Judith G. Whitaker Scholarship

For Nurses Pursuing a Doctoral Degree in Nursing Research or Organizational Study

Judith Whitaker was an NEF Scholar, awarded the Isabel Hampton Robb Scholarship in 1951. During her nursing career, she became Executive Director of the American Nurses Association. After her scholarship was created with a $50,000 donation, Ms. Whitaker contributed $5,000 each year until she passed away.

The Judith G. Whitaker scholarship is given with preference to a doctoral student majoring in nursing research or organizational study.

Featured Judith G. Whitaker Scholarship Recipients

For over 25 years, doctoral nursing students have been awarded this scholarship to complete their degrees and join a collaborative community of nurse leaders. These featured scholarship recipients provide fitting examples of the leadership roles that NEF Scholars embark upon:

Roseline Buyeka, DNP, MPH, MSN, BSN, RN

2025-2026 Winner | Doctoral Degree

Served as the Director of Clinical Services at International Community Health Services, a federally qualified community health center, leading strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing care delivery, advancing health equity, and improving outcomes for underserved populations
Expanded access to obstetric care and maternity support services by adding a clinic, strengthened chronic disease management through oversight of the Care Management program and enhancements in diabetes care, and reduced hospital readmission rates by implementing transition of care management initiatives
Volunteered on the board of Mother Africa and served on the New York King County Nurses Association’s Finance Committee

Megan E. Pate, PhD, MS, RN, CNE

2023-2024 Winner | Doctoral Degree

Is currently an Assistant Professor at Clemson University School of Nursing, a Certified Nurse Educator through the National League for Nursing, and the Scholar Liaison Board Member for Nurses Educational Funds
Was a PRN registered nurse in the Cardiopulmonary Lab and Heart Failure Clinic at Spartanburg Medical Center
Served as a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, Southern Nursing Research Society, The American Heart Association, and The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi

Chun-An Sun, PhD, DNP, FNP-BC

2021-2022 Winner | Doctoral Degree

Is currently a Nurse Practitioner at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Worked as a Community Health Nurse in a shelter for women and children experiencing interpersonal violence, as a Registered Nurse in a cardiovascular medical unit in a medical center, and as a Public Health Nurse in Taiwan
Conducted a field study in collaboration with a Cambodian NGO to enhance the communication between peer educators and patients to improve diabetes care delivery and guidelines, and a doctoral dissertation to understand the predictors of appointment-keeping behavior among patients with T2DM, designed to enhance patient engagement in diabetes care and to promote quality diabetes care