Modern Healthcare honors influential women shaping the industry
Angela Clark, PhD, RN, MSN, CNE, FAAN, president of Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing, has been named a 2025 “Rising Star” by Modern Healthcare, recognizing her transformative leadership in nursing education and workforce development.
As co-chair of a national task force tackling the country’s critical nursing shortage, Dr. Clark is at the forefront of reshaping nursing education and strengthening the healthcare workforce. Since joining Goldfarb in 2022, she has championed initiatives to expand access to nursing careers, growing total enrollment by 7% despite statewide declines and most recently a 42% increase in new student enrollment year-over-year for current spring term. She also secured funding to extend a full-ride tuition program to 252 students and counting, ensuring pathways for future nurses committed to working at BJC HealthCare and serving as a model for academic practice partnerships. Under her leadership, Goldfarb graduates achieved a record 97% first-time pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
Dr. Clark is equally committed to addressing health disparities in the St. Louis region by fostering a culturally diverse nursing workforce and partnering with community organizations to inspire future nurses. She is positioning Goldfarb as a national leader in nursing research and education while also tackling the urgent need for mental health professionals. Recognizing the mental health challenges faced by both students and the community, she launched new support initiatives—including making Goldfarb the first nursing school in the country to have a full-time mental health dog.
Dr. Clark with Mr. Barnes, Goldfarb’s mental health “mascot.”
“This recognition is an honor that belongs to our entire team and diverse community of stakeholders who continue to innovate in partnership,” says Clark. “Together we’re supporting sustainable pathways into nursing, ensuring our graduates are prepared to improve health outcomes both now and for generations to come, creating a lasting impact.”
BJC Health System group president Bob Cannon, shared the news with the Goldfarb community saying, “Dr. Clark will be the first to say that any accolade she receives is a reflection of the great people around here--our incredible faculty, staff and students. Under her leadership, Goldfarb continues to emerge as a national leader in nursing education, and you are all part of this great legacy.”
Dr. Clark previously held leadership roles at the University of Cincinnati, University of Tennessee, and UNC-Chapel Hill.
Written by: Kathy Randall
Sr. Strategist, Internal Comms.