Nurses Educational Funds, Inc.

NEF Scholar and AAN Fellow Paula Tucker Now Associate Dean at Emory University

Paula Tucker, PhD, DNP, FNP-BC, ENP-C, FAANP, FAAN, who was selected as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing in 2025, is now Associate Dean for Clinical Practice, Operations, and Education at the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University. Dr. Tucker continues to serve as Clinical Associate Professor and the Specialty Director of the Emergency Nurse Practitioner Program and is also Adjunct Faculty and Associate Quality Curriculum Director of the Department of Emergency Medicine at Emory University.

A nationally recognized leader in advanced practice nursing, Dr. Tucker is also a Fellow of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (FAANP). She has held numerous leadership positions within national professional organizations, including service as Chair of the Board of Directors for the American Academy of Emergency Nurse Practitioners (AAENP) and leadership roles with the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). Through her scholarship, leadership, and advocacy, Dr. Tucker remains dedicated to advancing nursing education, strengthening the healthcare workforce, and improving healthcare delivery for diverse populations. 

When asked how an NEF scholarship affected her path as a nurse leader, Dr. Tucker said, “Being selected as an NEF Scholar was a tremendous honor and an important part of my professional journey. NEF’s investment in graduate nursing education creates opportunities that extend far beyond financial support, helping develop future leaders who will advance our profession in meaningful ways. I remain deeply grateful to NEF and look forward to continuing to support its mission and to paying forward the opportunities that have been afforded to me.”

Dr. Tucker’s 2023 NEF Scholar biography and video are available here.