Dr. Sandra Davidson receives 2024 CASN Academic Administrative Excellence Award

Dr. Sandra Davidson, RN, PhD, has been recognized by the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN) as a visionary academic nurse administrator with the 2024 CASN Academic Administrative Excellence Award. 

This CASN award celebrates individuals who are leaders in academic nursing management in Canada who have met significant challenges and have developed innovative strategies to strengthen the quality of nursing academic programs at the university level. 

Davidson is an award-winning, internationally and nationally recognized nurse leader and former dean of the Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary. As of July 1, 2024, she became the provost and vice-president (academic) of the University of Calgary, a testament to her longstanding academic administrative experience and excellence. 

“Sandra’s innovative strategies and vision for advancing nursing education have had far-reaching impact on our academic programs and student experience, including accessibility for rural and Indigenous students,” says Dr. Nancy Moules RN, PhD, associate dean (research), Faculty of Nursing. 

“She is truly a creative leader whose work has strengthened our long-term institutional planning and operations.” 

During her tenure as dean at the Faculty of Nursing, Dr. Davidson spearheaded a significant expansion of graduate enrollment, introducing eight graduate certificates and a pathway leading to a master’s degree in nursing. Under her leadership, the faculty launched Canada’s second Doctor of Nursing (DN) program in 2023, focusing on health systems transformation. Additionally, she championed the development of pathways tailored for rural/remote and Indigenous communities within the undergraduate nursing program, enabling students to study as UCalgary nursing students while remaining in their home communities.