Each year during Nurse Practitioner (NP) Week, the Washington State University College of Nursing recognizes the critical role of nurse practitioners in advancing access to quality care.
With the theme “NPs: Trusted Voices, Proven Care,” the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) highlights the more than 431,000 licensed NPs nationwide who serve as primary, acute, and specialty care providers—diagnosing, prescribing, and managing care for patients across the lifespan.
At WSU, our faculty and students exemplify this commitment to care, leadership, and education.
Leadership in Action
This year, the College celebrates the appointment of Dr. Sarah Fincham as Interim Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.
Since joining WSU in 2015, Fincham has served in multiple leadership roles, including Interim Director of the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program and Interim Chair of the Advanced Practice Department. Her work as a Family Nurse Practitioner reflects her focus on community-based health care and her commitment to mentoring the next generation of advanced practice nurses.
Stepping into Fincham’s previous role as Interim Director of the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program, Dr. Fionnuala Brown brings her own record of academic leadership and clinical expertise to the position. A Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Brown has been instrumental in advancing behavioral health education and supporting students in their development as compassionate, evidence-based practitioners. Her leadership ensures a strong continuity of mentorship and vision within the DNP program, supporting the College’s ongoing commitment to preparing advanced practice nurses who serve communities across Washington and beyond.
Honoring DNP Achievement
WSU also recognizes the recent academic achievements of several faculty members who earned or are pursuing their Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degrees:
- WSU College of Nursing faculty earn their DNP degrees, advancing their clinical and academic impact:
- Dr. Cindy Brigham-Althoff, Doctor of Nursing Practice, University of Arizona College of Nursing
- Dr. Theresa Bowden, Post-Master’s General (PMG) Nurse Practitioner, WSU College of Nursing
- Robin Baumgartner and Emily Davies are currently pursuing their DNP degrees, continuing WSU’s tradition of professional growth and lifelong learning.
Their work strengthens the College’s reputation for developing expert practitioners who bring leadership and compassion to every patient encounter.
A Tradition of Excellence
In March 2025, the College celebrated its DNP White Coat Ceremony, honoring students as they reached a defining moment in their education.
The ceremony marks each student’s transition into advanced clinical practice, symbolized by the white coat—a reminder of professionalism, integrity, and commitment to compassionate care.
The event is made possible by the Doctor of Nursing Practice Fund, which supports this meaningful tradition for future DNP students.
Dr. Fincham congratulated each new recipient, reinforcing the College’s dedication to preparing nurse practitioners who lead with both skill and heart.
Explore the Path to Advanced Practice
Learn more about how DNPs, ARNPs, and APRNs contribute to advanced nursing roles in our guide: Comparing DNP to ARNP/APRN
As we celebrate Nurse Practitioner Week, we honor all WSU Coug NPs — trusted voices providing proven care across Washington and beyond.
Coug Nurse Practitioners Across Washington
WSU’s DNP-prepared and NP faculty span all four campuses—Spokane, Tri-Cities, Vancouver, and Yakima—where they serve as educators, clinicians, and mentors.
From rural health to behavioral medicine, their work reflects the College’s mission to serve communities across the state.
