May 1, 2026 | Feature Stories & News
Mary Scott-Herring, DNP, MS, CRNA, is an Associate Professor in Edgewood University’s Doctor of Nursing Practice-Nurse Anesthesia (DNP-NA) program whose work is rooted in advocacy, mentorship, and preparing the next generation of nurse anesthesiologists to step confidently into policy and leadership roles. With nearly two decades of experience in legislative engagement and protecting scope of practice, she brings real-world advocacy directly into the student experience—emphasizing that “advocacy is a professional responsibility, not an optional activity.” She believes the nurse anesthesiology profession is strongest when its members are organized, informed, and actively involved.
Class of 2028 at the Wisconsin Association of Nurse Anesthetists Lobby Day 2025
From participating in statewide events like WIANA Lobby Day to engaging in policy-focused scholarly work, Dr. Scott-Herring ensures students gain the skills to influence healthcare beyond clinical practice. “We’re preparing clinicians who are not only ready to deliver high-quality care, but also to shape the systems in which they practice,” she said. This approach reflects the evolving role of nurse anesthesiologists in today’s healthcare landscape, especially in many of the rural communities they serve.
Her work has earned national recognition. Dr. Scott-Herring is one of just 42 individuals selected for the 2026 Class of AANA Fellows through a highly competitive process. She shared, “Being named a 2026 AANA Fellow is both a meaningful personal honor and a reflection of the work I’ve been privileged to lead.” With more than 60,000 CRNAs in the United States, Fellows represent a small and highly accomplished group of leaders in the field. She will be formally inducted at the AANA Annual Congress in Boston this August.
Edgewood University’s DNP-NA program prepares students for more than clinical practice—it develops leaders. Through a combination of rigorous coursework, hands-on clinical experiences, and faculty mentorship, students are equipped to deliver high-quality care while also shaping the future of healthcare. Faculty like Dr. Scott-Herring play a key role in bringing that vision to life.