UF student elected president of state nursing organization

University of Florida College of Nursing student Melanie Strickland has been elected president of the Florida Nursing Students Association, the student branch of the Florida Nurses Association. Strickland was chosen for the position in late October at the organization’s annual convention in Daytona Beach. She will serve a one-year term.

As president, Strickland will chair the organization’s executive board; appoint special committees to handle issues; maintain communication with regional directors; function as a resource person for the regions; and represent the organization in professional matters.

Strickland also plans to promote a larger and more active membership among university and community college students. She hopes to strengthen the organization’s ties to the Health Occupations Students of America—a high school-level organization—to promote nursing careers and help alleviate the state and national nursing shortage. Strickland also plans to continue the organization’s strong community health projects.