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Queens, NY – April 20, 2026. The National Student Nurses’ Association (NSNA) is pleased to introduce D. Ryan Barrett, Sr. as the 2026-2027 NSNA President. The election results were announced on April 11, 2026, during the NSNA 74th Annual Convention in Houston, TX. Mr. Barrett is a student nurse at Northern Kentucky University, Highland Heights, KY.
Currently, Mr. Barrett works as a registered nurse in the Emergency Department. This is his second term as NSNA President and Mr. Barrett served as Ex-officio Director on the NSNA Board of Directors and Chair of the Council of State Presidents Committee (2024-2025). He also served as the President of the Kentucky Association of Nursing Students (KANS) from 2023-2025.
"Being re-elected as NSNA President is deeply humbling because I have always believed leadership is about service, not status," Mr. Barrett expressed. "This opportunity is about being entrusted with the voices and potential of nursing students across the country, and I do not take that lightly."
In the 2026-2027 term, Mr. Barrett wants to focus on strengthening NSNA chapters, elevating student advocacy, and investing in developing the next generation of nurse leaders so they are ready to lead with compassion, advocate with courage, and shape the future of healthcare. "I want NSNA to be more than a place where students are represented. I want it to be where the future of nursing is formed."
Mr. Barrett received the honor and title of Kentucky Colonel designated by the Governor of Kentucky, recognizing his work as State President of KANS. He also received the NSNA DAISY Award for Extraordinary Student Leader at the NSNA 73rd Annual Convention, in Seattle, WA. Mr. Barrett graduated from Madisonville Community College, Madisonville, KY with an associate degree in nursing in December 2024.
"President Ryan Barrett’s re-election marks a historic moment for the National Student Nurses’ Association, " said Dr. Kenya Williams, EdD, MBA, MSN, RN, RP, CAE, FNYAM, FADNL, FAAN, NSNA Chief Executive Officer. "As only the third president to serve two terms—and the first male to do so—Ryan’s continued leadership reflects the confidence our organization has in his vision and results. His business acumen, steady leadership, and unwavering commitment to our mission have been truly exceptional. I look forward to continuing our partnership as we work together to advance NSNA and better serve our members and faculty nationwide."
As NSNA President, Mr. Barrett serves as chair of the NSNA Board of Directors and Executive Committee; as a member of the NSNA Finance Committee; and as ex-officio member of the Foundation of the National Student Nurses’ Association Board of Trustees.
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