Augsburg University’s Department of Nursing has received a distinguished honor from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), the national voice for academic nursing. The Innovations in Professional Nursing Education Award recognizes 30 years of transformative leadership in nursing education through its work at the Augsburg Health Commons.
This national recognition honors the nursing department’s sustained commitment to reimagining traditional models of nursing education by embedding students in community-based, justice-centered care. Through innovative program design at the Health Commons, the nursing department has advanced experiential learning, interprofessional collaboration, and equitable access to care for unsheltered and under-resourced populations in Minneapolis.
“For three decades, this work has demonstrated what is possible when nursing education is grounded in community, belonging, and real-world practice,” said Katie Clark, the executive director of the Health Commons and chair of the Department of Nursing. “To have that work recognized by AACN is an extraordinary recognition of our students, faculty, and community partners.”
The award acknowledges the nursing department’s leadership in programmatic change across nursing education, workforce preparation, and care delivery—positioning the Health Commons as a nationally recognized model for community-engaged nursing education.
AACN represents over 875 nursing schools nationwide and sets the direction for baccalaureate and graduate nursing education, research, and leadership. “Recognition at the national level reflects not only excellence in education but also sustained impact on the future of nursing practice,” said Clark.
Read the full press release from AACN and learn more about Augsburg’s nursing programs.
Top image: Members of Augsburg’s nursing department gather with AACN representatives at the 2025 Academic Nursing Leadership Conference. Photo submitted by Katie Clark.