Naila Russell

Naila Russell is an Associate Professor of Practice, Chair of Graduate Nursing Programs, and Alumni Endowed Chair at Simmons University's School of Nursing. She has been affiliated with the graduate nursing program since 2015, contributing to curriculum development and teaching in Nursing@Simmons courses. Her leadership focuses on advancing the role of nurse practitioners in primary care and advocating for social justice in healthcare through education and professional leadership.

Dr. Russell holds an ADN from Northwestern Michigan College, BSN from University of Phoenix, and DNP from University of Michigan-Flint. She is licensed as a Registered Nurse and Certified Family Nurse Practitioner in multiple states.

Her research emphasizes health policy, misinformation management during pandemics, and addressing structural racism in healthcare. She has published in journals like Journal for Nurse Practitioners and Policy, Politics, and Nursing Practice.

Professional affiliations include roles with the Nurse Practitioner Association of Maryland, Michigan Council of Nurse Practitioners, and American Association of Nurse Practitioners. She actively contributes to legislative advocacy and health workforce well-being initiatives through the National Academy of Medicine's Change Maker Campaign.