Her Story
About Dr. Sherri
Sherri Fannon serves as Associate Dean for the Interprofessional Simulation and Innovation Center and Associate Professor at the Kirchhoff College of Nursing at Grand Valley State University. She began her career as a registered nurse, practicing clinically for about 12 years in neonatal and pediatric ICUs before moving into academics more than 15 years ago. Her subspecialty in simulation began around 2010, and she is CHSE certified as a certified healthcare simulation educator. Fannon earned an associate degree from Lansing Community College, completed her RN to BSN at Grand Valley, obtained a Master's in Nursing Education from Michigan State University, and received her doctorate from the University of Michigan in leadership and quality improvement. She attributes her success to determination and the desire to hold advanced degrees in order to give back to her community by training others. Fannon values ethical treatment of all individuals equally regardless of position, respect, and gratitude. She advises young women entering the field not to fear leadership positions and to involve the right stakeholders with supporting research or evidence when seeking change.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Dr. Sherri
01What do you attribute your success to?
Determination and the desire to hold those degrees so that I could give back to my community by training people to do what I was trained to do. Being a nurse is hard on your body and I knew as I was getting older that I wanted to still give back.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don't be afraid of a leadership position even if you feel like you're not ready. Leadership allows you to take your vision and puts you in the right place to make things happen. Don't hold back. When you want to change something, make sure that you get the right stakeholders in the room and have research or evidence to support what you want to do.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Ethical values, not being biased and treating everyone as equal whether they're the cleaning lady or the president of a company. Being respectful to everyone you come in contact with and showing gratitude is very important. Not taking things for granted but being grateful.
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