ABQ Times

Nurse practitioners are integral to New Mexico's health care system, addressing the needs of diverse communities across various specialties. Beyond patient care, some practitioners contribute significantly to solving complex health issues and advancing the profession. The American Association of Nurse Practitioners has recognized three nurse practitioners from The University of New Mexico College of Nursing for their exceptional contributions by inducting them as fellows.

“Less than 1% of members of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners are inducted as fellows,” stated Gina Rowe, PhD, DNP, MPH, FNP-BC, PHCNS-BC, BC-ADM, FNAP, assistant dean of professional graduate programs at UNM College of Nursing. “This year there were 93 applications and only 33 nurse practitioners were accepted, making New Mexico inductees 9% of the prestigious group. We couldn’t be prouder.”

The selected individuals have made significant contributions to national health while promoting the nurse practitioner role through achievements in health policy, education, innovative practice models, and research.

Christine Cogil, DNP, MPS, RN, FNP-BC, FAANP

Cogil is an associate professor and program coordinator for the family nurse practitioner program at UNM College of Nursing. Her work focuses on rural and underserved populations. She recently received a Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) grant to address the national nursing shortage through advanced nursing education. Her doctoral research integrates oral health into primary care. Cogil has incorporated oral health assessment into UNM’s advanced practice nursing curriculum and developed the Primary Care Oral Assessment Tool (PCOAT) with an interprofessional team.

Kristopher Jackson, PhD, FAANP

Jackson graduated from UNM College of Nursing’s PhD program in 2022 and is now a postdoctoral research fellow at UCSF Center for AIDS Prevention Studies. His research centers on LGBTQIA+ healthcare and HIV prevention among stigmatized populations. Supported by multiple grants including those from UCSF-Bay Area Center for AIDS Research and California HIV Research Policy Center, Jackson has presented his findings at numerous conferences. He also maintains a part-time clinical practice at California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco.

Michelle Peacock, MSN, FNP-BC, FAANP

Peacock is a family nurse practitioner and clinical nurse advisor in federal health policy with Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense Health Affairs in Washington D.C., focusing on veteran healthcare initiatives. A former Army Nurse Corps Officer honored as a Champion of Change for Women Veterans by the White House, she played a key role in implementing full practice authority for nurse practitioners at New Mexico VA Health Care System. As president of the New Mexico Nurse Practitioner Council she helped advance legislation benefiting nurse practitioners' practice environments.

Nurse practitioners provide accessible patient-centered care while advancing healthcare through various roles including advocacy and leadership. The UNM College of Nursing acknowledges their dedication being honored nationally.

For more information on advancing your nursing career with UNM College of Nursing programs visit here.