Dr. Keondra Rustan, a PhD candidate in the University of Washington’s Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner DNP program, was affirmed by the Washington State Senate in February 2025 to serve as the student member on the UW Board of Regents. Appointed by Governor Jay Inslee, Dr. Rustan is the first nurse to hold this position.
In her role, Rustan brings an extensive background in nursing education and leadership. She currently serves as Assistant Director of the Simulation Center in the UW School of Nursing and is pursuing her doctorate while holding credentials that include RN, CHSE, CMC, TNCC, PMHNP, and DNP(s). Each of her degrees has been earned while working in progressively advanced nursing roles, reflecting her commitment to lifelong learning and service.
Since joining the UW in 2020, Rustan has received recognition for her work, including the Excellence in Clinical Teaching Award in 2021 and the C. June Strickland Distinguished Diversity and Transcultural Nursing Advocate Award in 2022.
As Student Regent, Rustan has emphasized the importance of student representation in institutional governance. She has advocated for the full participation of Regents in the process of selecting UW’s next president and submitted a statement to the UW Senate on the value of student voices on governing boards. She is also focused on improving student wellness and mental health, a concern she sees as central to student success across all campuses.
In addition to her university work, Rustan is active in several national and international professional organizations. She holds leadership roles with the Society for Simulation in Healthcare and the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning, contributing to committees on education, inclusion, and conference planning. She also serves as a mentor and content reviewer with the National League for Nursing.
Locally, Rustan is deeply engaged with the Mary Mahoney Professional Nurses Organization, the oldest known Black professional organization in Washington. As its Immediate Past President, she worked to grow the organization’s endowment and currently serves as Chair of its Informatics Committee.
Her community involvement also includes program development aimed at mental health support. Most recently, she launched an art therapy group for residents in permanent supportive housing and developed a manual to help sustain the program beyond its pilot phase.
Throughout her academic, professional, and community work, Dr. Rustan has consistently focused on equity in education, access to healthcare, and student-centered advocacy.
Dr. Rustan’s historic appointment, tireless advocacy, and community-rooted leadership represent the spirit of Women’s History Month: breaking barriers, giving voice to the underrepresented, and paving the way for future generations.
As she continues to lead in health care, education, and public service, Dr. Keondra Rustan reminds us that women—especially women of color—belong in every room where decisions are made.
Source: Seattle Medium
