, Ph.D., RN, FNP-BC, GNP-BC, of Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Nursing will receive one of the field’s most prestigious honors in October when she is inducted as a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing.

Sargent, a tenured associate professor and the associate dean for practice and community engagement, is among 299 nurse leaders selected for the 2025 class of fellows who are being recognized for their contributions to health and health care. The induction will be held at the academy’s annual Health Policy Conference from Oct. 16-18 in Washington.

Sargent’s expertise spans Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders research, geriatric health outcomes and community engagement. She is co-leading NIH-funded research on Alzheimer’s disease progression and resiliency prediction by exploring how wearable devices can track physical activity. The study examines the impact of mobility patterns and social factors on brain health, with the goal of developing interventions that can halt decline or improve cognitive function. She is also funded by HRSA, CMS and the CDC to conduct research and educational initiatives centered around aging and community engagement. She was appointed chairman of the Virginia Alzheimer’s and Related Disorders Commission in 2018.

The Academy has been highly responsive to removing structural and societal barriers to health. As a fellow, I pledge my contributions to rigorous nursing science and support of the development of future nurse scientists. Serving in this role is an honor.

Lana Sargent, Ph.D., RN, FNP-BC, GNP-BC

Her community-focused leadership includes managing the School of Nursing’s Mobile Health and Wellness Program, an innovative nurse-led model for interprofessional education and care. Originally founded to serve older adults in Richmond, the program has since adopted a lifespan approach and now serves six urban and three rural communities in Central Virginia. More than 2,700 interdisciplinary VCU health care students have gained hands-on clinical experience in communities with little access to basic health monitoring and assessment.

“Dr. Sargent’s interprofessional research and leadership trajectory demonstrate her commitment to advancing nursing science and practice in the field of aging,” said , Ph.D., Judith B. Collins and Joseph M. Teefey Distinguished Professor and dean of the  VCU’s School of Nursing. “She is a gifted researcher, educator, clinician and leader – a true asset to VCU and to the communities we serve.”