SANFORD, FL, October 21, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Leia Fawn Trainor, DNP, MSN-Ed, RN, CLNC, CRNAC, has been recognized for achievement in healthcare.

Dr. Trainor's career in healthcare and higher education spans more than four decades, marked by a series of progressive leadership roles and a steadfast commitment to quality improvement, team building and shared governance. Since 2020, she has served as chief nursing administrator and program director at ECPI University, where her expertise in strategic planning and collaboration has driven the institution's nursing programs to notable success. Under her guidance, both associate and practical nursing programs were developed and launched, with the latter placed on hold to support the established bachelor's programs. Dr. Trainor successfully led these programs through their first ACE accreditation and secured Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accreditation for both bachelor's programs for a decade. Her leadership has resulted in student retention rates, graduation outcomes and NCLEX results that consistently exceed benchmarks, reflecting her dedication to student achievement and high-quality patient outcomes.

Prior to her current role, Dr. Trainor was a faculty member at American Sentinel University (now American Sentinel College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Post University) beginning in 2023, where she contributed to graduate nursing education. From 2019 to 2020, she served as a professor of graduate nursing leadership and management at Western Governors University, shaping future nurse leaders through her instruction. Her tenure as academic dean, department chair of nursing and professor of nursing at Herzing University from 2016 to 2018 marked her transition from healthcare practice into higher education administration. After joining as a faculty member, her impact was quickly recognized, leading to her appointment as academic dean after just one term.

Dr. Trainor's earlier career was rooted in executive leadership within long-term care organizations. She held the position of regional director of clinical services at Consulate Management Company from 2013 to 2016, following similar roles as director of clinical services at Signature Healthcare LLC from 2011 to 2013 and Gulf Coast Healthcare from 2007 to 2010. Throughout these positions, she prioritized patient safety and quality of care, achieving measurable improvements in star ratings and patient satisfaction survey results. Her focus on preventing pressure ulcers, fall-related injuries and avoidable adverse events underscored her commitment to excellence in clinical outcomes.

Her professional journey is further distinguished by active membership in the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses and Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. These affiliations reflect her engagement with the broader nursing community and ongoing dedication to advancing the profession.

Dr. Trainor's educational background underpins her achievements across clinical practice and academia. She earned a Doctor of Nursing Practice in executive leadership from American Sentinel University (now American Sentinel College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Post University) in 2016. This advanced degree equipped her with the skills necessary for high-level administrative roles and informed her approach to strategic planning within academic settings. She also holds a Master of Science in Nursing Education from Kaplan University (2012), a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Kaplan University (2010) and an associate's degree in nursing and education from Lakeland College (1990). These degrees provided a foundation for both bedside care and educational leadership.

In addition to her academic credentials, Dr. Trainor is certified as a registered nurse assessment coordinator and as a legal nurse consultant through the Vickie Milazzo Institute for Legal Nursing in Texas. These certifications have enhanced her ability to navigate complex regulatory environments and contribute expert knowledge in both clinical assessment and legal consultation.

Her path into healthcare was shaped by formative experiences growing up as the youngest of ten siblings in Central Illinois. Inspired by her mother's late-in-life pursuit of certification as a nursing assistant and by Peggy Chapman—a dedicated registered nurse at her church—Dr. Trainor began working as a certified nursing assistant at age seventeen. She advanced from licensed practical nurse to registered nurse, eventually specializing in rehabilitation nursing while also earning an emergency medical technician certification.

The principles guiding Dr. Trainor's career are rooted in perseverance, continuous improvement and faith-driven service. Earning a black belt in karate instilled in her an indomitable spirit that aligns with her belief that every challenge can be overcome—a philosophy she often summarizes as "there's no such thing as a no-win scenario." Her approach emphasizes that collective contributions drive organizational greatness, regardless of individual titles or backgrounds.

Beyond her professional responsibilities, Dr. Trainor has demonstrated civic commitment through volunteer work as a nurse providing health education, assisting physician assistants with sports physicals in 2013 and teaching basic self-defense skills to children in 2009. She is also the founder of RN Influence, a student success program she runs with her daughter that offers advanced clinical experiences through an ACE curriculum, peer tutoring through the STARS program, and opportunities for graduates to return as faculty or tutors. The initiative aims to expand its reach across campuses and platforms so students can recognize opportunities beyond the challenges of nursing school.

Her dedication extends to serving as a first aid and CPR instructor, supporting local food pantries and contributing to Toys for Tots initiatives with the Lake Mary Police Department. Dr. Trainor's excellence has been recognized with honors such as Faculty of the Year at American Sentinel University (now American Sentinel College of Nursing and Health Sciences at Post University) in 2025 and the Humanitarian Award in 1990.

Born in Champaign–Urbana, Dr. Trainor is married to Joseph and is the mother of Andrew and Alexis. Looking ahead, she envisions expanding RN Influence into a platform that provides resources for individuals who lack support or financial means for tutoring or learning strategies—especially aspiring healthcare workers seeking guidance on their journeys. She intends for this initiative to become part of her daughter's legacy while also pursuing publication opportunities focused on student success or quality healthcare outcomes with an emphasis on spiritual well-being.

Dr. Trainor remains committed to her role at ECPI University while remaining open to new opportunities that would allow her to teach others, build teams or develop additional organizations dedicated to improving healthcare education and outcomes. With over forty years of experience, she continues to approach each day with enthusiasm for helping others—guided by faith, perseverance and an unwavering belief in doing what is right.

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