Zhizhong Li

Zhizhong Li is an Associate Professor and Associate Dean of Inclusive Excellence and Belonging at the University of Nevada, Reno's Orvis School of Nursing. He leads initiatives integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion across the school's operations and curriculum. Previously, he held roles as Assistant Dean, Undergraduate Clinical Coordinator, and track leader in the MSN Clinical Nurse Leader program.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Nursing, University of Arizona (Data & System Science)
• MSN, BSN, and ADN from University of Nevada, Reno and Truckee Meadows Community College
• MA in Journalism, University of Nevada, Reno
• Post-Master's Certificate in PMHNP-BC, University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Research Interests:

• Mental health, substance abuse prevention, and suicide prevention
• Inclusion/diversity equity in healthcare and education
• Healthcare disparities among LGBTQIA+ and vulnerable populations
• Nurse leader retention strategies and workforce dynamics
• Universal Design for Learning in neurodiverse education

Awards:

• ProQuest's 25 Most-Accessed Dissertations (2018) for research on cultural competence
• AACN recognition for student initiative addressing opioid use disorder stigma

Leadership Activities:

• Co-chair of Orvis School of Nursing's Strategic Planning Committee
• Founding member of University Neurodiversity Alliance and WHEN@UNR
• Member of Presidential Diversity Task Force and Ozmen Institute Advisory Committee

Teaching:

• Undergraduate/graduate nursing courses in leadership, clinical practice, and global health
• Developed the Student Wellness Program at Orvis School of Nursing