American Academy of Nursing Names Dean Emerita Eileen Sullivan-Marx a Living Legend

The American Academy of Nursing has named Eileen Sullivan-Marx, dean emerita of NYU Meyers and past president of the Academy, as a Living Legend, recognizing her for distinguished leadership and contributions to health care advancement and the nursing profession.

Sullivan-Marx, PhD, RN, FAAN, inducted as an Academy Fellow in 1997, served 11 years as dean of NYU Meyers. During that time, she raised the profile of the school to an independent entity at NYU, raised more than $50 million in scholarship and research donations, including the largest naming gift to a school of nursing at that time in the U.S., grew the research portfolio, and steered the school through  he COVID-19 pandemic.

As a practitioner, academician, global consultant, and health equity leader, she has built enduring models of care and elevated nursing’s voice in policy decisions. She also holds the title of Professor Emerita of Scholarly Practice and Clinician-Educator at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing.

“Congratulations to Eileen for this well-deserved honor,” said Dean Angela F. Amar, who is president-elect of the Academy. “Her leadership helped shepherd Meyers through a period of significant growth and challenges, and her commitment to excellence has set a remarkable standard for our profession.”

Sullivan-Marx is one of six people named Living Legends this year. The others are: Ernest Grant, Margaret Heitkemper, Bernadette Melnyk, Susan Reinhard, Kevin Sowers. They will be celebrated at the Academy’s annual conference this fall.

“This fall will be a true celebration when the Fellowship, friends, family, and partners join together to recognize nursing’s breadth of excellence as exemplified in this year’s Living Legends,” said Academy President Debra J. Barksdale, PhD, FNP-BC, FAANP, ANEF, FADLN, FAAN.