Continuing its long-standing national leadership in inclusive nursing education, the Rutgers School of Nursing has received the 2026 Best Schools for Men in Nursing Award from the American Association for Men in Nursing (AAMN). This marks the ninth consecutive year the school has earned the prestigious national honor.
The award recognizes nursing colleges and universities that demonstrate a profound commitment to recruiting and retaining men in the nursing profession, fostering a supportive educational environment, and educating the broader community about the vital contributions men make to healthcare. The formal presentation will take place during the AAMN’s 51st annual conference in Las Vegas, scheduled for Oct. 15–17.
While men remain underrepresented in healthcare fields nationwide—accounting for roughly 10% of registered nurses nationally, according to the 2024 National Nursing Workforce Survey—Rutgers School of Nursing is actively bucking that trend. Approximately 16% of the school’s roughly 2,200 students are men, outstripping national averages.
“Men remain underrepresented in nursing, and Rutgers School of Nursing is committed to addressing this,” Angela Starkweather, dean and professor said. “Students need mentors, peers, leadership opportunities, and an environment that encourages them to stay, grow, and see the many ways they can contribute to the profession. Receiving this award for the ninth year affirms our school’s success in creating that kind of environment.”
According to the American Nurses Association, increasing male representation in nursing helps build a workforce that more closely reflects the diverse patient populations and communities it serves, ultimately enhancing communication and quality of care.
Student leadership and campus engagement
A key driver of the school’s inclusive culture is its active student-led chapter of the American Association of Men in Nursing. Comprising both male and female student members, the chapter provides robust opportunities for professional development, advocacy, leadership, community service, and engagement with men’s health issues.
The chapter’s 2026–2027 executive board is led by:
- Leo Ramos, President
- Tyrell Weir, Vice President
- Ronord Veard, Director of Programs
- Alejandra Maldonado, Director of Correspondence
- Parker Thatcher, Director of Public Relations
The student organization receives ongoing guidance and support from Kofi G. Polley, executive director of administration, and Kyle D. Warren, senior vice dean for administration and student affairs and associate vice chancellor for student affairs-Rutgers Health. Among its recent campus initiatives, the chapter hosted a well-attended alumni panel focused on men’s mental health.
First honored by the AAMN in 2018, the Rutgers School of Nursing has maintained an unbroken streak of excellence, cementing its reputation as a premier destination for nursing education.
