The future is bright for male students at Southern University and A&M College’s School of Nursing (SUSON). This year, the program has seen a significant increase in enrollment among African American male students. SUSON has long been the top choice for nursing in Louisiana. According to Dr. Sandra C. Brown, Dean of the College of Nursing and Allied Health, “With this trend in enrollment, we will become the largest producer of African American male nurses in the country,” she said Friday morning during the Southern University System board’s monthly update.The importance of this trend is magnified by national statistics. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, only about 9.4 percent of Registered Nurses (RNs) identify as African American, with African American males making up an even smaller percentage. Brown emphasized, “In some reports, there are too few African American males to count. It’s something like 0.67 percent.” She continued, “They are coming. And they are coming because we accept them as they are. We embrace them for who they are and lead them to where they need to be.”
This increase in diversity is not only significant for SUSON but also for the broader nursing field, which continues to benefit from diverse perspectives and experiences. The school’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment is playing a key role in attracting and retaining students who might not have otherwise seen themselves in the profession. University System Board Member, Dr. Rani G. Whitfield, echoed this sentiment by saying, “Increasing diversity in nursing programs is essential, as Black patients often experience better outcomes when cared for by nurses who share similar cultural backgrounds.”
Chancellor John Pierre was all smiles as he took in the sight of the male nursing students who attended the board meeting. “I am proud to tell you … there are over 2,600 nursing schools in the country, and the Southern University School of Nursing is in the top 10 percent,” he gleamed. Pierre’s pride reflects SUSON’s ongoing mission to increase diversity and maintain high standards of excellence in education and training.
Brown concluded the presentation with an inspiring message of hope. “These men will be transformational leaders in the nursing profession and will lead with excellence because we have taught them that excellence is not having the best, but doing the best with what you have.” Her words resonated with the audience, emphasizing SUSON’s belief in molding leaders who will meet the demands of the nursing profession and exceed them with integrity and dedication.
As enrollment continues to grow, SUSON is positioning itself to reshape the future of nursing, both statewide and nationwide. With more African American males joining the ranks of registered nurses, Southern University is setting a powerful example for other institutions to follow. The School of Nursing’s efforts are not only improving diversity within the profession but also building a stronger, more representative workforce that reflects the communities they serve.
