Steven Brockman-Weber, DNP, RN, MSHSA, FACHE, NEA-BC, CENP
DNP 2015 | Fellow, American Academy of Nursing 2025
Steven Brockman-Weber knew at age 12 that nursing was his calling. Today, he is president of seven hospitals within Ascension, one of the nation’s largest health care systems, and serves on the Rush Nursing Alumni Association board of directors. His journey illustrates the transformative power of the global systems thinking that Rush instills in its doctoral students.
When Brockman-Weber decided to pursue doctoral work, he chose Rush specifically for its reputation in developing outcomes-focused leaders. “I had completed two master’s programs, but I was looking for a program that would allow me to advance my leadership,” he said. “Rush offered exactly what I needed.”
The DNP program’s emphasis on systems-level thinking proved immediately valuable. “Having completed my DNP, I was able to advance to a system CNE role and then to a hospital president role,” Brockman-Weber explained. “The education at Rush prepared me well for my role.”
Brockman-Weber will be inducted as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing in October 2025 in recognition of his significant contributions to nursing and health care leadership.
Julie Hoff, PhD, RN, FNAP, FAAN
BSN 1986 | Provost, Rush University 2025
Julie Hoff’s appointment as provost of Rush University represents a homecoming decades in the making. The 1986 BSN graduate returns to where her health care journey began, bringing distinguished experience in academic leadership and clinical research.
“I started in health care as a student at the College of Nursing, and the experience and values I gained here have stayed with me throughout my career,” Hoff reflected. “I am excited to return to the place where it all began.”
From her foundational education at Rush, Hoff earned advanced degrees from the University of Illinois Chicago and built a research portfolio in cardiovascular health promotion and disease prevention. Her work included leading clinical trials and developing infrastructure to bridge research and clinical practice.
Most recently serving as dean at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Hoff has led transformative institutional growth while strengthening academic infrastructure and advancing faculty engagement. Her commitment to health equity and educational innovation aligns perfectly with Rush University’s mission.
As provost, Hoff will execute the university’s strategic plan while ensuring the research and education divisions continue to thrive. Her return represents a full-circle moment that underscores the lasting impact of a Rush nursing education.
Both Brockman-Weber and Hoff exemplify the leadership excellence that emerges from Rush’s commitment to developing practitioner-scholars who transform health care delivery, education and policy.
