Piri W. Ackerman, Ph.D., R.N., F.A.D.L.N., A.N.E.F., F.A.A.N.
Associate Dean for Student Affairs and
Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and Professor
Piri Ackerman is a professor and associate dean for Student Affairs and Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis. As the associate dean for Student Affairs, Ackerman-Barger leads the Office of Student Affairs on a wide range of issues, including, but not limited to, recruitment, admissions, academic progress, academic program policies, student career plans, accessibility and community standards. As associate dean for Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, she leads the school’s efforts to create welcoming setting in which to learn, work and collaborate.
Ackerman's academic interests relate to nursing pedagogy and developing a robust nursing workforce with the skills, knowledge and desire to provide patient-centered, quality care for all. As a founding member of the school of nursing, Ackerman-Barger was instrumental in developing curricula and training faculty on best practices related to teaching and learning. She is also the founder of the Summer Health Institute for Nursing Exploration and Success, a program designed to help high school and early community college students navigate pathways to become nurses.
Ackerman earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Education from the University of Northern Colorado, a Master of Science in Nursing Education from California State University, Sacramento, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Cal Poly Humboldt (formerly Humboldt State University). In 2023, she was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Public Service conferred by University of Portland. Ackerman-Barger’s ongoing interdisciplinary work has been recognized through fellowship in the American Academy of Nurses and the National League for Nursing.
Ackerman has disseminated her scholarship in over 30 publications including, Journal of Nursing Education, Nursing Education Perspectives, Academic Medicine, New England Journal of Medicine Catalyst, Nursing Outlook and many more.
Contact Information: Phone: 916-734-2145 | Email: packerman@ucdavis.edu
