Cheryl Jernigan, CPA, FACHE

2012 Honorary Nursing Alumna

A longtime friend of the University of Kansas School of Nursing, Cheryl

Jernigan has devoted countless hours to the KU School of Nursing, KU Medical Center, the greater Kansas City community and the country. Although Jernigan is not a nurse, she is a “nurse in spirit” as she serves as a significant community voice for professional nursing excellence in education, research and patient care.

You might say Jernigan’s deep desire to foster connection and inclusion is part of her DNA.  Even as a child growing up in Junction City, Kan., Jernigan would gather all her stuffed animals and dolls and put them in bed with her so no one would feel left out.

While there have been many influencing factors in Jernigan’s life, very few have been as impactful as her breast cancer diagnosis in 1996. Now a self-proclaimed 16-year breast cancer “thriver”, Jernigan has turned her skill and passion to ensuring quality care for all breast cancer patients and to help find the most promising advances in scientific research.

Jernigan has been an active member of the KU School of Nursing Advisory Board for more than 20 years. She was among those who led the drive to construct a new School of Nursing building and has been a relentless advocate for the School of Nursing with the Kansas Legislature.

Jernigan’s leadership as chair of the KU Advancement Board has been instrumental in generating awareness among community leaders, businesses and organizations about the education, research, clinical and outreach initiative at KU Medical Center. During her 4-year tenure as chair of the Advancement Board, the board grew from 63 to 86 members, and her deep personal experience with cancer drove the community building necessary for KU’s drive toward National Cancer Institute designation.

Jernigan has also been recognized for her extensive work and roles played at a local and national level for Susan G. Komen for the Cure; as well as serving as a member of the National Cancer Institute's Director's Consumer Liaison Group. In all of her national and regional positions, she has been a passionately effective advocate for cancer research, health and health care access.

Jernigan is a volunteer who exemplifies selfless concern for others. Her passion and tireless advocacy for better health care for all has made greater Kansas City a better place to live. The KU Nurses Alumni Association is proud to present Cheryl Jernigan with the 2012 Honorary Nursing Alumni Award.