Dr. Stephanie Witwer is independent nurse consultant and the current president of AAACN. Stephanie received her BSN and MS degrees in nursing from the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, and her PhD degree in nursing education from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley. Her research and clinical interests include the role of the RN in primary care practice, academic-practice partnerships, and demonstrating the value of nursing. She has over 30 years of experience in healthcare and higher education and has served in capacities such as staff nurse, public health nurse, university instructor, university assistant vice president, and chief nursing officer.