By Laura Gasque
A University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing student is the recipient of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing's Graduate Nursing Student Academy Visionary Leader Award. Dylan Carpenter, MSN, RN, CWOCN, PCCN, MEDSURG-BC, is a Post-MSN to DNP Pathway student and is a Wound, Ostomy and Continence Team Quality Lead at UAB Hospital.
The GNSA Visionary Leader Award recognizes rising stars among graduate nursing students who have the potential to make a significant impact in healthcare. Award recipients exemplify leadership that is innovative, transformative and visionary. Carpenter will be recognized during the GNSA Conference in July.
"I am honored to receive this recognition and proud to represent the UAB School of Nursing," Carpenter said. "My experiences at UAB have challenged me to think differently about leadership and the impact nurses can have on patients, organizations and communities. The support I have received from both academic and clinical mentors has been instrumental in my development as a nurse leader."
Recently, the Albert Schweitzer Fellowship of Alabama selected Carpenter as one of 20 UAB students included in its 2026-27 fellows class. Fellows spend the 15 months immersed in community public health projects.
Carpenter's work also has been recognized nationally through awards from the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society and the National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel for Innovation and Quality Improvement. Beyond his clinical and academic roles, he serves as Vice President of the Central Alabama WOC Nurses Association.