By Pareasa Rahimi
University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing Master of Science in Nursing student Christopher Jones, BSN, RN (BSN 2023), has been named an Alabama Healthcare Hall of Fame Finley Scholar. He is one of five students who will be honored in August.
The Finley Scholars Scholarship Program is named in honor of past AHHOF Chairman, Wayne H. Finley, MD, PhD, and his late wife, Sarah Crews Finley, MD, who were pioneers in the field of genetics and beloved members of the UAB faculty. The program recognizes students from universities across Alabama who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership and strong potential for future contributions to their field. Scholars are awarded $2,000 to support their continued studies.
Jones was nominated by Dean and Fay B. Ireland Endowed Chair Maria R. Shirey, PhD, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, ANEF, FACHE, FNAP, FAAN, who was selected for induction into the AHHOF this year.
“At the UAB School of Nursing, leadership is embedded in our identity,” Shirey said. “Chris is a wonderful example of how embracing opportunities and seeking mentorship can help open doors toward long-term success.”
Jones is an Assistant Nurse Manager in the Interventional Cardiology Unit at UAB Medicine and an instructor in the School’s Blazer Simulation. He is the first MSN/MBA Dual Degree student and is pursuing the Nursing Health Systems Administration Specialty within the MSN Program. He said he is inspired by Shirey’s leadership and also has found mentorship in other faculty of the School, including Associate Professor, Assistant Dean of Nursing Clinical Practice and Partnerships and Chief Nursing Executive of UAB Health System Terri Poe, DNP, RN, NE-BC (BSN 1986, DNP 2013), and Associate Professor and NHSA Coordinator Gregory Eagerton, DNP, RN, NEA‐BC (BSN 1985, MSN 1991).
“This recognition is incredibly meaningful to me,” Jones said. “It reinforces my commitment to serving patients, supporting nurses and leading the profession in meaningful ways. I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent the School and UAB Medicine in this light. I’m also deeply thankful for the many mentors who have invested their time, guidance and belief in me along the way. Their leadership and encouragement have played an important role in shaping my path in nursing and healthcare leadership.”
Jones has been involved in the American Association for Men in Nursing since 2022 and serves on the organization’s Education Committee. He also serves as Chair of the Nomination and Bylaws Committee for the Birmingham at-Large Chapter of AAMN and has been a member of the School’s Junior Board of Visitors since 2025.