Oakland University’s Ashley Pitts selected as a 2026-2028 Jonas Scholar

Jonas Nursing, a leading supporter of doctoral nursing education in the U.S., and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), recently announced that Ashley Pitts, a Ph.D. in Nursing student at Oakland University, has been selected as a Jonas Scholar for the program’s 2026-2028 cohort. This program aims to improve health care by expanding the pool of Ph.D. and DNP-prepared nurses needed to educate the next generation of nurse leaders.

Pitts joins a select group of 80 of the nation’s most promising doctoral nursing students chosen for their passion for teaching, academic excellence, and research prowess. As a Jonas Scholar, Pitts will receive financial support, mentorship, and a curriculum tailored to providing students with the learning experiences they need to successfully transition into a faculty role.

“We are delighted that Ashley Pitts has been recognized for her dedication to advancing the nursing profession,” said Dr. Julie Kruse, interim dean of OU’s School of Nursing. “As a Ph.D. in Nursing student and Jonas Scholar, this prestigious recognition reflects Ashley’s outstanding academic achievements, commitment to nursing scholarship, and potential for leadership within the profession.”

Pitts promotes well-being on campus through Active Grizzlies, a student wellness and engagement program that encourages students to move, connect and thrive. Her research examines how practicing nurses provide compassionate care in technology-riddled healthcare systems. More specifically, understanding the human-computer interaction and how nurses feel additional technologies enhance or hinder their ability to provide compassionate care. 

“We are honored and delighted that Ashley has been selected as a Jonas Scholar,” said Dr. Ron Piscotty, associate professor and Ph.D. program director. “She is an outstanding student who truly represents the quality and rigor of the PhD in Nursing program at Oakland University. This opportunity will enable her to examine and implement organizational changes to improve patient, nurse and health system outcomes.”

Pitts joins an incredibly talented cohort of doctoral nursing students. This group of 80 Scholars contains a multitude of research interests focused on some of the country’s most pressing challenges, including pediatrics, mental health, and veterans’ health.

For more information about the Jonas Scholars program, please visit aacnnursing.org/jonas-nursing.

About Jonas Nursing

The mission of Jonas Nursing is to enhance the nursing profession by developing nurse leaders who will address the nursing shortage by educating the future nursing workforce and by investing in the health and well-being of our most underserved communities. For more information on Jonas Nursing, visit aacnnursing.org/jonas-nursing.

About the American Association of Colleges of Nursing

AACN is the national voice for academic nursing representing more than 890 schools of nursing nationwide. AACN establishes quality standards for nursing education, influences the nursing profession to improve health care, and promotes public support of baccalaureate and graduate nursing education, research, and practice. For more information about AACN, visit aacnnursing.org and connect with on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X.