School of Nursing & Health Sciences
Amanda Hopkins
Associate Professor of Nursing
Education
Amanda F. Hopkins earned a B.S.N. in 1999 from the University of Illinois at Chicago where she later received her M.S. (2005) and Ph.D. (2010).
Biography
Dr. Hopkins is a recognized advocate who has expertise in working with underrepresented and vulnerable populations, including children with chronic conditions and their families as a pediatric nurse and nurse educator. Dr. Hopkins’ area of research is in the study of providing culturally competent, family-centered care. Her research has focused on innovative inclusive teaching strategies, creating culturally competent healthcare work environments and mother's perceptions of the management of their children's chronic condition, specifically sickle cell disease and cystic fibrosis, within the context of the school setting.
Dr. Hopkins has a publication record, an ongoing record of student-led research, and continues to consult for medical centers in the development of policies for inclusive practices. Dr. Hopkins has been a tenured member of the IWU faculty since 2019. Prior to joining the faculty at Illinois Wesleyan University in 2013, Dr. Hopkins held the titles of teaching assistant, teaching associate and clinical instructor for a number of undergraduate and graduate courses at the University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Nursing, Urbana Regional Program. Dr. Hopkins reviews manuscripts for multiple journals including the Journal of Transcultural Nursing.
Honors and Memberships
Dr. Hopkins is Chair of the American Nurses Association - Illinois Committee on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), as well as a member of The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, Midwest Nursing Research Society, and National Black Nurses Association. She is an established Posse Foundation Faculty Mentor whose record of receiving accolades recognizing her excellence in leadership and teaching includes a two-time IWU Professor of the Year, Illinois Board of Higher Education’s Nursing Fellowship, Illinois Nurses Association’s 40 Under 40 Nurse Leader Award, IWU Academic Advisor of the Year, and the President’s Award for Inclusive Excellence at Illinois Wesleyan University.