In honor of Black History Month, throughout the month of February, we will recognize just a few of Case Western Reserve University’s black alumni who have made an impact on their fields, the university and society as a whole.
After earning her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Case Western Reserve University in 1966, Barbara Nichols soon emerged as a leader in the field.
She made history as the first African-American to lead the Wisconsin Nursing Association (1970) and the American Nursing Association, with terms as president for both organizations.
She’s also held several other leadership positions throughout her career, including as past CEO of CGFNS (Commission on the Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools) International and secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Regulation and Licensing.
Nichols’ many contributions to the field have been honored with such awards at the CGFNS International’s 2017 Distinguished Leadership Award and Living Legend of the American Academy of Nursing.