Regan Luken

Regan Luken serves as the Student Services Director and Faculty Member in the Department of Nursing at the University of South Dakota. With over two decades of experience as a Registered Nurse (RN) since 1999, Luken has practiced in psychiatric, cardiac stress testing, medical-surgical, and geriatric nursing before transitioning to academia in 2005.

Education

• BS in Nursing from South Dakota State University (2000)
• MS in Nursing Education from South Dakota State University (2009)
• Pursuing a Certificate in Leadership in Healthcare Informatics at the University of Minnesota (2024)

Research Interests focus on enhancing nursing education through student-faculty relationship building, intrusive advising strategies, mentoring frameworks, and methods to reduce performance anxiety in clinical and academic settings.

Teaching Interests include preparation for nursing school, academic success strategies, and study skill development for nursing students.

Scientific Awards & Honors include recognition from Sigma Theta Tau International, USD Girls Soccer, Sanford Hospital, and Kappa Alpha Theta. Luken also holds certifications in Basic Life Support, Healthcare Informatics, and is a licensed RN in South Dakota.

Grants highlight Luken's work in virtual reality applications for mental health, smart home technology for telehealth, and competency development in telehealth.