College of Nursing professor honored with prestigious award from the American Association of Nurse Practitioners
Wayne State University College of Nursing’s Dr. Umeika Stephens, DNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC, has been awarded the esteemed 2025 AANP State Award for Outstanding Contributions by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP).
This annual award is given to one deserving individual per state based on outlined criterion, and recognizes Dr. Stephens for her remarkable achievements in advancing the nurse practitioner (NP) profession within Michigan.
The AANP State Award for Outstanding Contributions is bestowed annually to individuals who have made significant strides in practice, education, advocacy, research and leadership (PEARL) while elevating the image and visibility of nurse practitioners.
Dr. Stephens is a dual-certified family and psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner focused on the provision of holistic, patient-centered mental health care.
“Dr. Stephens represents the very best of the nursing profession,” said Ramona Benkert, PhD, ANP-BC, FAANP, Dean of the College of Nursing. “Her passion, dedication and commitment to advancing health care and the nurse practitioner role make her an invaluable member of our community. We are incredibly proud of her achievements.”
Dr. Stephens will be formally recognized at the Salute to the States Award Ceremony on June 20, 2025, during the AANP National Conference in San Diego, CA.
Established in 1991, this award has a storied history of honoring individuals whose efforts have significantly advanced the field of nursing. The program was reimagined in 2024 to reflect its evolving mission to celebrate excellence in the areas of PEARL.