Dr. Piri Ackerman

Biography

Piri W. Ackerman is a Professor and the Associate Dean of Student Affairs and Inclusive Excellence at the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis. She is instrumental in leading the Office of Student Affairs, addressing issues related to recruitment, admissions, academic progress, and community standards. In her role focusing on Inclusive Excellence, Ackerman strives to create a welcoming environment for learning and collaboration. Her research interests center on nursing pedagogy and the cultivation of a robust nursing workforce equipped with the skills and knowledge to provide patient-centered, quality care. A founding member of the school, she has contributed to developing curricula and training related to teaching and learning. Ackerman established the Summer Health Institute for Nursing Exploration Success, aimed at helping high school and community college students navigate pathways to become nurses. She earned her Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Education from the University of Northern Colorado, a Master of Science in Nursing Education from California State University, Sacramento, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Cal Poly Humboldt. In 2023, she was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Public Service by the University of Portland. Ackerman's interdisciplinary work has been recognized with a fellowship from the American Academy of Nurses and the National League for Nursing, and she has published extensively in various prominent nursing journals.

Research Interests