By Teresa Hicks

University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing Assistant Professor and Co-Director of the Accelerated Master’s in Nursing Pathway S. Danielle Baker, DNP, RN, CNE (DNP 2018), has been appointed as a volunteer member of the 2026 NCLEX Item Review Subcommittee by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.

The NCLEX is the national licensure examination for nurses, and selection to this subcommittee is a significant responsibility, recognizing Baker’s expertise, leadership and contribution to nursing education.

“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve in this NCSBN volunteer role,” Baker said. “My leadership experience at the UAB School of Nursing, particularly in curriculum development, academic standards and program innovation, aligns closely with the mission of advancing nursing education and practice. I look forward to contributing meaningfully to NCSBN while upholding the confidentiality and integrity of this new role.”

Baker was appointed by Governor Kay Ivey to the Alabama Board of Nursing in 2023 and also serves on the State Education Advisory Council for the community college system, where she contributes to statewide nursing education policy and curriculum design. Within the School, she serves as Director of Curriculum Development and Evaluation, ensuring curriculum development and revisions align with accreditation standards, professional guidelines and Board of Nursing regulations.

In 2021, Baker received the School’s Nancy Smith Excellence in Teaching Award. In 2023, she was selected as one of 12 recipients of the President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. This annual award recognizes full-time faculty members across the university who have demonstrated excellent accomplishments in teaching.