ACEN supports the interests of nursing education, nursing practice, and the public by providing specialized accreditation for all levels of nursing education and transition-to-practice programs. ACEN is recognized as an accrediting body by the U.S. Department of Education and by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). ACEN is one of the largest specialized accrediting agencies accrediting nursing programs throughout the United States, its territories, and internationally. As the leading authority in nursing education accreditation, the goal of ACEN is to be a supportive partner in strengthening the quality of nursing education and transition-to-practice programs.

Following a nomination by two evaluation review panel members last fall and a national election open to all nurse administrators of ACEN accredited programs throughout the U.S. held recently in April and May, Wilson was notified by Dr. Kathy Chappell, ACEN Chief Executive Officer, of his election to the post on Tuesday, June 11th, 2024. He will be one of 11 Nurse Educators on the board. A few of the responsibilities of the Board include: 1) provide strategic direction for the ACEN; 2) approve accreditation standards and criteria; 3) make accreditation decisions; 4) approve accreditation policies; and 5) approve fee schedule and annual budget.

B. Kent Wilson, MSN RN CNE, has 33 years of professional nursing experience in a variety of healthcare settings (primarily critical care and administration) and academia (practical nursing, associate degree, and baccalaureate level). Mr. Wilson has held the position of Dean and Nurse Administrator for the School of Nursing and Emergency Medical Services at BridgeValley Community and Technical College, located in South Charleston, West Virginia, since 2010.

For more information, see details on the ACEN’s website at https://www.acenursing.org/about/elections.