Looking Back, Looking Ahead

As this year comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on the moments that have inspired me, the achievements that have lifted our community, and the incredible educators, leaders, and students who make our work meaningful. Serving as your Western Region Director has been a privilege, and this season feels like the perfect time to express how grateful I am for each of you.

With the holidays approaching, many of us are taking stock of what truly matters: connection, community, and hope for the future. This year’s Convention theme, ” Elevating Nursing Education: Embracing Change, Strengthening Community,” feels especially fitting as we look back on 2025. It captures not only the challenges we navigated, but the strength and resilience we demonstrated together.

I had a fantastic time at Convention. Several Deans/Directors from the Western Region were recognized and were inducted into the Academy Of Associate Degree Nursing (AADN), including myself. Inducted members from the Western regions are from Alaska and California. Congratulations! I would like to encourage more Western Region members to consider applying for this distinguished honor in the future.

Additionally, several members presented their posters and at this year’s Convention, a new presentation format was introduced. PechaKucha (a Japanese word) is a storytelling format in which a presenter, for example will show 20 slides for 20 seconds per slide. It is designed to inspire the presenters to “talk less, show more”. I was energized by the presentations that I attended. It was a tremendous opportunity to share and disseminate knowledge. Poster presenters were given the occasion to deliver a brief, concise and powerful podium address.

A Year That Moved Us Forward

One of the most meaningful achievements of the year is that a majority of associate degree nursing programs across the country now hold membership in OADN. This milestone reflects more than growth; it represents unity. It shows that, in a time of rapid change, ADN programs continue to stand together and support one another.

Our Convention brought together more than 700 educators, leaders, and students, making it the largest gathering in OADN’s history. Seeing so many first-time attendees engage with enthusiasm, curiosity, and generosity reminded me how much our community continues to grow in depth and strength.

Throughout the year, I have seen educators across the Western Region embrace new technologies, deepen clinical partnerships, expand student support, and champion diversity, equity, and inclusion. These efforts reflect the heart of our shared work: preparing nurses who reflect, understand, and uplift the communities they serve.

Our Collective Voice Has Never Been Stronger

Through continued advocacy and national partnerships, OADN has ensured that the ADN perspective is present in important conversations about nursing education and workforce needs. Whether advancing Title VIII funding, sharing ADN-centered insights with federal agencies, or contributing to national research, our voice continues to resonate more strongly than ever.

Investing in Our Future

This year also brought growth in leadership development and new resources to support faculty. The expansion of the Leadership Institute, the OADN Research Hub, the Alpha Delta Nu inductee directory, and improvements to our membership platforms reflect OADN’s ongoing commitment to supporting your work in teaching, leadership, and scholarship.

Your dedication to preparing compassionate, practice-ready nurses is the driving force behind these efforts.

A Simple and Sincere Thank You

As we look ahead to 2026, I hope you will take a moment to recognize the impact you make every day. Whether you are teaching in the classroom, supporting a student through a difficult moment, redesigning curriculum, or advocating for your program, your work makes a difference.

During this holiday season, I hope you find time for rest, connection, and joy. I hope you feel the pride that comes from being part of a community that values your work and stands alongside you.

Next year’s Convention in San Antonio will be another wonderful opportunity to gather, share ideas, and continue strengthening the ADN pathway. I hope you will join us and consider bringing a colleague who may benefit from the support and inspiration of this community.

Thank you for your commitment to your students, your programs, and the profession. It is an honor to serve as your Western Region Director. I am looking forward to hearing from the Western Region constituents. Let me know how I can best support your active participation at the local, regional and national level.

Wishing you peace, renewal, and hope in the coming year.

In service,

Enna Trevathan
Western Region Director
Organization for Associate Degree Nursing