Dr. Charlene Aaron, M.S. ’06, was named to Fierce Health-care’s 2024 “Most Influential Minority Executives in Health-care.” Aaron is the president and chief academic officer of OSF HealthCare’s two colleges of nursing, Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria and Saint Anthony College of Nursing in Rockford. Aaron was recognized for her work in addressing the nationwide nursing shortage as OSF HealthCare’s nursing colleges enjoyed a 42% growth in enrollment last year. She’s championed diversity in nursing, with particular emphasis on encouraging men to enter the field. Aaron has been a member of the Illinois Association of College of Nursing since 2016, serving as its president for the past two years.