Maryann Alexander, PhD, RN, FAAN
Professor, Vanderbilt University College of Nursing
Dr. Maryann Alexander is a distinguished authority in regulation and public policy with over two decades of impactful leadership in nursing. Currently, a visiting professor at Vanderbilt University, Dr. Alexander brings extensive academic and policy expertise to the institution.
As Chief Officer of Nursing Regulation at the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) for 19 years, Dr. Alexander established an internationally acclaimed research program, launched a dynamic legislative and advocacy initiative, and founded the International Center for Regulatory Scholarship, the first program of its kind to enhance regulator education, leadership, and networking. Dr. Alexander established and led the Journal of Nursing Regulation as Editor‑in‑Chief. Under her leadership, the journal rose to 2nd place among 191 global nursing publications, achieving an Impact Factor of 6.3.
Before joining NCSBN, Dr. Alexander served as Executive Officer of the Illinois Board of Nursing and practiced as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse. She also held an Assistant Professor appointment at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science degrees from Northwestern University, and her PhD in Nursing with a specialization in Health Policy from the University of Illinois at Chicago. A Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, Dr. Alexander has authored numerous scholarly articles and book chapters, earned national research awards, and delivered keynotes and presentations on national and international platforms. In 2024, she was honored with the prestigious NLN President’s Award for her dedication to nursing education and regulation.