Darton State College announced today that Dr. Joan Darden, interim vice president for Academic Affairs, has been named chair of the first Board of Commissioners for the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation. 

“This is a great honor and I am very excited to be representing nursing education and Darton in such a positive way,” said Dr. Darden

Dr. Darden, along with 14 other board members will provide leadership direction to accreditation services and will be responsible for overseeing all accreditation decisions for nursing programs that seek accreditation from the CNEA.

“With representation from nursing education, nursing practice, and the public, the commission is responsive to the key stakeholders in accreditation: nursing programs, faculty, and students,” said NLN CEO Beverly Malone, PhD, RN, FAAN.  

The NLN CNEA’s accreditation services are about assuring the highest quality in nursing education and meeting the needs of students. The NLN CNEA will be designated a US Department of Education Category 2, non-Title IV purpose accrediting body. It operates to promote excellence and integrity in nursing education globally through a process that respects the diversity of program mission, curricula, students, and faculty; to emphasize a culture of continuous quality improvement; and to influence the preparation of a caring and competent nursing workforce. Nursing programs accredited by the NLN CNEA, include LPN/LVN, diploma, associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and clinical doctorate degrees.