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ACADEMY
DISTINGUISHED MEMBERSHIPS

Academy Leaders recognized for their outstanding contributions to the field of forensic nursing.

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Each year it is the Academy's honor to select a new class of Distinguished Members. It is the Academy's overarching goal to build a community wherein forensic nursing professionals can grow professionally and, in turn, contribute to the field and the broader society.

 

Select a designation below to read a description and access the application form.

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- Distinguished Member (DM-AFN)

- Distinguished Fellow (DF-AFN)

- Distinguished Fellow Emeritus (DFE-AFN) 

The 2025 Distinguished Membership Applications are open January 15 – April 15

 

Decisions will be announced June 2025  

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AWARD RECIPIENTS

The Academy would like to congratulate our Distinguished Members. Their efforts to advance the mission and science of forensic nursing have not gone unnoticed. They have distinguished themselves within the ranks of the Academy and the field of Forensic Nursing. It is the Academy's overarching goal to build a community wherein forensic nursing professionals can grow professionally and, in turn, contribute to the field and the broader society.  

DISTINGUISHED MEMBER

DM-AFN

2024

Andrea Sebastian

Jessica Volz

DISTINGUISHED​

FELLOW
(DF-AFN)

2024

Kelly Berishaj

Christine Foote-Lucero

Michelle Patch

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2023

Annette Cannon

Laurie Charles

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2022

Cathy Carter-Snell
Pamela Tabor


2021

Paul Thomas Clements

Theresa Fay-Hillier

Ecoee Rooney

DISTINGUISHED FELLOW EMERITUS 
(DFE-AFN)

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DISTINGUISHED MEMBER (DM-AFN)

The purpose of the Distinguished Member designation is to recognize those AFN members in good standing who are awarded the title through dedication and involvement within the organization. Distinguished members are required to re-apply and be re-awarded the title every two years. Applications open on January 15 and must be submitted by April 15. The Board of Directors will convene each April to review submitted applications and their supporting documentation. Decisions will be sent to applicants in June.

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • Honorary Title

  • Requires Vote of Board of Directors

  • Confers No Privileges

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REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION:

  • Completed Application

  • Cover Letter: Please provide 2–3 professional goals and 2–3 goals for the organization. Please provide the names of any AFN committees you are on, and any special projects that you participated in.

  • One letter of support from an AFN member in good standing

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MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO APPLY FOR DM-AFN

​Actively promoting forensic nursing issues and/or making a significant contribution to AFN with a contributed significant service by:​

  • Active Member

  • Active on at least one AFN Committee.

  • Attends at least 85% of Committee Meetings (confirmed by Chair).

  • Presents at conferences on topics relating to forensic nursing.

  • Presents posters on topics relating to forensic nursing.

  • Presents podcasts on topics related to forensic nursing.

  • Presents webinars on topic’s related to forensic nursing.

  • Publishes in journal, magazine, or newsletter on topics relating to forensic nursing.

DM-AFN

SCHOLARSHIP SERVICE EDUCATION

DISTINGUISHED FELLOW (DF-AFN)

​The Distinguished Fellow designation is the highest honor bestowed upon members of the Academy of Forensic Nursing. This prestigious recognition is awarded to individuals who have made substantial contributions to the field of forensic nursing for a minimum of 10 years. It celebrates their impactful achievements in advancing the profession through scholarship, education, and service.

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Fellow status is an honorary distinction without any associated privileges. To retain the designation, individuals must maintain regular AFN membership. The Fellow designation is awarded for life and does not require renewal. All founding members of the AFN Board are granted Distinguished Fellow status for life, provided they maintain their AFN membership.

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Applications open on January 15 of each year and must be submitted by April 15 of the same year. The Board of Directors will convene each April to evaluate applications, and applicants will be informed of the decision by June 1. Recipients of DF-AFN status will be recognized on the AFN website and honored at an AFN regional conference, with registration fees waived for attendance.

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REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION:

  • Completed Application

  • Cover Letter that includes 2–3 professional goals and 2–3 organizational goals. Please provide the names of any committees you are on, and any special projects that you have participated in.

  • Paragraph showing evidence of scholarship, education, and service in forensic nursing (less than 2000 words).

  • Curriculum Vitae

  • One letter of support from a DF-AFN member 
    OR

  • Letter of support from two AFN members in good standing

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MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO APPLY FOR DF-AFN:

​Actively promoting forensic nursing issues and/or making a significant contribution to AFN with a contributed significant service by:

  • Maintain active AFN Membership

  • Showcase scholarship and accomplishments that reflect a strong commitment to the growth and development of forensic nursing, with a particular focus on AFN.

  • Advancing forensic nursing knowledge through practice, research, scholarship, education, and service.

  • Making substantial contributions to public health, welfare, and safety through exceptional achievements in forensic nursing.

DF-AFN

SERVICE EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP

DISTINGUISHED FELLOW EMERITUS (DFE-AFN)

Distinguished Fellow Emeritus is the highest recognition of retired forensic nurses. The designation is only awarded to retired members of AFN in good standing who have made significant contributions to the field of forensic nursing AND the AFN. DM-AFN or DF-AFN recognition in the past 5 years is suggested for consideration of this status at the time of application. 

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BENEFITS:

  • Lifetime AFN Membership with No Membership Dues

  • Retains All Rights and Privileges of Full Members

  • Retains Voting Rights

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

  • Honorary Title

  • Requires Vote of Board of Directors

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REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION:

  • Completed Application

  • Cover Letter

  • Paragraph showing evidence of Scholarship, Education, and Service in Forensic Nursing (no more than 2000 words)

  • Letter of support from one DF-AFN member or from two AFN members in good standing

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MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO APPLY FOR DFE-AFN

  • Retired Member

  • Significant, ongoing service/contributions to AFN

  • Active promotion of forensic nursing issues OR is a Founding AFN Member

DFE-AFN

EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP SERVICE

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