Cindy West

Cindy West serves as Assistant Professor and Director of Student Engagement at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) School of Nursing, where she oversees Graduate Studies and the DNP Program. Her academic leadership focuses on enhancing student engagement and wellness within nursing education.

Her educational background includes:

• DNP - Doctor of Nursing Practice, University of Texas Health Science Center Cizik School of Nursing, Houston, Texas
• MSN - Master of Science in Nursing (Nurse Anesthesiology), Charity Hospital/Xavier University, New Orleans, LA
• BSN - Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Southern University A&M College, Baton Rouge, LA

Dr. West's research centers on transforming nursing education through diversity, equity, and inclusion frameworks, with particular emphasis on student mental health and wellness. Her work addresses systemic barriers to health equity and develops practical strategies for inclusive behavior in healthcare settings. She actively investigates implicit bias mitigation and creates belonging-focused interventions for nursing students.

Her scholarly output (2021-2025) demonstrates a consistent trajectory toward integrating DEI principles with clinical practice and education. Recent publications and presentations focus on nursing student wellness, health equity implementation, and organizational leadership strategies, reflecting her dual commitment to individual well-being and systemic change in healthcare education.

Notable honors include:

• UTMB Daisy Award Nominee for Extraordinary Nursing Faculty (2024)
• National Academy of Medicine Designated Change Maker (2024)
• UT Health Spirit Award (2021)
• MD Anderson 10-Year Service Award (2016)

As Director of Student Engagement, Dr. West leads the Engage Me Series and facilitates interprofessional education initiatives including TeamSTEPPS training and Stop The Bleed programs. Her grant-related work focuses on DEI implementation through certificates from Cornell University and the University of South Florida.

She actively contributes to interprofessional teams through the Texas IPE Consortium and UTMB-IPE Core Curriculum, developing simulation-based training like Friday Night At The ER. Her leadership extends to the Access, Connection & Engagement Leadership Institute and National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education.