By Frank Couch
University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing Professor and Associate Dean for Graduate Clinical Programs Ashley Hodges, PhD, CRNP, WHNP-BC (MSN 1997, PhD 2008) has been selected as the 2021 National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculty (NONPF) Outstanding Faculty Practice Award.
“I am so fortunate to work for a school of nursing where faculty practice is so highly supported and encouraged. Faculty are able to bring current real-life experience to the classroom to enhance student learning experiences. For the faculty, it provides the opportunity to feed our passion for patient care,” said Hodges.
Since 2016, Hodges has overseen the UAB Clinic at The WellHouse, which provides residents free, onsite care. The WellHouse is a safe residential environment for women who are survivors of human trafficking. Through the clinic, Hodges provides evidence-based, trauma-informed primary and women’s health care integrated with behavioral health and has developed partnerships across UAB to also provide specialty services.
“My faculty practice focuses on women who are victims of human sex trafficking and other forms of abuse and sexual exploitation,” Hodges said. “It is through this practice that I am able to expand my advocacy and influence practice in caring for vulnerable populations. It is a privilege to serve in this capacity.”
The NONPF strives to be the leader in quality nurse practitioner education and focuses on providing timely and critical resources to nurse practitioner educators.
“Being recognized by my peers for this work pushes me to continue and expand my efforts and empower others. It is truly an honor to receive this recognition,” Hodges said.
Hodges is a two-time graduate of the UAB School of Nursing, earning her MSN in 1997 and her PhD in 2008.
