Rutgers School of Nursing Earns Ninth Consecutive Best Schools for Men in Nursing Award

The honor recognizes nursing schools and colleges for their efforts to recruit and retain men in nursing

Rutgers School of Nursing received the 2026 Best Schools for Men in Nursing Award from the American Association for Men in Nursing, marking the ninth consecutive year the school has earned the national honor.

The award recognizes nursing schools and colleges for significant efforts to recruit and retain men in nursing, provide a supportive educational environment and educate students, faculty and the community about the contributions men make to the nursing profession.

The awards will be presented during AAMN's 51st annual conference, to be held from Oct. 15 to Oct.17 in Las Vegas.

"Men remain underrepresented in nursing, and Rutgers School of Nursing is committed to addressing this," said Angela Starkweather, dean and professor. "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."

About 16% of Rutgers School of Nursing's roughly 2,200 students are men, exceeding their representation in the national nursing workforce. According to the 2024 National Nursing Workforce Survey, men accounted for 10% of registered nurses nationally, down slightly from 11% in 2022

Increasing the number of men in nursing will help build a workforce that more closely reflects the patients and communities nurses serve, says the American Nurses Association. Broader representation can lead to improved communication and quality of care, the association says.

The Rutgers chapter of the American Association of Men in Nursing supports the school's efforts to nurture the growth of men in nursing. With a membership base of both men and women, the student-led chapter provides opportunities for leadership, professional development, advocacy, community service and engagement with issues affecting men's health and nursing.

The chapter's executive board for 2026-2027 comprises President Leo Ramos, Vice President Tyrell Weir, Director of Programs Ronord Veard, Director of Correspondence Alejandra Maldonado and Director of Public Relations Parker Thatcher. The chapter receives active support and guidance from Kofi G. Polley, executive director of administration, and Kyle D. Warren, who serves as senior vice dean for administration and student affairs and associate vice chancellor for student affairs-Rutgers Health.

Among its recent initiatives, the chapter hosted an alumni panel presentation on men's mental health, open to all students.

Rutgers School of Nursing first received the Best Schools for Men in Nursing Award in 2018 and has earned the recognition every year since.