About
MLN
Together, we elevate the standard
of care across the state.
Missouri Nursing Education & Professional Development
Missouri League for Nursing
The Missouri League for Nursing is a statewide professional nursing organization dedicated to advancing nursing education, leadership, professional development, and healthcare excellence across Missouri. Through continuing education programs, conferences, community partnerships, and member engagement opportunities, MLN supports nurses, nurse educators, healthcare leaders, students, and healthcare organizations at every stage of the profession. With a longstanding legacy of serving the nursing community, MLN remains focused on strengthening the future of healthcare through collaboration, innovation, advocacy, and the ongoing development of nursing professionals throughout the region.
Advancing Nursing Excellence in Missouri
Dear MLN Members and Colleagues,
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It is both an honor and a privilege to serve as President of the Missouri League for Nursing. As I step into this role, I do so with deep gratitude for the trust you have placed in me and with great enthusiasm for the work ahead.
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I am a proud Missouri native and have been a Missouri nurse for more than 20 years. Throughout my career, as a nurse, educator, and now Dean of Ponce Health Sciences University in St. Louis, I have been deeply committed to advancing nursing practice, strengthening nursing education, and supporting those who serve our communities across the state. My personal and professional journey has reinforced my belief that Missouri’s nurses are resilient, innovative, essential to the health of our people, and need a seat at the table.
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During my presidency, MLN will focus on strengthening and expanding our programming to better meet Missouri’s evolving educational priorities. This includes ensuring our offerings are responsive to workforce challenges, educational capacity, practice readiness, and leadership development across all settings. We will actively seek member input to guide programs that are timely, relevant, and impactful.
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Another key priority will be increasing our advocacy and collaboration efforts. Missouri nurses have an important voice at both the state and national levels, and MLN will continue to expand partnerships with Missouri organizations and national nursing leaders to advance policies and initiatives that support nursing education, practice, and our profession as a whole.
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Above all, MLN remains deeply committed to serving Missouri nurses, nursing educators, and healthcare leaders. Whether you practice at the bedside, teach in the classroom, lead organizations, or shape the future of nursing through education and mentorship, MLN exists to support you. Together, we can strengthen the nursing profession and ensure a strong, sustainable workforce for the future of Missouri healthcare.
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I look forward to working alongside you in the months ahead and welcome your engagement, ideas, and partnership as we move forward together.
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With appreciation and commitment,
Katie Jett, DNP, RN, MSN, FNP-BC
President, Missouri League for Nursing Dean, School of Nursing, Ponce Health Sciences University – St. Louis
MLN Board of Directors
Executive Officers
Katie Jett, DNP, MSN, RN, FNP-BC
President
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Anna Blackford, MSN-Ed, RN
President-Elect
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Janet Chance-Hetzler, DNP, MSN, APRN, RN, ACNS-BC, AOCNS, CNE
Past President
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Julie Bilyeu
Treasurer
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Unit Chairs
Jennifer McCord, PhD, RN, CRRN
Western Unit Chair
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Brittany Ricciardi, BSN, RN, LNHA
Northern Unit Chair
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Stephanie Franks, MSN, RN, CNE
Eastern Unit Chair
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Vacant
Southern Unit Chair
Job Openings
Have a position to fill?
MLN members can promote career opportunities here. Contact Reba@mlnmonursing.org for posting information.
Empowering the Next Generation of Nurses
MLN Student Scholarships
The Missouri League for Nursing offers nursing scholarships to support qualified students in achieving their educational and career goals in nursing. Scholarship amounts vary based on eligibility criteria outlined in the official Rules and Regulations. The MLN Scholarship is available to practical nursing students, registered nursing students beyond the freshman level in associate degree or diploma programs, RN students beyond the sophomore level in baccalaureate programs, and Master of Science in Nursing candidates who have completed at least 15 credit hours and hold an active Missouri nursing license. To be considered, all scholarship applications must be submitted through the applicant’s dean; applications submitted directly by students will not be accepted.
The Missouri League for Nursing invites deans and directors from member schools of nursing to nominate one outstanding graduating student for recognition at the 13th Annual MLN Nursing Convention, held April 13–14, 2026, in Columbia. Selected students will receive complimentary registration to the convention, be recognized during the event and on MLN social media, and serve as a student ambassador supporting future conference planning and student engagement. Nominees should demonstrate strong leadership potential, effective interpersonal skills, and a commitment to continued professional growth. Interested schools must submit their selected student based on these criteria.
MLN Student Ambassador Award
Our Core Values
At the Missouri League for Nursing, our core values guide every decision, partnership, and initiative. Rooted in a commitment to advancing nursing education and healthcare, these principles shape how we serve our members, support our communities, and lead with purpose. Together, they reflect our dedication to fostering a culture of compassion, integrity, inclusivity, and excellence in all that we do.
CARING
MLN values acting with concern and consideration for the whole person. We believe the value of caring should be inherent in all actions of health care professionals. All organizational actions and activities are managed in a participative and person-centered manner, demonstrating an ability to understand the needs of others and a commitment to act in the best interest of all stakeholders.
Integrity
MLN consistently demonstrates open communication, fair decision-making, and humility. Not only is doing the right thing how we do business, but our actions reveal our commitment to transparency.
Diversity
MLN embraces acceptance and respect of each individual and recognizes individual differences and uniqueness among ideas, values and varied characteristics and dimensions of human beings. Our culture promotes inclusivity.
Excellence
MLN is committed to continuous growth, improvement, and understanding. The status quo and mediocrity are not tolerated and transformation is supported. Through teamwork, the organization stays abreast of the latest trends and technology to meet dynamic needs of stakeholders.