Southern Illinois Nursing Educator Conference
Keynote Presenter: Dr. Bernedette Melnyk
Keynote Presentation: Don't Just Survive; Evidence-based Strategies to Prevent Burnout & Enhance Well-being in Academic Communities
Dr. Bernadette Melnyk is an internationally recognized leader, innovator, and expert in evidence-based practice, mental health, population health, and organizational culture change. She is CEO and founder of COPE2Thrive, LLC, president and co-founder of EBP Solutions, LLC, and formerly served as Vice President for Health Promotion and Chief Wellness Officer at The Ohio State University—the first role of its kind in higher education—where she also founded the Helene Fuld Health Trust National Institute for Evidence-based Practice in Nursing and Healthcare. A former dean at both The Ohio State University and Arizona State University Colleges of Nursing, Dr. Melnyk has authored 11 books, more than 620 publications, and secured over $36 million in research funding. Her book Evidence-based Practice in Nursing and Healthcare: A Guide to Best Practice is a global standard in nursing education. A fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, the National Academy of Medicine, and other leading organizations, she continues to shape the future of nursing through her leadership, research, and evidence-based COPE programs now implemented nationwide and internationally. 2026 Southern Illinois Nursing Education Conference (SINEC)
Transforming the Culture of Care: Integrating Wellness into Education
The SIU College of Health and Human Services, Nursing Program proudly invites you to the 2026 Southern Illinois Nursing Education Conference (SINEC) — designed to inspire, empower, and connect the nursing community across our region.
This year’s theme, “Transforming the Culture of Care: Integrating Wellness into Education,” focuses on bringing wellness, resilience, and innovation to the forefront of nursing education and practice.
Contacts
Conference/Event Questions - Erika Blumentstock erica.blumenstock@siu.edu
Registration Questions - Rebecca Dycus rdycus@siu.edu