The Wisconsin Center for Nursing (WCN) has announced the upcoming retirement of Dr. Barbara Nichols, DNSc (hon), MS, RN, FAAN, effective June 30, 2025. Dr. Nichols has served as Executive Director since 2016, following her initial role as Diversity Coordinator, and has led the organization through nearly a decade of impactful and visionary leadership.
Dr. Nichols’ work has been instrumental in advancing the Center’s mission: to ensure a sufficient, diverse, and well-prepared nursing workforce for Wisconsin. With a career steeped in advocacy, equity, and excellence, she brought together leadership, policy, and inclusivity in a way that continues to shape both the state and national nursing landscapes.
Her tenure included overseeing the development and release of Wisconsin’s RN and LPN workforce surveys—vital resources used for statewide planning, education, and policy. Nationally, Dr. Nichols served as a Diversity Consultant to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation during the rollout of The Future of Nursing 2020-2030 report, underscoring her continued influence on the future of the profession.
Dr. Nichols has long been a nationally recognized leader. She previously served as CEO of CGFNS International, consulted with numerous federal agencies, and broke barriers as the first African American president of both the Wisconsin Nurses Association and the American Nurses Association. In 2022, she was inducted into the ANA Hall of Fame—an honor that reflects the impact of her extraordinary career.
“Barbara’s leadership has not only supported the mission of the Wisconsin Center for Nursing, but it has also elevated the entire nursing profession across the state and nation,” said Dr. Kerri Kliminski, WCN Board President. “Her work has touched generations of nurses, and her legacy will inspire future leaders for years to come. We extend our deepest gratitude and heartfelt congratulations on her well-earned retirement.”
To leave a message for Dr. Nichols or to learn more about her remarkable career, please visit WCN’s Tribute page.
