NE North Dakota News

Kelsey Huntley, an RN-to-BSN nursing student at Mayville State University, recently became a member of the Xi-Kappa at-Large chapter of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. The virtual induction ceremony took place on March 22, 2025. Huntley, who currently works in a med-surg unit, aspires to transition into an ICU setting in the future.

During the event, Assistant Professor of Nursing at Mayville State University, Lindsay Bontjes, delivered the keynote address. Her presentation, titled “A Concept Analysis: Nurse Leader Well-being,” offered practical guidance for new nurse leaders. Bontjes also received one of the two Xi-Kappa at-Large graduate student scholarships awarded this year.

The ceremony also recognized Dr. Carey Haugen, an associate professor and Dean in the Division of Nursing at Mayville State University, with the "Caring Award." Her efforts in expanding the graduate nursing program and her dedication to teaching and integrity were lauded by Dr. Carol Roth, a member of the Xi-Kappa at-Large awards committee. “Dr. Haugen is growing the graduate nursing (MSN) program at Mayville State University with a passion for teaching, experience as an RN and APRN in industry, and commitment to integrity in the nursing profession. Dr. Haugen has secured HRSA grants for new students, published research, and has a special interest in AI. She is a caring nurse educator and nurse leader,” Dr. Roth said.

Sigma Theta Tau International, founded in 1922, is a prestigious honor society in the nursing field, requiring invitation for membership based on academic and professional excellence. The Sigma community includes over 135,000 active members worldwide.

The Xi-Kappa at-Large chapter, active since 2019, comprises six member schools including Mayville State University, Minnesota State University-Moorhead, Concordia College, North Dakota State University in Fargo and Bismarck, and the University of Jamestown.