Office of Student Services director selected for recruiting training, attended admissions conference
By: Merle Koury
Director of Student Services Selected for Air Force Recruiting Service Academic Influencer Tour
Merle Koury, Director of the Nancy Atmospera-Walch School of Nursing Office of Student Services Director was nominated and selected for the 2024 Air Force Recruiting Service (AFRS) Academic Influencer Tour program. The AFRS Academic Influencer Tour brought together a diverse group of academic influencers, including educators and administrators, for a series of immersive experiences aimed at showcasing the wide array of career paths available within the United States Air Force. The 2024 AFRS Academic Influencer program was held at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio on February 22-24, 2024.
Throughout the three-day tour, educators and administrators had the opportunity to interact with Air Force recruiters and personnel, gaining valuable insights into the diverse career paths available within the Air Force. From aviation and engineering to cybersecurity and healthcare, attendees discovered the breadth of opportunities. By providing firsthand experiences and valuable information, the tour aimed to dispel myths and misconceptions surrounding military service while promoting the diverse career options available to aspiring young leaders.
The tour also emphasized the Air Force’s dedication to supporting educational excellence and fostering partnerships with academic institutions. By partnering with educators and administrators, the Air Force aims to cultivate a diverse and skilled workforce capable of meeting the challenges of the 21st century
AACN Graduate Nursing Admission Professional Conference 2024: Fostering Excellence in Graduate Nursing Education
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Graduate Nursing Admission Professional (GNAP) Conference serves as a premier gathering for nursing faculty, admissions professionals, and enrollment management experts to collaborate and exchange insights on recruitment, admissions, and retention strategies for graduate nursing programs. The 2024 AACN GNAP annual conference was held in Lake Buena Vista, Florida – April 1-3, 2024. Merle Koury at the University of Hawaii at Manoa (UHM) Nancy Atmospera-Walch School of Nursing (NAWSON) Director, Office of Student Services (OSS) and Associate Specialist Faculty actively participated in a variety of sessions and workshops, covering topics such as holistic admissions practices, recruitment, diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, and leveraging technology to enhance the admissions process. The conference offered ample opportunities to connect with fellow attendees, speakers, and exhibitors. By engaging with colleagues from diverse institutions and backgrounds, attendees gained fresh perspectives and actionable strategies to enhance the recruitment and retention of top-tier graduate nursing students.
The Graduate Nursing Admission Professional 2024 conference was an enriching experience, providing the attendees with valuable knowledge, networking opportunities, and inspiration to drive innovation in nursing education. The insights gained from the AACN GNAP conference will inform UH Manoa NAWSON’s ongoing efforts to attract, retain, and support the next generation of nursing leaders and scholars. Merle Koury will be joining the 2025 AACN GNAP Steering Committee. Engagement as a member of the 2025 GNAP steering committee exemplified the spirit of continuous learning and growth within the field of graduate nursing admissions.