Sandra DeLuca wins national award for nursing education

Dr. Sandra DeLuca, associate dean of the School of Nursing, has been awarded the Ethel Johns Award from the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN) in recognition for her hard work, creativity and passion for Canada’s nursing schools.

She’s the first college professor or administrator to receive this award since its inception in 1988.

“Dr. DeLuca’s long-term commitment to nursing education has significantly shaped nursing education and practice across Ontario and Canada,” said the CASN in a statement.

During her career, DeLuca has contributed to numerous provincial and national organizations, including the CASN Board of Directors, the Joint Provincial Nursing Committee representing 24 colleges and chairing the Provincial Heads of Nursing.

“It’s been a blessing to win an award for something that you love to do,” said DeLuca. “To receive an award from CASN is a culminating moment in my life.”

Guiding the next generation of nurses, researchers and educators has also been important for DeLuca. She’s mentored master’s and doctoral students and has been a champion for research within the school of nursing. As well, she’s played a pivotal role in uniting college and university nursing educators and has advocated for cohesive policy positions on critical issues, such as the Nursing Graduate Guarantee Program, Registered Nursing prescribing, support for internationally educated nurses, clinical education and program approval processes.

DeLuca’s leadership has also been instrumental in the creation of Fanshawe’s new honours Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, which launches in fall 2026.

“Dr. DeLuca inspires innovation, collaboration, and visionary thinking,” said the CASN. “Her legacy of hard work and dedication has strengthened nursing education and the profession’s capacity for leadership, critical inquiry and transformative change.”

For the past 19 years, DeLuca has served as associate dean/director of Fanshawe's School of Nursing, following 35 years as a nursing faculty member.

The Ethel Johns Award recognizes distinguished service to nursing education in Canada. The award is open to any faculty member of a CASN member school who is currently a Registered Nurse. The award recognizes contributions to nursing education, including mentorship, curriculum innovation and improving patient safety through simulation-based education.