healthcare Leadership for the Gail L. Warden Leadership Excellence Award. Earlier this year, the American Academy of Nursing designated her a Living Legend, the academy’s highest honor. Modern Healthcare magazine has named Dr. Malone multiple times to its prestigious annual rankings of the 100 Most Influential People, as well as to its Top 25 Minority Leaders and Top 25 Women Leaders in health care.
Dr. Malone has received numerous honorary degrees and recognitions from leading schools of nursing, universities, and health care institutions and organizations. She also serves on a number of boards, including the Kaiser Family Foundation and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement. Dr. Malone’s full bio may be found under Who’s Who at the NLN at NLN.org.
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