, Ph.D., RN, CPAN, NPD-BC, clinical assistant professor at VCU School of Nursing, has been named to the Board of Directors of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN). Her three-year term began July 1, 2025.

The AACN is the world’s largest specialty nursing organization, representing more than half a million acute and critical care nurses. For over 50 years, it has advanced excellence in acute and critical care by supporting nurses and working to improve outcomes for patients and their families.

Roberson brings more than 30 years of nursing experience to the national board. At VCU, she leads the , teaching courses in evidence-based practice, quality improvement, patient safety and organizational leadership. Her clinical background spans surgical trauma, cardiac surgery and transplant, critical care and post-anesthesia care. Roberson has also served as a nurse manager and educator in a medical respiratory ICU in a large academic medical center, with a strong focus on leadership development, professional growth and quality patient outcomes.

Her research has aimed to improve outcomes for critically ill adults on mechanical ventilation, including investigations into innovative therapies for respiratory failure.

“It is truly an honor for me to serve our profession to advance patient outcomes,” said Roberson. “I look forward to this journey and guiding nurses as they make their optimal contribution in their safe and quality care delivery.”

I look forward to this journey and guiding nurses as they make their optimal contribution in their safe and quality care delivery.

Audrey Roberson, Ph.D.

In her role on the board, Roberson will help guide national initiatives aimed at strengthening nursing leadership, promoting evidence-based practices, and enhancing patient safety in acute and critical care settings.

“Dr. Roberson’s appointment to the AACN Board of Directors is a reflection of her exceptional leadership, clinical expertise and commitment to advancing nursing practice,” said Patricia Kinser, Ph.D., RN, WHNP-BC, FAAN, dean of the VCU School of Nursing. “We are enormously proud of her leadership at the national level, which not only elevates the nursing profession but also drives meaningful change in how critical care is delivered across the country–a testament to the high caliber of nursing education and leadership fostered here at VCU.”