SIUE School of Nursing Instructor Caitlyn Heller Named 2026-2028 Jonas Scholar
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Nursing instructor Caitlyn Heller, MSN, RN, has been selected for the prestigious 2026-2028 Jonas Scholars Program, a national initiative supporting doctoral nursing students who aspire to become the next generation of nurse educators and leaders.
Heller joins a cohort of 80 doctoral nursing students from 30 states selected by Jonas Nursing and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. The program aims to strengthen the nation's nursing faculty pipeline through scholarship support, mentorship, leadership development and professional learning opportunities.
Heller is pursuing her PhD at Saint Louis University, where her scholarly focus is preventive and community-based care. Her selection reflects her commitment to advancing nursing education while continuing to contribute to the preparation of future nurses at SIUE.
"I'm honored to join the 2026-28 Jonas Scholars Program, working with doctoral students nationwide to impact the future of nursing education," Heller shared in announcing her selection. "Through this program I will have an opportunity to learn from national nursing leaders, build a network of forward-thinking peers, and apply innovative strategies to becoming a successful nurse faculty member."
The Jonas Scholars Program addresses a critical challenge facing nursing education: the shortage of qualified faculty needed to prepare the nation's future nursing workforce. The 2026-2028 cohort includes 59 PhD candidates and 21 Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) candidates representing 57 nursing schools.
The two-year program provides professional development centered on four pillars: mentoring, leadership development, policy and teaching. Scholars will participate in structured mentorship with experienced nurse educators and engage with peers from across the country, including at the Jonas Scholar Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C., in spring 2027.
Heller brings national distinction to the School of Nursing and highlights the expertise and dedication of its faculty. Her participation creates opportunities to bring new perspectives, professional connections and emerging approaches to nursing education into her work with students and colleagues. Her recognition illustrates the School of Nursing's role in developing educators equipped to meet the evolving needs of the profession.
PHOTO: Caitlyn Heller, MSN, RN
