Judy Schmidt, EdD, LCMHCA, and Meg Zomorodi, PhD, RN, have been honored as Distinguished Fellows of the National Academies of Practice (NAP).
Established in 1981, the National Academies of Practice is a non-profit organization that advises government on healthcare issues. Its members, elected from various health professions, work together to promote accessible, affordable, and high-quality healthcare. NAP values collaboration among professionals to improve patient care and well-being.
Dr. Schmidt is assistant professor and program coordinator in the division of clinical rehabilitation and mental health counseling in the department of health science. Dr. Zomorodi is a professor in the school of nursing, senior associate provost for academic excellence and vice president of the UNC Health Institute for Equitable Healthcare Access.
They were celebrated for their achievements and formally welcomed as Distinguished Fellows at the NAP Annual Meeting and Forum held on March 14, 2026, in Indianapolis. This memorable event brought together leaders and advocates from across the country, all united by a shared passion for improving healthcare.
Becoming a Distinguished Fellow is a true testament to the hard work, vision, and impact of these remarkable individuals. It recognizes years of dedication to education, research, and clinical practice — not just within their own fields, but also through collaborative efforts that benefit the greater healthcare community. Being selected by their peers underscores the respect and admiration they have earned, and we are proud to celebrate their achievements.
Chris Ingersoll, senior associate dean and chair of the department of health sciences, was inducted as a Distinguished Fellow in 2023. His leadership and commitment continue to inspire colleagues and students alike.
To see the full list of the Class of 2026 Distinguished Fellows and learn more about these exceptional leaders, please visit: https://nap.memberclicks.net/assets/New-Class/2026/Class%20of%202026%20Distinguished%20Fellows.pdf