Deborah J. Kenny, PhD, RN, FAAN
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

What made you want to become an FNINR Ambassador?
To become a policy advocate and promote the importance of nursing research.

How long have you been an FNINR Ambassador?
6 years

What advice would you give your younger self?
Don't work so hard - play more.

What made you want to pursue a career in nursing?
To this day, I don't know, but I have never looked back.

What book should every nurse read?
Nightingale's Notes on Nursing

What has been your most interesting/surprising outcome while conducting nursing research?
Different conceptualizations of the same construct according to management level.

What is a fun fact many people may not know about you?
I go to Iceland every year to ride the horses on very fast treks.

About Deb

Dr. Deb Kenny received her BSN from the University of Northern Colorado in 1975; an EdM from Boston University in 1983, an MSN from Vanderbilt University in 1986; a PhD in Nursing from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst in 2002; and an MA in Bioethics from Loyola University Chicago in 2021. Her nursing career spans 48 years. It includes 24 years in the Army Nurse Corps. Currently, Dr. Kenny is Associate Professor and Division Chair for the Health Systems graduate programs at the College of Nursing for the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. She received numerous awards from the military including the Legion of Merit and Defense Meritorious Service Medal. She is a member of the Order of Military Medical Merit. In 2010, she was inducted as a Fellow in the prestigious American Academy of Nursing. She has been honored with numerous awards for her research, teaching, professional service, and community service.