Ernest Grant Recognized as Nursing “Living Legend”
Ernest J. Grant, an influential figure in fire and burn safety, has been honored as a “Living Legend” of nursing by the American Academy of Nursing (AAN). The accolade was presented during the Health Policy Conference held on October 9, where it highlighted the achievements of alumni from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro’s (UNCG) School of Nursing.
UNCG’s Nursing Dean, Debra J. Barksdale, who also serves as the AAN president, hosted the ceremony. She expressed her pride in recognizing Grant, stating, “I am always honored to recognize the Academy’s Living Legends, but this year was especially meaningful because I had the opportunity to honor a true giant in our profession, Ernest Grant, Ph.D., RN.”
Pioneering Contributions to Healthcare
Grant, who has served on the UNCG Board of Trustees, has made significant strides in healthcare, particularly in fire safety. He became one of the first African American men to complete Buncombe Technical Community College’s licensed nursing practitioner program and subsequently worked at North Carolina Memorial Hospital’s burn center. His experiences there motivated him to pursue further education focused on preventing traumatic burn injuries.
His advocacy efforts have included lobbying with state legislators, contributing to the National Burn Awareness Campaign, and initiating the “Learn Not to Burn” program. His work led to the creation of safety labels for water heaters, which are now legally mandated in North Carolina.
In the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, Grant played a crucial role in caring for victims in New York City, an effort that earned him the title of Nurse of the Year from President George W. Bush in 2002. He received the B.T. Fowler Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013 from the North Carolina Fire and Life Safety Education Council.
Grant also served as the 36th president of the American Nurses Association, representing over three million nurses during a pivotal time for the profession, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, he was recognized by Modern Healthcare as one of the Top 50 Most Influential Clinical Executives. Additionally, he established the Ernest J. Grant Endowed Scholarship in Nursing at UNCG to support future nursing students.
Additional Honors for UNCG Alumni and Faculty
On the following day at the same conference, four other nursing professionals were inducted as American Academy of Nursing Fellows. Among them was Forgive Avorgbedor, Ph.D., RN, an associate professor at UNCG who focuses on research regarding cardiometabolic health among women and infants.
Jacquelyn McMillian-Bohler, Ph.D., RN, a faculty member and associate dean at Duke University School of Nursing, was also recognized. With a strong background in faculty development, she has made significant contributions to the field of nursing education.
Bridgett Sellars, who holds degrees from UNCG, was acknowledged for her role in nursing education and her initiatives to enhance professional development within the nursing community. She founded Dr. Sellars Educate, which collaborates with nursing programs and healthcare organizations.
LaDonna Thomas, DNP, RN, ANP-BC, who is the first chief nurse practitioner at the Durham VA Health Care System, was celebrated for her implementation of Full Practice Authority for nursing practitioners, allowing them to work autonomously.
These recognitions showcase the commitment and impact of UNCG’s School of Nursing alumni and faculty on the nursing profession and healthcare as a whole.
Source: UNC Greensboro
