Show-Me State Times

Saint Louis University's Valentine School of Nursing has announced that two of its doctoral students, Austin DesJardin and Joy Stark, have been selected as Jonas Scholars for the 2024-2026 cohort. The Jonas Scholars program, in collaboration with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), aims to address the shortage of nursing faculty across the United States by supporting doctoral nursing education.

The program provides each scholar with a mentor who offers guidance and expertise to help develop their potential as future nursing faculty. Additionally, scholars receive $12,000 in financial support for tuition and other academic expenses, matched by their school. Upon completing the program, they may be eligible for an additional $6,000 award if they accept a faculty position.

Kristine L'Ecuyer, Ph.D., interim dean at the Valentine School of Nursing, expressed her pride in sponsoring their participation. "We are proud to sponsor their participation and support their future work for the profession of nursing," she said. She also acknowledged Dr. Verna Hicks-Ferguson and Dr. Denise Coté Arsenault, who will serve as mentors to DesJardin and Stark during the program.

DesJardin's research focuses on mental health among nurses working in emergency departments. Stark is an experienced nurse practitioner whose research examines pregnancy after perinatal loss and its effects on anxiety along with perinatal and postnatal attachment.

The 2024-2026 cohort includes a diverse group of doctoral nursing students, over 50% representing Black, Latino, and other communities of color. This diversity ensures that emerging nursing leaders reflect the patient populations they serve. The group comprises 63 scholars with varied research interests addressing some of the country's pressing challenges such as underserved populations in nursing, mental health issues, and veterans' health.

L’Ecuyer commended both students on their selection: “I am extremely proud of these Ph.D. students for their selection to this prestigious program. They are both excellent students and will benefit from the national network of scholars they will collaborate with."