SXU Nursing Professor Awarded Nurse Educator Fellowship
Saint Xavier University (SXU) nursing professor Jennifer Rogoz, DNP, RN, LTC-CIP, has been awarded the Nurse Educator Fellowship from the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE). The program aims to ensure the retention of well-qualified nursing faculty at institutions of higher learning that award degrees in nursing.
Rogoz, along with colleagues in SXU's School of Nursing, pursued the grant because it aligns directly with their commitment to advancing equity in nursing education and strengthening the academic experience for SXU's diverse student population.
"Saint Xavier University serves many first-generation, minority, and working adult students, and we recognized the need for a structured, standardized approach to teaching essential nursing skills. A skills procedural manual would reduce variability in instruction, minimize hidden curriculum elements, and ensure that all students receive consistent, high-quality, evidence-based guidance," said Rogoz.
The criteria for the Nurse Educator Fellowship emphasizes equity-focused initiatives, innovative teaching practices, and projects with sustainable impact on nursing education in Illinois. Rogoz and her colleagues' proposal addressed each of the priorities by presenting a clear, feasible plan to promote consistency, transparency, and fairness across the curriculum.
"The project demonstrates measurable potential to reduce disparities, improve student outcomes, and enhance the preparation of future nurses while aligning with the long-term goals of a minority-serving institution. Additionally, our experience with curriculum development, clinical judgment assessment, and equity-centered pedagogy supported our ability to successfully implement this initiative," said Rogoz.
The grant will be used to support the development and implementation of a comprehensive, standardized skills procedural manual. The funding will provide dedicated faculty time to research, write, and refine procedures aligned with evidence-based practice; professional development to ensure the manual reflects current best practices and incorporates equity-promoting instructional strategies; educational materials and design support for formatting, printing, and integrating the manual into digital learning platforms; equity and inclusion resources such as instructor guides and objective evaluation criteria to reduce variability and bias in skills instruction and assessment; and evaluation and dissemination activities, including surveys, data analysis, and presentation of outcomes.
Through this project, the School of Nursing aims to create a sustainable, institution-wide resource that enhances student preparedness, builds confidence, reduces disparities in skill mastery, and supports long-term curricular consistency.
Rogoz, who has been teaching at Saint Xavier since 2021, has focused on curriculum development, coordination of courses, and mentorship of students at various points in their academic progression. Her overarching goal as a nursing professor is to prepare competent, compassionate, and equity-minded nurses who can deliver safe, culturally responsive care within diverse health care environments.
"I strive to create structured, transparent, and supportive learning experiences that allow all students --particularly those who may face systemic barriers-- to succeed, and I aim to impart strong clinical judgment and decision-making skills grounded in evidence-based practice, a commitment to equity, inclusion and patient-centered care, confidence and proficiency in essential nursing skills, professional accountability, ethical practice and lifelong learning, and respect for the dignity and lived experiences of patients and communities. Ultimately, I hope students leave my courses with both the competence required for safe practice and the empathy necessary to serve patients effectively," said Rogoz.
Rogoz's favorite aspect of mentoring nursing students at SXU is witnessing their academic and personal growth as they progress through the program. She finds it deeply meaningful to support them as they develop confidence, master complex content, and recognize their own capabilities.
"Mentoring allows me to contribute to diversifying the nursing workforce and to support students who will advocate for equitable, culturally informed care in their future practice. Observing students overcome barriers, persist through challenges, and ultimately transition into professional nursing roles is one of the most rewarding components of my work," said Rogoz.