Dear Alumni,

It’s an honor and privilege to be addressing you as the newly elected president of the Alumni Council. I am humbled and excited to serve in this role and work with all of you to support our students, alumni, and the University of Virginia.

As the first male and LGBTQ+ Council president, I strongly believe that diversity is a strength at the School of Nursing and essential to its health and longevity. My fellow Council members and I are committed to continuing to foster an inclusive and collaborative alumni community.

As Council vice president for the last three years, I am proud of the significant updates we’ve made to the bylaws and infrastructure that will help us meet the changing needs of our students and alumni in the 21st century. The Council is optimistic that we will see a significant impact from these changes.

"As the first male and LGBTQ+ Council president, I strongly believe that diversity is a strength at the School of Nursing and essential to its health and longevity. My fellow Council members and I are committed to continuing to foster an inclusive and collaborative alumni community."

Joshua James (BSN ’05), UVA School of Nursing Alumni Council president

Our goals for 2023-2024 include:

• Raising awareness of the Council and its work through social media, educational offerings, and in-person activities
• Providing opportunities for alumni to network and mentor current students and graduates and build stronger connections between the Council and alumni community
• Supporting the Council’s efforts to recruit and retain engaged and diverse alumni into its ranks

The Council is poised to make these goals a reality, but alumni support is essential. While financial support is always welcome, I also ask that you consider volunteering with the Alumni Council. It’s a great way to stay connected with the University and School of Nursing communities. 

I’m tremendously grateful for the education I received at UVA, and so proud to be a nurse. I thank you again for this opportunity to lead and I look forward to continued progress over the coming years. Wahoowa!

Sincerely,

Joshua James (BSN ’05)
DNP, MSN, RN, ACNP-BC, CHC
Richmond, VA
joshuajamesnp@gmail.com

Upcoming UVA Reunions

Black Alumni Weekend 2024
April 19-21, 2024

Classes of 1994, 1989, 1984, 1979, 1974, and the Thomas Jefferson Society
May 31-June 2, 2024

Classes of 2019, 2014, 2009, 2004, and 1999
June 7-9, 2024

WITH THANKS

The School and its Alumni Association offers heartfelt gratitude to Sandy Reed-Bryant (BSN ’78, MSN ’86), outgoing Alumni Association president and an Alumni Council leader, for her service over the last three years. Through a pandemic, leadership transitions, and more, Sandy’s clear focus on our alumni helped fuel support for the School and the nursing profession as a whole. Thank you, Sandy! 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CNL and DNP PROGRAMS!

2024 marks the 20th birthday of the School’s Clinical Nurse Leader MSN and the Doctor of Nursing Practice programs, and we couldn’t be more excited. Stay tuned for details to mark these milestones with us in fall 2024!

HELP FOR MEDICAL BILLS

Begun in the 1940s to help nursing students pay for unexpected healthcare bills, the Tabitha S. Grier Medical Assistance Fund has been overhauled for a modern purpose. Nursing alumni who need help paying for hospital and provider co-payments, medication, in-home or nursing home expenses, medical supplies and equipment, or other out-of-pocket healthcare costs not covered by insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid, are encouraged to reach out to the Alumni Association to apply. Email Erik Williams, executive director of development, for details.

LEND A HAND

Interested in giving back to your alma mater and supporting the School of Nursing? There are many opportunities to serve, and the Alumni Council wants to hear from you! Email Elle Blevins to learn more.