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Queens Village, NY – December 12, 2025. The National Student Nurses’ Association (NSNA) is excited to announce Dr. Kellie Bryant as the keynote speaker and Dr. Jeff Doucette as the endnote speaker for the NSNA 74th Annual Convention, April 8-11, 2026, in Houston, TX.
Keynote speaker Dr. Kellie Bryant, DNP, WHNP, CHSE, FSSH, FADLN, FAAN, is the Director of the Center for Innovation in Education Excellence at the National League for Nursing. With over 20 years of teaching experience, including 17 years specializing in simulation, she leads the development of innovative products and services to advance nursing education in her current role. She is a nationally and internationally recognized speaker on simulation and the integration of AI in nursing education.
“I am excited and deeply honored to be the keynote speaker for the 2026 NSNA Annual Convention," Dr. Bryant expressed. "The theme ‘Grounded in Purpose, Destined for the Stars’ captures the spirit of nursing: when your purpose is clear, your impact has no limit. I look forward to inspiring you to embrace your calling and lead with intention, courage, and excellence as you step into the profession of nursing.”
Dr. Bryant is a recognized leader in diversity, equity, and inclusion in healthcare education and is a consultant for Advancing Health Equity. A dedicated leader, Dr. Bryant serves on several national and international committees. She is an elected board member of the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning and the Global Network for Simulation in Healthcare. She also serves as Government Relations Chair for the Northern Virginia Nurses Association and Communications and Public Relations Chair for the Northern Virginia Black Nurses Association. Her contributions have been recognized with numerous honors, including the Nurse of the Year Award for Community Service from the National Black Nurses Association and the Nurse Educator of the Year Award from the International Council of Nurses.
"Dr. Bryant brings a rare blend of innovation, experience, and heart to nursing education, and her work continues to shape how future nurses learn, lead, and show up in practice," said D. Ryan Barrett, NSNA President. "Her keynote will challenge our members to think boldly about what’s possible and remind us that purpose isn’t just something we carry — it’s something we live. We’re grateful to welcome her to the NSNA stage."
Endnote speaker Dr. Jeff Doucette, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, FACHE, FAAN, is the Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer at Press Ganey. He is a widely recognized and accomplished nurse leader with 30 years of experience, largely in leadership and executive nursing roles. Prior to his current role at Press Ganey, he served as Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer at Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals in Philadelphia, PA. Prior to joining Jefferson Health, Jeff served as the inaugural vice president of the Magnet Recognition Program® and Pathway to Excellence® Programs at the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
“I am deeply honored to be selected as the endnote speaker for the NSNA 2026 Annual Convention,” Dr. Doucette expressed. “Over 33 years ago, I began my nursing leadership journey as a student leader in NSNA and the experiences and foundations I gained there have been instrumental in shaping my career. This opportunity is a full-circle moment, and I am grateful to give back to an organization that has given me so much.”
Dr. Doucette earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Science in healthcare administration from Marymount University, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Old Dominion University.
"Dr. Doucette’s career reflects a lifelong commitment to elevating the profession and championing the nurses who move it forward," said D. Ryan Barrett, NSNA President. "His insights at the endnote will leave our members grounded, focused, and ready to step into leadership with clarity and confidence. NSNA is honored to have him close our 74th Annual Convention with a message that meets students exactly where they are — and calls them higher."
"Empowering the next generation of nurses is at the core of our mission at NSNA,” said Dr. Kenya Williams, NSNA Chief Executive Officer. “Dr. Kellie Bryant, with her expertise in simulation and dedication to diversity and equity, alongside Dr. Jeff Doucette’s inspiring journey from student leader to renowned nurse executive, embody the passion and commitment we strive to inspire in our attendees.”
To learn more and register for the NSNA 74th Annual Convention, visit: www.nsnaconvention.org.
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