FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Institute for Health and Social Equity Mourns the Passing of Barbara L. Nichols, Trailblazing First Black President of the American Nurses Association
A nursing pioneer whose six-decade career opened doors for generations of nurses of color leaves behind an enduring legacy of leadership, justice, and firsts
Fairfax, VA — July 23, 2026 — The Institute for Health and Social Equity joins the nursing community in mourning the loss of Barbara L. Nichols, MSN, RN, FAAN, whose historic 1978 election as the first Black president of the American Nurses Association (ANA) reshaped the trajectory of the nursing profession and opened pathways for the generations of nurses of color who followed.
Nichols served two terms as ANA president, from 1978 to 1982, after becoming the first Black president of the Wisconsin Nurses Association from 1970 to 1972. Her presidency was marked by a steadfast commitment to elevating baccalaureate education as the standard for entry into nursing practice. Across a career that spanned more than 60 years, she served as a U.S. Navy Nurse Corps officer, as Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Regulation and Licensing — becoming the first Black woman to hold a Wisconsin cabinet-level post — and as longtime CEO of CGFNS International, where she worked to protect both the public and immigrant nurses from exploitation.
Barbara Nichols demonstrated, decade after decade, what is possible when talent is given the opportunity to lead,” said Dr. Sherri Johnson, DNP, MPA, RN, FADLN, FAAN, Founder of The Institute for Health and Social Equity. “Her courage in claiming a seat at tables where she wasn’t expected, and her insistence on pulling up more chairs behind her, is the very spirit our scholars carry forward today. We are because she was willing to go first.”
Nichols’s legacy is woven directly into The Institute’s mission to build a diverse workforce by creating pathways to nursing, STEM, and public service careers. Her life’s work — breaking barriers in professional leadership, championing educational advancement, and protecting the dignity of nurses across borders — reflects the same commitment to opportunity and equity that guides The Institute’s scholarship, mentorship, and leadership development programs.
The Institute extends its deepest condolences to Barbara Nichols’s family, colleagues, and the countless nurses whose careers she helped make possible.
About The Institute for Health and Social Equity
The Institute for Health and Social Equity is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to build a diverse workforce that advances opportunities for all by creating pathways to nursing, STEM, and public service careers. Through scholarships, mentorship, and leadership development, The Institute cultivates diverse talent and opens doors of opportunity for students with the talent to thrive. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Media Contact
Dr. Sherri Johnson, Founder
The Institute for Health and Social Equity
info@institute4equity.org | 571-358-8915
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