SAU nursing faculty member receives Sigma research grant to support student wellness
News from Southern Arkansas University
MAGNOLIA, AR (09/03/2026) Dr. Alice Fanning, associate professor of nursing at Southern Arkansas University (SAU), has been awarded a $1,100 research grant from the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, Gamma Xi At-Large Chapter, to support a research project designed to improve the health and well-being of first-semester nursing students.
The project, titled “Enhancing Health and Well-Being During Transition: An Intervention for First-Semester Nursing Students,” seeks to better understand how intentional wellness interventions can help students successfully navigate the transition into nursing school. The 12-week study focuses on supporting students’ physical, emotional and psychological well-being while encouraging the development of sustainable self-care practices.
To support the project, Dr. Fanning created a dedicated Wellness Room within the SAU Department of Nursing. The space offers students an opportunity to decompress, recharge and participate in wellness activities designed to reduce stress and promote resilience throughout the semester. Additional interventions include evidence-based strategies that encourage mindfulness, healthy coping skills, stress management and self-care.
“Beginning nursing school is an exciting milestone, but it can also be one of the most demanding transitions students experience,” said Dr. Fanning. “By creating opportunities for students to intentionally care for their physical and emotional health, we hope to strengthen resilience, improve well-being and help students thrive both academically and personally.”
The research will evaluate the effectiveness of the wellness interventions by examining changes in students’ perceptions of stress, self-care behaviors and overall well-being over the course of the semester. The findings are expected to contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting student wellness initiatives in nursing education.
“Supporting our students extends beyond the classroom,” Dr. Fanning added. “Preparing compassionate, competent nurses begins with ensuring they have the tools and support needed to care for themselves while learning to care for others.”
The Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, Gamma Xi At-Large Chapter, provides research funding to advance nursing science, evidence-based practice and nursing education. The award recognizes innovative projects that have the potential to improve health outcomes and strengthen the nursing profession.
Southern Arkansas University’s Department of Nursing continues to prepare future nursing professionals through high-quality education, hands-on clinical experiences and faculty-led research that addresses the evolving needs of healthcare and the communities nurses serve. Dr. Karen Landry, chair of the SAU Department of Nursing, said initiatives such as Dr. Fanning’s wellness research reflect the department’s commitment to supporting the whole student, advancing evidence-based nursing education and preparing resilient, compassionate and practice-ready nurses.
About SAU:
Southern Arkansas University provides students with the complete college experience in a caring environment of service, innovation, and community. With more than 100 degrees across four distinct colleges and the School of Graduate Studies, SAU initiates new degree programs to meet the needs of today’s career and professional trends. To learn more about SAU, visit www.saumag.edu.
