Media Contact
Lauren Hibbard
Director of Communications
Lewis College of Nursing and Health Professions
[email protected]
ATLANTA—The Lewis College of Nursing and Health Professions proudly announces the appointment of Dr. Dawn Aycock, PhD, RN, as a Distinguished University Professor (DUP) at Georgia State University, the institution’s highest faculty rank.
Dr. Aycock is the first faculty member from the School of Nursing to receive this prestigious distinction. Her appointment represents a historic milestone for the school and reflects a career of sustained excellence in scholarship, teaching, mentorship, and service.
Dr. Aycock is also a trailblazer within the School of Nursing. She previously became the first African American woman to attain the rank of full professor in the School of Nursing, a landmark achievement that underscores her leadership and impact within the academy.
The Distinguished University Professorship recognizes faculty members who demonstrate an exceptional and sustained record of achievement across research, instruction, and service, and who continue to advance the university’s mission through ongoing contributions. Only a small percentage of Georgia State’s tenured faculty may hold this title at any given time.
Dr. Aycock’s career is distinguished by her national and international recognition in cardiovascular and stroke nursing research and practice. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, the American Heart Association, and the Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association, honors that reflect her significant contributions to nursing science, clinical practice, and leadership.
She completed her doctoral education at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, followed by advanced postdoctoral fellowship training focused on stroke disparities and cardiovascular disease prevention. Her scholarly work addresses critical issues in health equity, cardiovascular health, and stroke outcomes, and is supported by a strong record of peer‑reviewed publications, funded research, and professional service at the national level.
Throughout her career at Georgia State University, Dr. Aycock has demonstrated a deep commitment to mentoring students and faculty, advancing interprofessional education, and strengthening the visibility and impact of the School of Nursing within the Lewis College and the broader health sciences community.
Dean Huanbiao Mo noted the broader impact of the appointment, stating:
“Faculty success is fundamental to the excellence of our academic programs, research, and service. This appointment is not just a milestone in Dr. Aycock’s career, but also one for the School of Nursing and the Lewis College as we strive to educate the next generation of healthcare professionals to meet the workforce needs.”
The Distinguished University Professor appointment carries a five‑year term, with the possibility of one renewal following successful reevaluation.
The Lewis College of Nursing and Health Professions congratulates Dr. Dawn Aycock on this well‑deserved and historic achievement and celebrates her lasting contributions to the School of Nursing, the college, and Georgia State University.