TWU Dallas Men in Nursing named Chapter of the Year

Dec. 5, 2025 — DALLAS — The burgeoning TWU Dallas chapter of the American Association for Men in Nursing (AAMN) received national recognition this year as the organization’s Chapter of the Year. 

The AAMN chapter in Dallas started in 2023 as just an idea in the school parking garage, according to outgoing president Jeremy Grant. What started as a chapter of just five members has rapidly grown to a student organization with 50 active members.

Grant, Dakota Redmond (secretary), Aeron Smith (treasurer), Conner Foster (communication/social media chair), and Emmanuel Okoroafor (membership chair), were the first officers for the chapter and immediately went to work to make the TWU Dallas Chapter of AAMN a success. All will be graduating with their Bachelor of Science in Nursing this December.

“None of this would have been possible without all of us pitching in. Everyone brought new members, creative ideas, and a strong work ethic, even with our relentless schedules,” Redmond said. “I truly don’t think this would have happened with any other group of guys.”

Faculty advisor Jeffrey Williams, DNP, agrees.

“This growth is a result of the excellent leadership of the chapter officers,” Williams said. “I cannot express how proud I am of the chapter leaders.”

In addition to the AAMN’s Chapter of the Year, the group also won the TWU Redbud Award.

They recruited on campus and at student organization fairs and held chapter meetings with engaging and insightful nursing professionals. But they also worked hard at one of AAMN’s primary objectives — encourage men of all ages to become nurses. As of 2024, 13.1% of Texas nurses and 14.6% of nursing students in the 2023-24 academic year identify as male.

To connect young male students with members of the nursing profession, the chapter set up a booth at a STEM academy in Denton to speak with students about why nursing is a great profession.

The chapter also built a partnership with a local middle school to speak with students about nursing. That partnership aligns with a research study the group presented at the national AAMN conference on how important it is to connect with middle schoolers about nursing to grow the profession among males.

“We have put in a lot of hard work since we became board members of TWU Dallas Men in Nursing, and being awarded with this recognition was like the cherry on top of all of our success,” Grant said. 

Redmond wanted the chapter to be a strong support system for other students and aid in a smooth transition for new students.

“My vision was for us to be the big brothers on campus — supportive, approachable, and always willing to help,” he said. “We wanted to be a resource for the students following in our footsteps.”

Grant is excited about the incoming leadership for the chapter: Michael Preciado (president), Emmanuel Akidi (secretary), Rita Sorenson (treasurer), and Rabea Salmon (communications/membership chair). 

“They have fearlessly taken the reins and have set their own goals that will progress the organization,” Grant said. “I hope that one day when I reach my personal nursing career goals that I am able to return and speak to the TWU Dallas Men in Nursing in front of more than 100 members.”

Williams hopes to see chapters in both Denton and Houston in the coming months. 

Page last updated 5:21 PM, December 5, 2025