Prof. Sean Clarke Honored with AAN Civitas Award

Prof. Sean Clarke, PhD, RN, FAAN, has been recognized by the American Academy of Nursing (AAN) with its 2025 Civitas Award, which honors individuals who show exceptional dedication to promoting quality care.

Prof. Clarke, who is the Ursula Springer Professor in Nursing, served six years as Executive Vice Dean at NYU Meyers, before returning to the faculty in January. 

“As a scholar, mentor, teacher and leader, Sean has been a tenacious advocate for improving the lives of patients by focusing on health systems and workforce development issues,” said Dean Angela Amar. “Sean brings energy, focus and commitment to his roles at Meyers. Our College, and the nursing profession, are better for his contributions.”

Throughout his 30-year career, Prof. Clarke has taught nursing and health policy at all levels in major universities across the US and Canada, held endowed chairs and leadership roles in nursing schools, and has served as a consultant to government agencies, professional societies, and regulatory bodies internationally. His impressive research focuses on topics ranging from nurses’ working conditions to quality and safety measures in hospitals. 

His work examines the impact of economic, social, and political factors on the profession as well as through program and policy evaluation. Extensively published, he has served as Editor-in-Chief of Nursing Outlook, the Academy’s official journal on nursing leadership, policy, and professional issues, since 2023 where he has adeptly developed the journal’s thought leadership.

Prof. Clarke will be honored at AAN’s Health Policy Conference, Impact Through Integrity and Trust: Our Role as Navigators and Translators, which is being held in Washington, DC from October 16-18, 2025. He is one of six nursing leaders being honored with AAN’s prestigious annual awards. The conference will also celebrate its 2025 fellows, which include four Meyers faculty, a NICHE administrator and five alumni.

“As we consider how to advance policies to improve health, it is inspiring to reflect on the change these leaders have forged in public health and health equity. Academy President Linda D. Scott, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, FADLN, FNAP, FAAN. “I look to their courage, innovation, and curiosity for insight on evidence-informed health policy and change to promote the best care practices.”