Associate Professor Rebecca Koszalinski was recognized by the National Hartford Center of Gerontological Nursing Excellence for her commitment to gerontological nursing education and the care of older adults.
Rebecca Koszalinski, associate professor at UCF’s College of Nursing, is among the experts recently honored as a Distinguished Educator in Gerontological Nursing.
The award from the National Hartford Center of Gerontological Nursing Excellence honors nurse educators for outstanding contributions to educating future nurses to care for an aging population. Koszalinski will be honored during the center’s annual conference, which is being held virtually from October 21 to 23, 2025.
“This distinction is an incredible honor that motivates me to continue my work educating future generations of nurses and advancing compassionate, evidence-based care for older adults through innovation, mentorship and interdisciplinary scholarship,” says Koszalinski.
Koszalinski has been an educator for two decades, most of which has been at institutions in Florida — a state with one of the highest percentages of residents ages 65 and older. The state’s older adult population is only expected to grow, projected to account for more than 25% of the total population — 7.3 million adults — by 2030.
“Practicing in Florida requires unique knowledge to care for its significant older adult population,” says Koszalinski. “Florida nurse educators must be equipped with the ability to accelerate adoption of age-friendly practices and evidence-based curricula to improve clinical outcomes and enhance person-centered care.”
In addition to her impact as an educator, Koszalinski is an active researcher in the field focusing on applying technological solutions to improve health outcomes of older adults. She’s currently leading a study investigating the health outcomes of harmful algal blooms, which impacts all residents who live, work and recreate along Florida’s waterways — including the older adults who live and visit the Sunshine State.
Earlier this year Koszalinski was inducted as a 2025 fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, the profession’s most prestigious recognition for nurse leaders. She also is a certified rehabilitation nurse, a fellow of the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses, and founding member and fellow of the Society of Nurses, Scientists, Innovators and Leaders.
Article by Julie Harper ’01
Photo by Melanie Cedeño-Lopez
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