SABER College Celebrates Dr. Pavel Pugh’s Appointment to the NLN CNEA Board of Commissioners

SABER College is proud to share that our Director of the Nursing Program, Dr. Pavel S. Pugh, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-C, FNP-C, CNE, FEP, has been appointed to the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA) Board of Commissioners.

Dr. Pugh will serve as Nurse Educator Commissioner for the 2026–2028 term, representing nurse educators and academic leaders from across the United States. This national appointment recognizes his outstanding leadership in nursing education and his long-standing commitment to excellence in both teaching and clinical practice. It is also a proud moment for SABER College, reflecting the dedication and quality of the faculty who guide our students every day.

Recognizing Excellence in Nursing Education

The NLN CNEA Board of Commissioners is responsible for guiding and upholding the highest standards of quality, ethics, and academic integrity for nursing programs throughout the country. The Board’s work ensures that nursing graduates are well prepared to meet the complex health needs of today’s communities through competence, compassion, and evidence-based care.

Being appointed to this distinguished body places Dr. Pugh among a select group of national leaders who shape the future of nursing education. Commissioners contribute to policy development, evaluation standards, and accreditation decisions that directly influence how nursing programs operate and evolve. Their collective expertise safeguards the integrity of the nursing profession and the trust placed in it by patients, families, and society.

Leadership That Inspires

“Dr. Pugh’s appointment to the NLN CNEA Board is a moment of profound pride for our entire institution,” said Josefina Bonet, Chief Executive Officer of SABER College. “It affirms the caliber of our faculty and their leadership beyond the classroom. His participation at the national level will enrich our academic culture, bringing first-hand insight into the accreditation process that directly benefits our students and faculty.”

As a Family and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Certified Nurse Educator, and Fellow in Educational Practice, Dr. Pugh has built a career grounded in service, scholarship, and mentorship. He has taught and guided countless students, encouraging them to view nursing not simply as a profession but as a lifelong calling rooted in empathy and scientific excellence.

At SABER College, Dr. Pugh has led ongoing innovation within the Registered Nurse (RN) Associate in Science Degree Program, strengthening its academic rigor and clinical depth. He has helped expand simulation learning, refine the integration of evidence-based practice, and ensure that students graduate prepared to excel in hospitals, long-term-care centers, and community health settings.

A Voice for Academic Quality

Through his new national role, Dr. Pugh will help influence the standards that guide nursing education across the U.S. His voice on the Board will contribute to advancing teaching strategies that are inclusive, technologically current, and responsive to the changing needs of healthcare.

“I am deeply honored to have been appointed to the NLN CNEA Board of Commissioners,” said Dr. Pugh, Director of the Nursing Program at SABER College and the newly appointed Nurse Educator Commissioner for the 2026–2028 term. “This opportunity enables me to help shape and uphold the highest standards of quality and integrity in nursing education nationwide. I am grateful for the chance to serve at this level and to proudly represent SABER College within such a respected organization.”

The National League for Nursing (NLN), founded in 1893 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., is the oldest professional organization for nurse educators in the United States. Through its Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA), the NLN promotes continuous quality improvement and transparency in nursing education. The Board of Commissioners provides strategic oversight, ensuring that accredited programs maintain excellence, accountability, and student-centered outcomes.

Pride in Our Community

Dr. Pugh’s appointment highlights SABER College’s shared commitment to advancing education and professional growth within the nursing community. His achievement demonstrates that our faculty are not only educators but active contributors to the national dialogue on nursing standards, ethics, and innovation.

“This recognition demonstrates that SABER College faculty are not only educators but active contributors to the advancement of nursing education,” Ms. Bonet added. “It reinforces our belief that quality education transforms lives and strengthens communities.”

SABER College extends its heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Pugh on this remarkable accomplishment. His leadership continues to inspire both students and colleagues, reminding us that every milestone achieved by our faculty reflects the shared purpose that defines our institution—preparing compassionate, capable healthcare professionals who will make a lasting difference in the world.

As we celebrate this achievement, we also reaffirm SABER College’s mission to provide educational excellence, inclusion, and service. Dr. Pugh’s appointment is a powerful example of how that mission lives through the dedication of our faculty and the success of our graduates.