The National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties announces Dr. Leanne Fowler as President Elect

Written By Alicia Vial

NEW ORLEANS – Dr. Leanne H. Fowler was elected to serve a two-year term as president-elect of the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) beginning April 19, 2024.  

NONPF is the premier professional organization with a focus on excellence in nurse practitioner education. In addition to representing members from approximately 96% of all nurse practitioner programs in the United States, NONPF also represents nurse practitioner faculty from Canada, the United Kingdom and other countries. As a recognized leader in education, Dr. Fowler will serve to advance excellence in nurse practitioner education nationally.  

Dr. Fowler is an associate professor of Clinical Nursing and the program director of nurse practitioner programs at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-New Orleans School of Nursing, overseeing the faculty and students of seven nurse practitioner population-focused Doctor of Nursing Practice concentrations. She is a health policy leader and known advocate for nursing practice evidenced by the Governor-appointed membership to the Louisiana Health Equity taskforce and appointment as Vice Chair of legislative taskforces.  

“As an esteemed advocate for nursing practice and education, Dr. Fowler's presidency-elect brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to NONPF.,” said Dr. Steve Nelson, LSU Health New Orleans Chancellor. “Her leadership will undoubtedly shape the future of nurse practitioner education on a national scale.” 

She has led and informed successful Louisiana legislation through commission and taskforce appointments resulting in safer work environments, improved care for vulnerable Louisianians, and more equitable health care to older adult populations that served as a model for national legislation. Dr. Fowler leads national educational initiatives focused on Doctor of Nursing Practice education outcomes and is the Principal Investigator for over $3.6 million of grant-funded educational projects resulting in increasing diversity of the nursing workforce with the capacity to improve health equity in medically underserved areas.  

Dr. Fowler is a collaborative leader who impacts thousands of nurses through strategic and relevant policy and education initiatives that diversify the nursing workforce and advance health equity for medically underserved and underrepresented nursing students and communities. Dr. Fowler holds a DNP from the University of South Alabama and BSN from Southern University and A&M College. 

For more information about Dr. Fowler or LSU Health New Orleans, visit lsuhsc.edu.  

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About LSU Health New Orleans  
LSU Health New Orleans educates Louisiana's health care professionals. The state's health sciences university leader, LSU Health New Orleans includes a School of Medicine with campuses in Baton Rouge and Lafayette, the state's only School of Dentistry, Louisiana's only public School of Public Health and Schools of Allied Health Professions, Nursing, and Graduate Studies. LSU Health New Orleans faculty take care of patients in public and private hospitals and clinics throughout the region. In the vanguard of biosciences research, the LSU Health New Orleans research enterprise generates jobs and enormous annual economic impact. LSU Health New Orleans faculty have made lifesaving discoveries and continue to work to prevent, advance treatment or cure disease.

Alicia Vial

Alicia Vial is a New Orleans native with more than a decade of experience elevating client stories and leading crisis response. As the senior director of strategy, Alicia acts as a leader within the Gambel Communications team ensuring each agency team member is positioned to deliver strategic public relations services that meet the highest standards of the industry. In addition to supporting the agency’s long-term business growth and development, she coordinates day-to-day account services and oversees strategic direction while staying abreast of best practices and industry trends to provide innovative solutions to meet client’s needs.

Before joining Gambel Communications, Alicia served as the communications director for the Louisiana SPCA, the oldest and largest animal welfare organization in Louisiana that impacts more than 74,000 animals per year. During her nearly eight-year tenure, Alicia oversaw numerous crises, served on national communication taskforces, oversaw all aspects of internal and external relations and worked alongside the development department to raise critical funding. Prior to that, she worked in the fast-paced New Orleans hospitality industry focusing on digital public relations for multiple hotels.

Alicia is a member of the Public Relations Association of Louisiana (PRAL), Southern Public Relations Federation (SPRF), a board member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) New Orleans Chapter and a member of the New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute. An accredited public relations practitioner (APR), Alicia is also certified in crisis communications, organizational leadership, content marketing and social media.

A well respected and trusted public relations practitioner, Alicia has been recognized by SPRF as a ‘Senior Practitioner of the Year’. Dubbed early on in her career as one to watch, she also received the ‘Rising Star’ award by PRAL and was profiled in St. Charles Avenue Magazine as part of their Young Bloods series. Most recently, she was recognized at PRSA’s annual Fleurish Awards and received four Awards of Excellence for her work along with the ‘Plate Spinner’ award for her efforts on the board of directors for the chapter.

An LSU graduate, Alicia received a bachelor's degree in mass communications with a concentration in public relations and minors in business administration and leadership development. She is a frequent speaker and presenter on public relations topics, most recently presenting at the Jefferson Economic Development Commission and SPRF annual conference.

When Alicia is not at work, you can find her at the ballpark with her three boys or cheering on the Tigers in Death Valley.

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