Headshot of Professor Amber Ortega

AWC’s Amber Ortega elected as OADN Nominating Committee Member

October 15, 2024

Yuma, AZ (October 15, 2024) – Professor of Nursing at Arizona Western College (AWC) Amber Ortega MSN, RN, CNE, CMSRN has been elected to serve as a Nominating Committee Member for the Organization for Associate Degree Nursing (OADN). 

As a leading organization for associate degree nursing programs, OADN plays a vital role in advocating for and advancing the quality of nursing education in community colleges across the nation. The organization ensures that associate degree programs meet the evolving needs of healthcare through quality education, strong partnerships, and well-prepared nursing educators. 

Competitive elections for the OADN Board of Directors and Nominating Committee are held yearly, with only four board members and one committee member chosen from applicants nationwide. 

“I am honored to be elected as the newest member of OADN’s Nominating Committee,” Ortega said. “Through my participation in this committee, I aim to contribute to strategic initiatives that enhance educational standards and support our community of educators, including our own here at Arizona Western College. Together, we can strengthen the future of nursing and ensure our graduates are well-prepared to meet the challenges of the profession and effectively serve the diverse health needs of our community.”

Holding degrees from Arizona Western College, Northern Arizona University, and Grand Canyon University, Ortega has been a nurse for 15 years and specializes in Adult Medical Surgical and stroke care. She has worked in acute care hospitals around the world, from Yuma Regional Medical Center (YRMC) to a Naval Hospital in Okinawa, Japan. In 2018, Ortega transitioned to the role of Clinical Nurse Educator at YRMC. She is now in her 7th semester of teaching in the AWC Nursing Program.

“It is with great pride that I congratulate Professor Amber Ortega on being elected to the Nominating Committee of the OADN. This role is a significant recognition of her leadership, expertise, and unwavering commitment to advancing nursing education,” shared Cinthia Alvarez, Executive Director & Dean of Career and Technical Education at AWC. “I am confident that Amber's contributions will further OADN’s mission of promoting leadership, collaboration, and advocacy in the associate degree pathway. We are truly fortunate to have her as part of our faculty.”

In her two-year appointment, Ortega will serve to review and recommend potential candidates for the OADN Board of Directors.

More information on the results of the 2024 OADN Elections can be found here.

Contact:
Cinthia Alvarez 
Executive Director & Dean of Career and Technical Education
Arizona Western College
cinthia.alvarez@azwestern.edu  
(928) 317-6038

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About the Organization for Associate Degree Nursing (OADN): As the national advocate for the over 1,100 associate degree nursing programs across the country, OADN works to advance excellence in nursing education and associate degree pathways into registered nursing careers. The organization aims to expand networks that promote leadership, collaboration, and advocacy to further enrich nursing education.