April 2, 2025
Kelsey Huntley, an RN-to-BSN nursing student at Mayville State University, was inducted into Xi-Kappa at-Large, a chapter of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. Kelsey was honored at an induction ceremony held virtually on Saturday, March 22, 2025. She currently works in a med-surg unit and has plans to eventually work in the ICU setting.
Mayville State University Assistant Professor of Nursing Lindsay Bontjes was the keynote speaker for the induction program. Her presentation was titled, “A Concept Analysis: Nurse Leader Well-being” and described practical ideas for new nurse leaders to implement as they enter and thrive within the nursing profession. Ms. Bontjes also earned one of the two Xi-Kappa at-Large graduate student scholarships awarded this year.
Dr. Carey Haugen, associate professor and Dean in the Division of Nursing at Mayville State University. earned the “Caring Award” from the Xi-Kappa at-Large chapter during the induction ceremony.
“Dr. Haugen is growing the graduate nursing (MSN) program at Mayville State University with a passion for teaching, experience as an RN (registered nurse) and APRN (advanced practice registered nurse) in industry, and commitment to integrity in the nursing profession. Dr. Haugen has secured HRSA (Health Resources and Services Administration) grants for new students, published research, and has a special interest in AI. She is a caring nurse educator and nurse leader,” shared Dr. Carol Roth, Xi-Kappa at-Large awards committee member
Founded in 1922 by six nursing students, Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing (Sigma) membership is by invitation to baccalaureate and graduate nursing students who demonstrate excellence in scholarship and to nurse leaders who exhibit exceptional achievements in nursing. Sigma has more than 135,000 active members residing in more than 100 countries. As an international community of nurses, dedicated to the advancement of knowledge, teaching, learning, and service through the cultivation of communities of practice, education, and research members are invited through rigorous selection criteria. Sigma members include clinical nurses and administrators, academic nurse educators and researchers, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and others working to fulfill the organization’s vision of connected, empowered nurse leaders transforming global healthcare.
The local chapter, Xi-Kappa at-Large, includes six member schools. Mayville State University Division of Nursing joining the chapter in 2019. In addition to Mayville State, other member schools include Minnesota State University- Moorhead (MSUM), Concordia College, North Dakota State University (Fargo and Bismarck locations), and University of Jamestown.