Trudi Sabaj named Chief Academic Nursing Officer at Henderson State

Dr. Trudi Sabaj

Dr. Trudi Sabaj has been named Chief Academic Nursing Officer at Henderson State University, providing leadership for both accredited undergraduate and graduate nursing degrees.

Henderson's nursing programs include BSN on Campus, RN to BSN Online, and the Master of Science in Nursing with tracks in Family Nurse Practitioner and Nursing Executive Leadership and Administration. Students also can earn a graduate certificate in nursing education.

Sabaj served as an Advanced Practice Nurse in oncology, palliative care and hospice for 38 years, integrating clinical practice, administration, research and nursing education. In 2008, she made the move to nursing education full-time in roles of faculty, director and dean. She holds an MSN in Adult Oncology from Northern Illinois University, and a Ph.D. in nursing from the University of Phoenix.

"I am grateful that Henderson serves the needs of our communities with excellence in nursing education," Sabaj said. "Our pre-licensure BSN, post-licensure RN to BSN, and MSN graduates are improving health outcomes across all settings. This is thanks to our effective, caring and skilled nursing faculty."

As for the program's future, Sabaj said she envisions a doctoral program, a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner program and expansion of existing programs.

"Dr. Sabaj exemplifies the heart of academic leadership - deeply experienced, visionary, and student-focused," said Dr. Celya Taylor, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs at Henderson State. "Her decades of clinical and educational expertise, combined with her passion for advancing nursing practice, are helping shape a future-ready program that meets the health care needs of Arkansas and beyond. We are proud to have her leading one of Henderson's most impactful academic areas."

Dr. Shannon Clardy, dean of Henderson's Caver College of Aviation, Science and Nursing, said she is grateful to have Sabaj's leadership and experience guiding the nursing department forward.

"Dr. Sabaj brings tremendous experience from her previous positions, while also creating a kind and collaborative environment," she said.

Clardy also credits Sabaj with leading the recent re-accreditation of the Master of Science in Nursing program, along with Dr. Allison Divine, associate professor and director of the graduate nursing programs.

Sabaj said, "When I moved here in 2017, I was humbled and joyful when I realized the love and respect this region holds for Henderson and for HSU nurses. I am so grateful to our past and present leadership and teams for building and maintaining this reputation."

As an associate professor, Sabaj said she "loves teaching nursing at every level."

Henderson State's nursing program is dedicated to providing its students the education and experience needed to pursue a career in nursing. The nursing classes are small, with low student-to-instructor ratios that help promote student success. Historically, graduates obtain 100-percent employment within three months of graduation.

For more information, visit hsu.edu/nursing.