The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) recognized Associate Professor (Clinical) Valerie Flattes, PhD, APRN, ANP, with the 2025 State Award for Outstanding Contributions during its national conference in June in San Diego, California. The award, given to one individual per state, honors those who actively support the nurse practitioner (NP) role to “advance accessible, person-centered, equitable, high-quality health care for diverse communities through practice, education, advocacy, research and leadership.”
“I was honored to receive this award and represent nurse practitioners in the community. In my over 20 years as a nurse practitioner, I have been a champion of health equity, inclusive care, and representation of the profession across all cultural groups,” said Flattes. “Making patients feel like they are included in their health care is important. I believe in leading by example and seeing the impact on students, patients, and faculty has been rewarding for me. It is hard to put into words what this award has meant to me, and I would like to thank Jennifer Clifton for nominating me.”
Flattes has been a faculty member for 24 years, served as Director of the Adult Gerontology Primary Care Track in the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program for 6 years, taught numerous courses in the DNP and Gerontology programs, and was the College’s first Associate Dean for Outreach, Collaboration, and Organizational Enrichment. Over the past 15 years, Flattes consistently provided invited guest lectures to Health Sciences LEAP/Honors and nursing students regarding topics such as health disparities and social determinants of health.
She directed the College’s junior high and high school summer camp program, hosted Saturday Academies for grade 4-12 students, and played a key role in launching Proxima, a program that helps students from historically underrepresented backgrounds prepare for a career in health care. An exemplary mentor, Flattes fostered a deep sense of belonging, and equipped faculty, staff, and students with the tools and strategies needed to foster welcoming spaces, navigate complex challenges with insight and empathy, and build a culture of acceptance and support.
An adult NP, she precepted graduate students at the Maliheh Clinic and the Midvale Community Based Clinic. Flattes served on the Academic Senate and Health Sciences diversity committees, led multiple community outreach efforts, and partnered with the Utah Department of Health, the African American Health Task Force, and Salt Lake County Aging Services to improve access to culturally responsive care, promote health education, and address health disparities in underserved communities across Utah.
“Dr. Flattes has defined excellence in community collaboration, culturally responsive care, and access to health services,” said Dean of the College of Nursing, Marla De Jong, PhD, RN, CCNS, FAAN. "She meaningfully shaped nursing education by championing respect, fairness, and opportunity for all, creating a learning environment where students, staff, and faculty feel seen, supported, and empowered to thrive. We are proud to have her represent Utah in this award and are grateful for the legacy she holds here at the University of Utah College of Nursing.”
Flattes received the award during the AANP State Awards for Outstanding Contributions Ceremony. The AANP is the largest professional membership organization for NPs of all specialties. Celebrating its 40th Anniversary in 2025, AANP represents the interests of the more than 431,000 licensed NPs in the U.S. AANP provides legislative leadership at the local, state, and national levels, advancing health policy; promoting excellence in practice, education, and research; and establishing standards that best serve NPs' patients and other health care consumers.