Chizimuzo ‘Zim’ Okoli receives APNA Psychiatric Nurse of the Year Award
University of Kentucky College of Nursing professor, Chizimuzo ‘Zim’ Okoli, Ph.D., MPH, MSN, PMHNP-BC, APRN, NCTTP, FAAN has been selected to receive the 2026 Psychiatric Nurse of the Year Award from the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA).
Okoli holds multiple positions including Behavioral Health Wellness Environments for Living and Learning (BH WELL) Research Team executive director and Bridging Research Efforts and Advocacy Towards Healthy Environments (BREATHE) Tobacco Treatment and Prevention Program co-director. Additionally, he serves as director of Eastern State Hospital’s Behavioral Health Research and Evidence Based Practice and Tobacco Treatment Services.
The APNA Psychiatric Nurse of the Year Award recognizes an APNA member who exhibits vision, perseverance, dedication, initiative and facilitation in the delivery of mental health services to individuals, families and their communities. The recipient challenges traditional thinking, disseminates psychiatric-mental health (PMH) nursing knowledge and expertise through presentation/publication, and mentors other PMH nurses in their development.
“Through his leadership of BH WELL and his pioneering work integrating wellness and tobacco treatment into psychiatric settings, Okoli has expanded the scope and impact of PMH nursing, strengthening its scientific foundation while elevating its influence on mental health systems nationwide,” a press release from APNA said.
“As President of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (2022-2023), he guided the profession towards a future grounded in access, de-stigmatization, and evidence-based care. Prior to his term as President, Okoli served APNA in several key roles: as Chair and Associate Chair of the Scholarly Review Committee, a peer reviewer and author for the Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, a frequent presenter at the APNA Annual Conference, an enduring member of the Addictions Council, and an active member of the APNA Kentucky chapter where he previously served as Treasurer and member of the Conference Program Planning Committee,” the release said.
Okoli was nominated for this award by another former APNA President, Lora Peppard, Ph.D., DNP, PMHNP-BC.
“Dr. Okoli demonstrates an uncanny ability to see, understand, and respond to needs within our profession in unique, well-received ways. [He] continually moves psychiatric-mental health nursing beyond convention by implementing bold, evidence-based innovations in settings where traditional practice has stagnated,” Peppard said.
Okoli shares, “This recognition is a reflection of the many mentors, colleagues, students, patients, and partners who have supported my journey as a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner, educator, scientist, and leader. Mental health is central to whole health and psychiatric-mental health nurses are at the forefront of delivering evidence-based, person-centered, inclusive, and equitable care to diverse populations living with mental and behavioral health challenges. I am thankful to the APNA for being the leading voice in advocating for psychiatric-mental health nurses to serve our nation in addressing the enduring mental health crisis.”
Okoli will receive this award at the APNA Annual Conference October 28-31, 2026 in Phoenix, AZ. At the conference, he will give a podium presentation titled, “Compassionate Leadership in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing: Improving Wellness, Advancing Care, and Supporting Thriving.”