Cecil College's Dr. Norman-Marzella named 2026 AADN Fellow

NORTH EAST, Md: Cecil College is proud to announce that Dr. Nancy L. Norman-Marzella, Dean of Health and Human Sciences and Director of Nursing, has been selected as one of 10 distinguished nursing leaders for induction into the 2026 Class of Fellows at the Academy of Associate Degree Nursing (AADN).

The Academy, housed within the Organization for Associate Degree Nursing (OADN), recognizes individuals whose exceptional leadership, scholarship, advocacy, and service have made enduring and substantial contributions to associate degree nursing education and practice. Fellowship in the Academy is among OADN’s highest professional honors, recognizing individuals whose achievements have strengthened the profession and advanced the visibility, value, and impact of associate degree nursing nationwide.

“I am deeply honored and humbled to be selected as a recipient of Fellowship in The Academy, within the Organization for Associate Degree Nursing (OADN). This recognition represents not only a personal milestone but also reflects the excellence and commitment of Cecil College to advancing associate degree nursing education, empowering future nurses, and strengthening the nursing profession through leadership, scholarship, advocacy, and service," said Dr. Norman-Marzella. "I am grateful for the colleagues, mentors, students, staff, and nursing professionals who have inspired and supported me throughout this journey. I remain committed to fostering excellence in nursing education, advocating for the value and impact of associate degree nursing, and contributing to the continued growth and advancement of our profession. It is a privilege to be recognized among those dedicated to shaping the future of nursing. I would like to congratulate all my colleagues honored in the 2026 Class of Fellows.”

The 2026 Fellows exemplify the sustained leadership that continues to shape the future of nursing education. Their work has strengthened associate degree nursing programs and expanded opportunities for students to enter the profession. Under Dr. Norman-Marzella’s leadership, Cecil College’s nursing program continues to be one of the most highly regarded nursing schools in the State of Maryland, with its graduates actively recruited.

Cecil College’s Nursing Program offers two tracks of study within its Associate of Science in Nursing degree: the Traditional Nursing Track and the Accelerated Nursing Track. The Traditional Track is completed in two years, with in-person classes and clinical experiences, making it a suitable option for students beginning their nursing education. The Accelerated Track allows eligible students with a previous college degree or substantial college credits to complete the nursing degree in approximately 13 months through a hybrid format that combines online theory courses with in-person laboratory and clinical training. Both tracks prepare graduates to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), providing a pathway toward becoming a registered nurse. Through its focus on evidence-based practice, critical thinking, patient-centered care, and clinical skill development, Cecil College equips students with the knowledge and experience needed to enter the nursing profession.

Cecil College’s nursing program has consistently achieved among the highest NCLEX pass rates in Maryland. Passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) is required for licensure as a registered nurse.

“Dr. Nancy Norman-Marzella exemplifies visionary leadership and a commitment to innovation in nursing education. Her leadership in developing innovative pathways, including our accelerated Associate of Science in Nursing program, and advancing simulation-based learning and virtual reality experiences, reflects her dedication to preparing practice-ready nurses for today’s rapidly evolving healthcare environment. These initiatives expand educational opportunities, strengthen clinical judgment, and help ensure that students are prepared to meet the complex needs of patients and communities. Her induction as a Fellow of the Academy of Associate Degree Nursing is a well-deserved recognition of her contributions to the profession and her lasting impact on nursing education. We are proud of her accomplishments and grateful for the leadership she brings to Cecil College,” said Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost Dr. Christy Dryer, who is an AADN Fellowship alumna.

As a mentor, Dr. Norman-Marzella has supported the professional growth of fellow educators and helped prepare new leaders to guide nursing programs. Her influence extends into clinical practice and professional advocacy, where she has championed the contributions of associate degree-prepared nurses.

Located within 10 miles of Delaware and Pennsylvania borders, the college doesn’t just support Cecil County. It educates the nursing workforce for the tri-state region, with a higher-than-usual number of out-of-state and out-of-county students compared to other Maryland community colleges.

Cecil College’s nursing program is fully approved by the Maryland State Board of Nursing, and nationally accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Cecil College is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

The other nine members of the 2026 Class of Fellows are Dr. Marci Dial, Professor of Nursing, Valencia College; Dr. Jennifer Fritzges, Nursing Program Director, Carroll College; Dr. Sarita James, Director, Associate Degree Nursing, Louisiana State University at Alexandria; Dr. Dawn Morris, Nursing Faculty, South Louisiana Community College, Associate Editor, Teaching and Learning in Nursing; Dr. Patricia Nabal, Associate Dean of Nursing, City Colleges of Chicago, Malcolm X College; Dr. Karla Ross, Director, Associate Degree Nursing, Blinn College; Nancy M. Petges, Associate Professor of Nursing, College of DuPage; Donna R. Wallis, Executive Director of Nursing, Palo Alto College; and Dr. Stephanie T. Wynn, Associate Dean and Professor, Samford University.

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