Dr. Leo Jurado Receives Presidential Commendation Award from Philippine Nurses Association of America
Leo-Felix M. Jurado, PhD, RN, APN, NE-BC, CNE, ANEF, FAAN, dean of the DeSales College of Healthcare Professions, received a Presidential Commendation Award from the outgoing president of the Philippine Nurses Association of America (PNAA), Dr. Marlon Garzo Saria. The award was presented during the closing ceremonies of 47th PNAA National Convention in July at Cheyenne Mountain Resort in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
This recognition marks the completion of Jurado's two-year term as PNAA Parliamentarian. Jurado has also served as a past president of the PNAA, where he established a peer-reviewed journal, created a forum for advanced-practice nurses, and founded a village in the Philippines providing homes for the impoverished. He previously served as PNAA Executive Director and editor of the Journal of Nursing Practice Applications and Reviews of Research.
"Serving the organization in this role has been both an honor and a profound learning experience," said Jurado. "I am grateful for the trust placed in me and for the opportunity to help uphold the principles of good governance and parliamentary procedure that strengthen this organization. My heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Saria and the PNAA Executive Board on the successful completion of his dynamic presidency (2024–2026). I remain committed to advancing the mission of PNAA and supporting the nursing profession through servant leadership and excellence."
Dr. Jurado has worked in higher education for nearly four decades. Prior to joining DeSales, he served as the founding dean and professor for the College of Health Professions at Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania. He is professor emeritus at William Paterson University of New Jersey, where he served as chairperson of the nursing department. His research agenda includes the social construction of foreign-educated nurses and men in nursing. He has spoken at local, regional, national, and global conferences on his program of research and other topics related to healthcare, nursing education, leadership, and diversity.
He is a certified advanced practice nurse, nurse executive, nurse educator, and distance educator. Dr. Jurado is a Fellow of the Academy of Nursing Education and the American Academy of Nursing.
The DeSales University community congratulates Dr. Jurado on this well-deserved honor and extends its sincere appreciation for his outstanding leadership, service, and dedication to advancing the nursing profession both nationally and internationally.