267 ORGANIZATIONS Taylor Conaway, a senior pursuing her master’s in professional nursing, was elected president of the National Student Nursing Association (NSNA) in April. Conaway was the first Harding student to serve as president of NSNA, but this was not her first experience in a major leadership role. In 2021, Conaway served as president of the Arkansas Nursing Student Association (ANSA). A year later, she ran at the national level. Conaway shared that the process was daunting but rewarding. “When the preslate list came out, I was running against one other person, which helped to motivate me to prepare for the national convention,” Conaway said. “I worked on my campaign, decided what I wanted to focus on, and started reaching out to people. My slogan was ‘join the ConaWay.’” At the national convention in Salt Lake City, Conaway said she continued campaigning, talked with students about her vision for NSNA and participated in the presidential debate. “It was a stressful opportunity, but one that brought growth,” Conaway said. During her year of presidency, Conaway said her responsibilities included presiding as chair of the meetings, helping provide direction for the board and moving the decisions of the House of Delegates into action, as well as representing NSNA at different Nursing Student Goes National Senior Taylor Conaway becomes the National Student Nursing Association president. events, including the Midyear Conference in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and the annual convention in Nashville, Tennessee. Conaway said the most valuable thing she learned from her experience as president was the benefit that came from pushing herself out of her comfort zone. “I would not have believed it if someone told me four years ago that I serve on a national board and deliver speeches in front of hundreds of people,” Conaway said. “Another thing I’ve learned is to walk through the doors that God has opened for you even when you are scared. Serving where God is asking you to is what we are called to do, and your actions speak louder than words.” Dean of the College of Nursing Susan Kehl said the nursing department was grateful for Conaway’s leadership and gifts. “She quickly understood the importance of students’ participation in the Arkansas and National Student Nurses Associations,” Kehl said. “She has the ability to manage her academic workload and work as president of ASNA and NSNA. She has the capacity to promote the profession of nursing across the state and country.” Graduate nursing student Malore Laferriere, who worked alongside Conaway as secretary of ASNA, agreed. “She is a role model to her peers and passionate about nursing,” Laferriere said. “She inspires our cohort with her positive attitude and her eagerness to learn.” Written by: Morgan Wrigley PRESENTATION TIME Taylor Conaway gives a speech at a national nursing convention. Conaway’s role as president gave her the opportunity to travel to many conventions. Photo courtesy of: Dr. Kimberly Cooper
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