Janet Rodgers, Ph.D., RN, winner of the Diane F. Cooper Lifetime Achievement Award, recently was named the first woman to chair the Scripps Health board of trustees in San Diego. She also is a board member for the Scripps Foundation for Medicine and Science.

Rodgers has been a fellow in the American Academy of Nursing since 1976 and has served the American Association of Colleges of Nursing in many capacities, including that of president from 1992-94. She also served on the board of the Association of California Nurse Leaders.

She has published many articles, books and papers that have contributed to the advancement of nursing, particularly advanced practice nursing. Health care boards have sought her leadership, and professional organizations have benefited from her time and energy in guiding nursing to its future.

Rodgers earned a BS in nursing from Wagner College in Staten Island, N.Y., a master's of arts in psychiatric-mental health nursing and a Ph.D. in nursing from New York University.

She has written a number of books and professional papers on nursing.

Her long and illustrious career includes roles as a nurse clinician, leader and educator in New York, Virginia, Pennsylvania and California.

Rodgers has been a nurse since 1957. She first worked as a staff nurse and later became a head nurse. Later, she was assistant director of nursing at New York City's Psychiatric Treatment Center.

In 1963, she transitioned into nursing education and served as an instructor, assistant professor and department chairwoman.

After she earned her doctorate in 1971, Rodgers took on a variety of academic leadership roles until 1987, when she assumed her present position as dean and professor of the Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science at the University of San Diego.

During her career, Rodgers has distinguished herself as an exemplary leader and visionary. Regardless of what position she has held, whether in practice or education, she has been a constant contributor and leader to the evolution of the nursing profession.

Throughout her career, Rodgers has been recognized for her contributions to the profession. She has received awards for clinical care and for her role as an educator.

In 1999, she received the chapter leadership award for significant contribution to advancing practice/patient care and promotion of a positive nursing image in San Diego and Imperial Counties.

In 2000, Rodgers was recognized by the Association of California Nurse Leaders with an award for excellence in nursing leadership.

Most important, because of her exemplary nursing leadership and intimate knowledge and insight into health care, she has been sought out to serve on a variety of health care boards.