Angela Frederick Amar

Faculty

Angela Amar Headshot

Angela Frederick Amar

ANEF FAAN PhD RN

Erline Perkins McGriff Professor
Dean

1 212 998 5303

433 FIRST AVENUE
NEW YORK, NY 10010
United States

Angela Frederick Amar, PhD, RN, ANEF, FAAN, is dean of New York University Rory Meyers College of Nursing and Erline Perkins McGriff Professor of Nursing. 

Prior to her appointment as dean in August 2023, Dr. Amar was a tenured faculty member at Emory University and Boston College. Most recently, she was the dean of the School of Nursing at the University of Nevada Las Vegas. While at UNLV, Dr. Amar’s innovative approach and focus on advancing strategic priorities have led to growth in student enrollment across academic programs, recruitment of quality and diverse faculty and staff, greater financial stability through revenue-generating activities, and increased ranking and stature of the school, faculty, and students.

Dr. Amar was named a fellow in the American Academy of Nursing in 2010 and is a fellow in the Academy of Nursing Education (2016), and a distinguished fellow in the International Association of Forensic Nursing (2010). She was in the inaugural cohort of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Nurse Faculty Scholar program (2008-2010) and the AACN Wharton Executive Leadership program. 

As a leading scholar in gender-based violence, Dr. Amar’s research has influenced the direction of campus policy nationally. Dr. Amar is also a leader in nursing education regarding violence and forensic nursing. Dr. Amar is also recognized for her efforts to advance diversity in nursing leadership across organizations and institutions and is a highly sought-after speaker and media guest.

Dr. Amar’s work has been widely recognized for the many contributions she has made. This includes the Nursing Leader Award from the Asian American group and the Las Vegas Indian Chamber of Commerce (2022) and the People’s Choice Outstanding Dean and Leader from the Nevada Nurses Association (2021). Her 2016 book on forensic nursing received gold and bronze awards from AJN. The Nursing Network on Violence Against Women International awarded her the Excellence in Practice and Policy award (2015).

Dr. Amar currently serves on the board of directors of the American Academy of Nursing, chairs the government affairs committee for the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, and is a member of the finance committee of the National League for Nursing. 

Dr. Amar holds a Ph.D. from the University at Pennsylvania School of Nursing and a master’s and bachelor’s degrees in nursing from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center. 

Ph.D. University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (2003)
M.N. Louisiana State University Medical Center, School of Nursing, New Orleans, Louisiana (Psychiatric and Community Mental Health Nursing; Curriculum and Instruction) (1992)
B.S.N. Louisiana State University Medical Center, School of Nursing, New Orleans, Louisiana (1987)

American Academy of Nursing
American Association of Colleges of Nursing
National League for Nursing

Nursing Leader Award, Asian American Group and Las Vegas India Chamber of Commerce (2022)
Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society membership (2021)
People’s Choice Outstanding Dean, Nevada Nurses Association (2021)
American Association of Colleges of Nursing Wharton Executive Leadership program. University of Pennsylvania (2018)
Lillian Sholtis Brunner Award for Innovative Practice in Nursing, Alumni Award, University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing (2017)
AJN Book of the Year Awards -Gold and Bronze Award for: A Practical Guide to Forensic Nursing (2016)
Academy of Nursing Education Fellow, National League for Nursing (2016)
Excellence in Practice and Policy Award, Nursing Network on Violence Against Women International (2015)
Public Voices Fellow, Emory University & Op-Ed Project (2013) (2014)
Nurse of the Year, Behavioral Health, March of Dimes Georgia (2013)
Wye Faculty Seminar participant, The Aspen Institute (2011)
Writing Award for Excellence in Nursing Research, Journal of Forensic Nursing (2011)
Distinguished Fellow, International Association of Forensic Nurses (2010)
Fellow, American Academy of Nursing (2010)
Excellence in Nursing Award, New England Regional Black Nurses Association (2008)
Faculty Fellow, Community Research, and Learning Network. Washington, DC (2006)
Nurse Faculty Scholar, Inaugural Cohort, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (2008-2011)

The Relationship Between Sexual Violence and Disordered Eating

Bulgin, D., & Frederick Amar, A. (2016). Issues in Mental Health Nursing, 37(7), 493-500. 10.3109/01612840.2016.1172685
Abstract
Abstract
College women who experience sexual violence (SV) and disordered eating (DE) are at risk for comorbid mental health symptomology (depression, somatization) and risky health behaviors (dating status, alcohol use). The purpose of this study is to explore associations of coexisting sexual violence history and disordered eating with mental health and health behaviors in college women. This cross sectional descriptive study is a secondary analysis of survey data from college students from five universities (n = 2747). College women with both SV and DE were more likely to experience increased depressive and somatic symptoms and participate in risky health behaviors.

Friends Helping Friends: A nonrandomized control trial of a peer-based response to dating violence

Amar, A. F., Tuccinardi, N., Heislein, J., & Simpson, S. (2015). Nursing Outlook, 63(4), 496-503. 10.1016/j.outlook.2015.01.004
Abstract
Abstract
Dating violence is a significant problem for older adolescents with implications for the survivor's health. Survivors disclose the violence to friends who are often ill equipped to help them manage the consequences. The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of Friends Helping Friends, a community-level education program to teach older adolescents to recognize and intervene in dating violence. A convenience sample of 101 students aged 18 to 22 years were nonrandomly allocated to a treatment or control group and completed pre- and post-test measures. Compared with the control group, treatment group participants reported increased perceived responsibility to help, skills to act as a bystander, and intention to help and decreased rape myth acceptance. Friends Helping Friends shows promise as an effective strategy for older adolescent females in the prevention and response to dating violence.

Administrators' perceptions of college campus protocols, response, and student prevention efforts for sexual assault

Amar, A. F., Strout, T. D., Simpson, S., Cardiello, M., & Beckford, S. (2014). Violence and Victims, 29(4), 579-593. 10.1891/0886-6708.VV-D-12-00154
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Sexual assault disproportionately affects college students. Because most survivors do not report sexual assault, research has explored individual factors related to the reporting, with limited research exploring institutional-level factors related to victims' decisions to report their experiences. Objective: The purpose of this research was to describe three key areas: (a) campus assault adjudication, (b) protocols and campus responses to assault, and (c) provision of student prevention education regarding sexual violence. Participants: A nationally representative sample of 1,067 campus administrators responded to a survey regarding institutional sexual assault policies and procedures. Conclusions: Findings suggest that although many institutions are responding adequately to sexual assault in these three areas, improvements are possible. Implications for improving campus responses and further research are discussed.

Gender differences in attitudes and beliefs associated with bystander behavior and sexual assault

Amar, A. F., Sutherland, M., & Laughon, K. (2014). Journal of Forensic Nursing, 10(2), 84-91. 10.1097/JFN.0000000000000024
Abstract
Abstract
Sexual violence is a significant problem on many college campuses. Bystander education programs have been found to train individuals to act to prevent sexual and partner violence and improve the responses of peers to survivors. Limited evidence suggests that gender differences exist between males and females regarding both attitudes toward, and use of, bystander behavior, with females reporting more supportive attitudes and greater use of bystander behavior. The purpose of this study is to compare male and female college students on attitudes toward date rape, bystander efficacy, intention to act as a bystander, and actual use of bystander behaviors. A secondary aimexplored gender differences in theoretically driven bystander behaviors and barriers to acting as a bystander. A convenience sample of 157 full-time undergraduate students aged 18-24 years completed survey measures of attitudes related to sexual and partner violence and willingness to help. Analysis of variance and chi-squarewere used to compare gender differences in scores. Significant gender differences were found for date rape attitudes, efficacy, and intention to act as a positive bystander. Men reportedmore rape-supportive attitudes and greater intention to act as a bystander than women, whereas women reported greater levels of bystander efficacy than men. The findings can be used in tailoring genderspecific components of bystander education programs for sexual assault prevention and intervention.

Kaleidoscopes, forensic nursing, and change

Amar, A. F. (2014). Journal of Forensic Nursing, 10(3), 111-112. 10.1097/JFN.0000000000000040

Victimization and perpetration of sexual violence in college-aged men and women

Sutherland, J. L., Amar, A. F., & Sutherland, M. A. (2014). Journal of Forensic Nursing, 10(3), 153-159. 10.1097/JFN.0000000000000033
Abstract
Abstract
Objective: Sexual violence is a significant public health issue on college campuses. Much of the research to date has focused on sexual violence victimization with less data on perpetration of sexual violence. This analysis describes sexual violence victimization and perpetration experiences in a sample of college students. Methods: We sought to recruit college students attending three universities in the United States. A crosssectional survey design was used to contact students through e-mail or voluntary gatherings. Each participant completed a questionnaire focused on experiences of sexual violence. Results: Atotal of 1,978 students consented to participate in the studywith 1,829 completing the questions related to victimization experiences and 1,479 completing the questions related to perpetration experiences. Thirty-eight percent (n = 700) of the sample (men and women) reported sexual violence victimization. Victimization among women and men was 42.6% and 28.7%, respectively. Almost 6%(n = 100) of the sample reported sexual violence perpetration.Men reported a higher rate of perpetration, 14.5% (n = 60), compared to women, 3.8% (n = 40). Conclusion: This study provides data on both victimization and perpetration experiences of college students. Both college men and women reported experiences of being victimized as well as perpetrating sexual violence. Understanding victimization and perpetration on college campuses will increase awareness, thus piercing the silence, of unwanted sexual experiences and help move college campuses toward a response.

Women's center staff perceptions of the campus climate on sexual violence

Strout, T., Amar, A. F., & Astwood, K. (2014). Journal of Forensic Nursing, 10(3), 135-143. 10.1097/JFN.0000000000000034
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Sexual assault is a major public health problem disproportionately affecting women on college and university campuses. As sexual assault is often unreported, survivorsmay not have the access to resources and services that are helpful in healing. Campus-based women's centers provide a comfortable place and resource to address women's issues on campus. Individuals who work in these centers have open communication channels with students and a role in the administrative structure that may provide a unique understanding of survivors, the student environment, and the institutional context regarding sexual assault. Objective: The purpose of this study was to understand the perceptions of campus-based women's center staff on college and university campuses, specifically regarding campus-based responses to sexual assault. Methods: Participants responded electronically to six open-ended survey questions. Data were analyzed using a qualitative content analysis approach to identify key themes present within the data. Results: Key concepts identified included respect, trust, confidentiality, trained professionals, and comprehensive and consistent response. Conclusions:The findings provide an early description of the perceptions of staff in campus-based women's centers related to prevention, reporting, and response to sexual violence on campuses and can be used to inform campus policies and practices as well as forensic and college-based nursing practice.

The challenges of inclusivity in baccalaureate nursing programs

Read, C. Y., Vessey, J. A., Amar, A. F., & Cullinan, D. M. (2013). Journal of Nursing Education, 52(4), 185-190. 10.3928/01484834-20130225-01
Abstract
Abstract
Nurse educators must meet the challenge of preparing a new generation of nurse leaders who can address the health care needs of an increasingly multicultural society. Institutional culture change that promotes inclusivity develops in response to an intentional embracement of diversity and is key to the success of any program initiatives. Providing resources for students can backfire if they experience the negative consequences of labeling, if incentives are distributed without thoughtful consideration of the related expectations, and if the advising system focuses on prescriptive, rather than developmental, principles. A deficit-thinking perspective that brands a student as at risk can undermine the goal of providing support. Faculty must engage in open discussions about labels, underlying assumptions about student aptitudes, and strategies for ensuring student success. Most importantly, faculty must actively solicit and seriously consider the students' accounts of their experiences and perspectives on changes that would make the climate more welcoming.

Child and Adolescent Victims of Trauma

Amar, A., McClain, N., & Marchetti, C. A. (2013). In Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health (1–, pp. 396-413). John Wiley and Sons. 10.1002/9781118704660.ch21

Female survivors of child sexual abuse: Finding voice through research participation

McClain, N., & Amar, A. F. (2013). Issues in Mental Health Nursing, 34(7), 482-487. 10.3109/01612840.2013.773110
Abstract
Abstract
It is unclear whether survivors of trauma are at risk of emotional or psychological distress when they participate in research because there is little data on the subjective experience of research study participants and how they make meaning from their participation in research. This qualitative descriptive study explored the experience of research participation by survivors of childhood sexual abuse. We interviewed 12 female survivors and identified themes. Participants noted both positive personal and societal benefits of study participation and reported no harm due to their research participation. Study findings can help researchers understand the perspectives of participants regarding the benefits of taking part in violence research and can help allay concerns over causing participants undue psychological distress.