Dr. Sharona Johnson, PhD, APRN, FNP-BC, NE-C, FAANP, has been inducted as a 2025 Fellow of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (FAANP). Dr. Johnson serves as Executive Director of Advanced Clinical Practice for ECU Health, is a Family Nurse Practitioner at ECU Nephrology and Hypertension, and holds an adjunct faculty position at the ECU College of Nursing.
“I am honored to be selected as a 2025 Fellow of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners,” said Dr. Johnson. “This recognition affirms the significance of our work as nurse practitioners and the impact we can make in advancing health care. I look forward to contributing alongside an inspiring group of professionals as we strive to elevate the NP role and enhance patient care globally.”
The FAANP program was established in 2000 and marks its 25th anniversary this year. It recognizes nurse practitioners who have demonstrated leadership, advocacy, and mentorship within their field. As a fellow, Dr. Johnson will participate in mentoring activities, committee work, journal contributions, and efforts to advance the nurse practitioner profession globally.
“We are incredibly proud of Dr. Sharona Johnson for her well-deserved recognition as a 2025 Fellow of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners,” said Brian Floyd, chief operating officer at ECU Health. “Her dedication to research and patient care exemplifies the level of excellence we strive for at ECU Health. This honor not only reflects her individual achievements but also underscores the caliber of health care professionals within our organization. Dr. Johnson’s work is a shining example of our mission of improving the health and well-being of eastern North Carolina.”
Dr. Johnson has nearly 35 years’ experience in nursing across several roles including bedside nurse, flight nurse, and intensive care nurse. She earned her BSN from South Dakota State University and both MSN and PhD from East Carolina University. In addition to mentoring nurses pursuing advanced degrees and establishing a scholarship for graduate nursing students at ECU College of Nursing in her mother’s honor, she maintains professional affiliations with several organizations such as the American Nurses Association and North Carolina Nurses Association.
She also serves on various boards including the Executive Committee of the North Carolina Medical Board and chairs subcommittees related to nursing regulation in North Carolina.
Dr. Michelle Skipper, director of ECU’s Doctor of Nursing Practice Program, along with Dr. Bim Akintade, dean of the College of Nursing, sponsored Dr. Johnson’s nomination for FAANP fellowship.
“Michelle and I both suggested that Sharona undertake the process for this honor because she is an important part of the faculty and her dedication to Pirate Nursing, and our shared profession, is unwavering,” Akintade said. “We helped shepherd her through the nomination process and were there in San Diego to welcome her at the induction ceremony as a FAANP.”
The FAANP program recognizes leaders who have made significant contributions globally through volunteering and mentoring while supporting AANP’s mission to develop future NP leaders.
