Loyola Professor Named Illinois Outstanding Nurse Leader

MAYWOOD, Ill. -- Diana Hackbarth, PhD, RN, FAAN, has been named the Joan L. Shaver Illinois Outstanding Nurse Leader. Dr. Hackbarth is a professor at Loyola University Chicago Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing (MNSON). She was honored for her hard work, commitment and dedication to serve the health-care needs of the people of Illinois through her leadership and ability to break through barriers. She will receive this award at the 14th Annual Power of Nursing Leadership Event on Friday, Nov. 4, at the Hilton Hotel in Chicago.

“Diana is an integral member of our faculty and a champion for the profession of nursing,” said Vicki Keough, PhD, RN-BC, ACNP, dean, MNSON. “Her work has had a lasting impact on nurses, students and the health of the population throughout the state of Illinois.

Each year, the Power of Nursing Leadership celebrates an exceptional nurse leader with the Joan L. Shaver Illinois Outstanding Nurse Leader Award. This event brings together hundreds of nurses to showcase the impact of the profession in shaping health care to meet the needs of the people of Illinois.

Dr. Hackbarth was recognized with this award for the various leadership positions she has taken on during her career. This includes policy work she has done on tobacco prevention as a team member of the Illinois Coalition Against Tobacco and the Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago. Dr. Hackbarth also was honored for her work to establish Loyola’s school-based health center at Proviso East High School. This center provides easy access to health-care services and education for students in an underserved community in Illinois.

In addition, Dr. Hackbarth is an accomplished educator, researcher and author. Her research interests include program evaluation, health policy and tobacco control. She also has held leadership positions in public health including serving as chair of the Illinois Coalition Against Tobacco, chair of the Wilmette Board of Health and as past president and board member of the Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago.

“I am honored to be recognized by this esteemed group of nurse leaders,” Dr. Hackbarth said. “I have enjoyed representing nurses and witnessing how our profession can make a difference in health policy, tobacco control and in the delivery of primary health care to disadvantaged populations.”