UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Bryan Thelisma, a current fourth-year bachelor of science in nursing student at the Penn State Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing, has been voted student representative of the National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) in the organization’s 2026 national election.
As student representative, Thelisma will act as a liaison between NBNA leadership and nursing student members, advocating and facilitating communication of student concerns and interests, and helping promote student involvement and engagement within the organization.
Thelisma has been a member of NBNA for three years, including through its Southeastern Pennsylvania Area Black Nurses Association chapter, where he currently serves as its second vice president.
During his one-year term, Thelisma said, he hopes to strengthen connections between student and professional members and encourage student involvement in NBNA.
“Being elected as the Student Representative of the National Black Nurses Association is both an incredible honor and a tremendous opportunity,” Thelisma said. “I look forward to strengthening the student voice while encouraging greater engagement and leadership at both the local chapter and national levels.”
Thelisma credited his experience at the college with preparing him for the role.
“The Penn State Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing has equipped me with the leadership skills, mentorship and support needed to serve confidently on a national level,” he said. “Through its encouragement and opportunities, I have developed meaningful relationships within NBNA and grown into a stronger leader and advocate for student nurses.”
Sheldon D. Fields, Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing associate dean for equity and inclusion and research professor, currently serves as NBNA national president, having been re-elected in 2025. Thelisma is the second Nese College of Nursing student in recent years to hold the student representative position, following Mamadi Kromah, who was elected in 2023.
Thelisma and the association’s other newly elected leaders will be sworn into office during the closing business session of NBNA’s 54th Annual Institute and Conference on Aug. 2 in St. Louis, Missouri.