Nursing Professor Wins Top CT Nursing Honor

CNA recognizes more than a decade of leadership, advocacy, and mentorship

Key Highlights

• Sacred Heart University nursing educator Susan Goncalves received the Connecticut Nurses Association’s 2026 Vera R. Keane Award for Distinguished Service
• The award is one of the CNA’s highest honors, recognizing extraordinary leadership, advocacy, and service to nursing in Connecticut
• Goncalves has served the CNA since 2014, including as vice president and president, and continues to mentor future nurse leaders at Sacred Heart University

Sacred Heart University’s Susan Goncalves, associate professor in the Dr. Susan L. Davis, R.N., & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing has been named the 2026 recipient of the Connecticut Nurses Association’s Vera R. Keane Award for Distinguished Service, one of the organization’s most prestigious Diamond Jubilee Awards, and among the highest honors in Connecticut nursing.

The Vera R. Keane Award recognizes individuals whose extraordinary service, leadership, and dedication have made a lasting impact on nursing in Connecticut. Goncalves’ selection reflects more than a decade of service to the Connecticut Nurses Association (CNA), the nursing profession, and the communities nurses serve.

A nurse leader, educator, and advocate, Goncalves has helped advance the mission of the CNA since 2014, holding numerous leadership positions, including vice president and president. During her presidency, she led the association through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, advocating for nurses across Connecticut, addressing emerging workforce concerns, and helping the profession navigate a rapidly changing health care landscape.

“Receiving this award is both deeply humbling and incredibly meaningful,” Goncalves said. “Nursing has never been just a profession for me; it is a calling and vocation rooted in service, advocacy, leadership, and the advancement of others. I view it not only as a recognition of my contributions, but also as a reflection of the many mentors, colleagues, students, and nursing professionals who have inspired and supported me throughout my journey.”

Beyond her elected roles, Goncalves has served on several key CNA committees, including the leadership, nominations and awards, and government relations committees. She has remained deeply committed to mentoring emerging nurse leaders and fostering an environment where members feel welcomed, valued, and empowered.

“I am most proud of the opportunities I have had to help strengthen nursing leadership across our state,” she said. “Some of my most meaningful experiences have been working collaboratively with nurses from diverse practice settings to advance professional nursing, improve patient outcomes, and elevate the voice of nurses in important health care and policy discussions.”

Goncalves’ influence extends beyond Connecticut. Through her work with the American Nurses Association, she has represented Connecticut nurses nationally, serving on the Honorary Awards Subcommittee, the Next Generation Committee, and the Membership Assembly. That national experience shaped her perspective on the profession’s reach.

“Nurses are the most trusted profession and represent the largest segment of the health care workforce,” she said. “I witnessed firsthand how nursing perspectives can shape legislation, workforce initiatives, professional standards, and health care policy.”

As a nursing educator at Sacred Heart, Goncalves brings that commitment to service and mentorship into the classroom. For her, preparing the next generation of nurses goes beyond teaching clinical skills. She strives to help students develop a sense of purpose to become advocates and leaders within the profession.

“I hope my students leave with the confidence to lead, serve, and make meaningful contributions to the profession,” she said. “Leadership is not defined by a title. Leadership is about service, integrity, influence, and a willingness to advocate for others and drive positive change.”

Goncalves will be honored at the CNA’s 2026 Awards Celebration on Thursday, October 29, at Woodwinds in Branford.