Two faculty leaders inducted into National Academies of Practice

May 23, 2025 ― DENTON ― Two interprofessional education leaders from Texas Woman’s have been inducted into the National Academies of Practice (NAP).

Noralyn Pickens, an associate dean for Interprofessional Education and Strategic Initiatives for the College of Health Sciences and College of Nursing, was recognized as a Distinguished Scholar Fellow in the occupational therapy academy, while Charlene Dickinson, dental hygiene program director in the School of Communication Sciences and Oral Health, was named a Professional Member in the oral health academy. 

The two were recognized during NAP’s annual induction banquet in March.

NAP is a non-profit organization that advises governmental bodies on the healthcare system. Distinguished practitioners and scholars are elected by their peers from multiple health professions to join the only interprofessional group of healthcare practitioners and scholars dedicated to supporting affordable, accessible, coordinated quality healthcare for all. 

As associate dean for interprofessional education, Pickens develops shared infrastructure between the two colleges, creating and supporting IPE training and activities for faculty and students. During Interprofessional Education month in April, TWU students and faculty participated in 12 IPE activities across the three campuses internally and with external partners. Pickens also presented on TWU’s strategic growth at the Texas IPE Consortium 19th annual meeting in April.

“As a healthcare provider dedicated to advancing the profession and advocating for accessible communities, public, and individual health, I am honored to be nominated for Fellow of the National Academies of Practice,” Pickens said. “Throughout my professional and academic career, I have championed interprofessional collaboration and contributed to research in occupational therapy and related fields.”  

Pickens’ role is even more instrumental with the opening of the new health sciences center, which will be a hub for collaborative health-related activities, including research, instruction, clinical services and community outreach.

“I felt called to my interprofessional leadership position at Texas Woman's University,” Pickens said. “I emphasize the role of IPE in developing future healthcare providers who will promote a respectful working environment for best patient care.”

Dickinson, who has served in her role as dental hygiene program director for the last five years, has been a pioneer in IPE at Texas Woman’s, developing a master’s level health studies course and requiring IPE experiences in the dental hygiene program. 

“As a dental hygienist and dental hygiene educator committed to advancing oral health and promoting equitable access to care, I am honored to be recognized as a member of the National Academies of Practice, Oral Health Academy,” Dickinson said. “Throughout my career in both clinical practice and education, I have championed patient-centered care through interprofessional collaboration and contributed to initiatives that highlight the oral-systemic link. These efforts emphasize the vital role of dental hygiene in improving overall health and wellbeing through the integration of multiple disciplines.”

Dickinson has spearheaded the Giving Kids a Smile event for the last six years at the TWU Dental Hygiene Clinic. This annual event provides free oral care services to children with significant dental needs, and includes an interprofessional component. In addition to the dental hygiene students that participated in the 2025 experience, there were also Spanish interpretation, speech-language pathology and nutrition students.