NLN Names Civility Matters Founder Dr. Cynthia Clark Winner of the 2nd Annual Dr. Beverly Malone Transformative Storytelling Award

NLN Names Civility Matters Founder Dr. Cynthia Clark Winner of the 2nd Annual Dr. Beverly Malone Transformative Storytelling Award

Inaugural Award Presented to Dr. Malone at 2025 NLN Education Summit Honors the Power of Storytelling in Nursing Education

Washington, DC — Cynthia Clark, PhD, RN, FAAN, ANEF, founder of Civility Matters, a professor emerita at Boise State University, and an award-winning professor, scholar, clinician, and author, has been chosen the second annual winner of the Dr. Beverly Malone Transformative Storytelling Award by the National League for Nursing. Dr. Clark will accept the award at a presentation during the 2026 NLN Education Summit, September 23-25 in Washington, DC.

This award was established last year by past NLN presidents, now called chairs, and NLN Board of Governors leadership in the name of NLN President and CEO Beverly Malone, PhD, RN, FAAN, to honor her power to transform, inspire, and motivate others through her gift of narrative storytelling. The award was first presented during the 2025 NLN Education Summit in Orlando, Florida, by Immediate Past Chair Dr. Kathleen Poindexter along with Dr. Anne Bavier and Dr. Elaine Tagliareni, two past presidents.

Dr. Clark, who is internationally recognized for her pioneering work to advance civility and healthy work and learning environments, is also known as a gifted storyteller. A passionate educator and dedicated mentor, she uses the power of evidence and narrative to inspire learning, build connections and transform lives. Her groundbreaking research on civility has influenced organizations and educational institutions worldwide, with the assessment tools she developed translated into 18 languages and utilized by scholars in 33 countries across six continents to measure, address and prevent incivility in academic and clinical settings.

Highly regarded for her expertise in scholarly teaching, learner-centered pedagogies, faculty development, and trauma-informed education, Dr. Clark has mentored countless faculty members, graduate students and emerging scholars, helping shape the next generation of leaders and educators in nursing and healthcare. Dr. Clark is dedicated to building communities grounded in kindness, compassion, and civility, while leading a global movement to create respectful, healthy and humane environments for everyone. Among her many professional accolades, Dr. Clark holds fellowships in the American Academy of Nursing (FAAN), the NLN Academy of Nursing Education (ANEF), and the American Nurses Association Professional Panel on Fostering Civility and Respect in Nursing.

“Storytelling is an incredible asset for an educator, and when creatively and effectively used, it expands the visibility and influence of the storyteller’s message. Tales that are inspiring and motivational can become truly transformative, and it is this talent and skill, embodied by Dr. Malone as the award’s namesake, that we recognize and honor in Dr. Clark,” said NLN Chair Yolanda VanRiel, PhD, RN, MEDSURG-BC, OCN, CNE, ANEF, FAAN, chair of the Department of Nursing, North Carolina Central University and patient placement coordinator at First Health of the Carolinas-Moore Regional Hospital.

“Storytelling that is creative, original and bold meets a gold standard that can be vital to how we teach, lead and build community within nursing education and healthcare. This award is another example of how the National League for Nursing leads in nursing education excellence. Congratulations to Dr. Cynthia Clark, whose work wonderfully reflects the award’s spirit and impact,” said Dr. Malone.

For more information about the 2026 NLN Education Summit, visit Summit.NLN.org.

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