Sinclair School of Nursing Welcomes Dr. Nelda Godfrey as Professor of Professional Practice and Director of Nursing Career Success, Identity and Innovation
Oct. 9, 2025
Columbia, Mo. — The University of Missouri Sinclair School of Nursing is proud to announce the appointment of Nelda Godfrey, BSN ‘77, PhD ’99, as professor of professional practice and director of nursing career success, identity and innovation. A nationally recognized thought leader in nursing education, innovation and professional identity research, Godfrey joined the School of Nursing in August and will lead the development of programs that advance research and foster thriving, sustainable nursing careers.
Godfrey comes to Mizzou from the University of Kansas School of Nursing, where she served as professor, associate dean for undergraduate programs and chair of the Department of Family, Community and Health Systems. Her scholarship has shaped national conversations around professional identity in nursing, and she is a founding leader with the International Society for Professional Identity in Nursing.
“Dr. Godfrey brings extraordinary vision and expertise to our faculty,” said Lori Popejoy, dean of the Sinclair School of Nursing. “Her groundbreaking work in professional identity and nurse well-being directly aligns with our mission to prepare nurses for sustainable, successful careers. She will be a driving force in creating innovative strategies that support not only our students but practicing nurses across Missouri and beyond.”
Godfrey’s career is marked by numerous achievements. She helped establish the KU Community College Nursing Program, allowing students to graduate with both an associate and bachelor’s degree in nursing simultaneously, and has contributed seminal scholarship to the implementation of the AACN Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education. She also serves on the American Nurses Association Ethics and Human Rights Advisory Board and previously co-led the Missouri Action Coalition supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. In 2020, Godfrey was awarded the Citation of Merit from the Mizzou Nursing Alumni Organization.
At the Sinclair School of Nursing, Godfrey will continue her pioneering research in professional identity in nursing and help lead Nursing Student and Career Success which provides programs and pathways to support healthy and sustainable careers for students and practicing nurses with professional identity development as a core component of the initiative.
“I’m thrilled to return to my alma mater and join the Sinclair School of Nursing at such an important time,” said Godfrey, who earned both her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and PhD in Nursing from the University of Missouri. “Nursing is not just about what we do, but who we are. By strengthening professional identity and supporting well-being, we can create career pathways that help nurses flourish while providing exceptional care to patients and communities.”
Godfrey’s appointment represents Mizzou Nursing’s commitment to fostering academic excellence, professional distinction and personal resilience in the nursing workforce.
