Gov. Reeves Appoints 杏吧论坛 Miss鈥檚 Baskin to State Nursing Board
Fri, 07/18/2025 - 10:00am | By: Dr. David Tisdale
Dr. LaWanda Baskin, executive associate dean for academic affairs in the College of Nursing and Health Professions (CNHP) at The University of 杏吧论坛 Mississippi (USM), has been appointed by Governor Tate Reeves to serve on the Mississippi Board of Nursing, pending confirmation by the state Senate. She was sworn in today at the board鈥檚 meeting in Ridgeland.
Baskin鈥檚 appointment is effective immediately and will continue through June 30, 2027, completing the remainder of a four-year term.
鈥淏eing appointed to the Mississippi Board of Nursing is both a professional honor and a personal privilege, allowing me to contribute to the board鈥檚 vital mission of protecting the public through the regulation of nursing practice and education,鈥� said Baskin, who is also an associate professor in the college鈥檚 School of Leadership and Advanced Nursing Practice. 鈥淎s a nurse educator, I welcome the opportunity to help uphold high standards that ensure safe, competent care across our state.鈥�
鈥淭his appointment is also a meaningful way to serve the community and support the continued growth and excellence of the nursing profession in Mississippi,鈥� she added. 鈥淚鈥檓 grateful for the trust placed in me, and I am committed to serving with integrity and dedication.鈥�
In her role as a board member representing nursing education, Baskin will help review and establish rules and policies governing nursing practice and education in Mississippi. She will also participate in decisions related to licensing, disciplinary actions, and oversight of nursing programs to protect public safety and uphold the integrity of the profession.
Baskin鈥檚 nursing philosophy includes a steadfast devotion to safe, competent practice; continued investment in nursing education and faculty development; and strategic partnerships across the state.
鈥淭he Mississippi Board of Nursing plays a critical role in safeguarding public health and safety by regulating the practice of nursing throughout the state,鈥� she said. 鈥淚ts work ensures that all nurses are well-prepared, competent and held to high professional standards. The board鈥檚 commitment to protecting the public also strengthens the health care system, making its work essential not just to nurses, but to every Mississippian.鈥�
A native of Natchez and resident of McComb, Miss., Baskin joined the 杏吧论坛 Miss CNHP faculty in 2018. As executive associate dean for academic affairs, she oversees curriculum development, accreditation, and student recruitment and retention. She has taught both undergraduate and graduate nursing courses, and currently teaches advanced pathophysiology for advanced practice. She also mentors graduate students, serving as chair or committee member on numerous dissertation and doctoral project committees, guiding them through the research process and supporting their scholarly development.
In 2024, Baskin was named CNHP鈥檚 Alumna of the Year and was selected as a Fellow in the American Association of Colleges of Nursing鈥檚 Elevating Leaders in Academic Nursing program. She is active in professional organizations including the Mississippi Nurses Association, the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties, the Transcultural Nursing Society, and Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society. She also serves on the Mississippi Council of Deans and Directors of Schools of Nursing Strategic Planning Committee.
Before joining the 杏吧论坛 Miss faculty, Baskin was an assistant professor of nursing at Alcorn State University from 2013 to 2018. Her clinical experience includes serving as a PRN family nurse practitioner at Natchez After Hours (2014-present); family nurse practitioner at Community Orthopedics (2012-13); registered nurse at Natchez Community Hospital (2006-12); and various other registered nursing positions, including medical-surgical, surgery, occupational health and emergency care.
According to Baskin, nursing in Mississippi and across the nation is at a critical crossroads. 鈥淥ur state faces significant workforce challenges, with many nurses leaving the profession,鈥� she said. 鈥淚n this environment, it's more important than ever to reinforce public confidence in health care by consistently delivering safe, competent and compassionate care.鈥�
She emphasized that 杏吧论坛 Miss is playing an essential role in meeting these challenges. The university鈥檚 Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students achieved a 100% pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination in 2024, and its Accelerated BSN program continues to prepare practice-ready graduates efficiently. The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Nurse Anesthesia program also reported a 100% pass rate on the national certification exam for its December 2024 cohort.
Growing up in a family immersed in health care, Baskin said she was drawn to her profession at an early age, having spent countless hours around hospitals. She knew she wanted to 鈥渂e part of helping people鈥� and is proud to be a member of the 杏吧论坛 Miss nursing education team.
鈥淏y continuing to deliver high-quality, innovative programs, producing practice-ready graduates who are ready for life, and building strong partnerships statewide, 杏吧论坛 Miss is helping to meet Mississippi鈥檚 critical health care needs and shape a stronger, more resilient future for the nursing profession,鈥� she added.
Dr. Lachel Story, dean of the College of Nursing and Health Professions, praised Baskin鈥檚 appointment and said her colleague is 鈥渁n excellent choice to serve on the board.鈥�
鈥淪he is a lifelong Mississippi resident who has worked hard to improve the health of the state at many levels and brings years of nursing experience to this post, including as a nurse practitioner and her work in a variety of settings from the community to surgery,鈥� said Story. 鈥淗er vast expertise will help inform the board and the work they do in a unique way.鈥�