Chai Represents the College of Nursing at ABOR’s Student Showcase
Dean Ahn (left) congratulates Samantha Chai (right) on her excellent presentation.
On November 21, senior BSN nursing student Samantha Chai represented the College of Nursing at the Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR) Student Showcase Reception. The event brought together more than 30 undergraduate students from across the University of Arizona, each showcasing projects that exemplified their respective college's mission. Chai’s presentation, titled Nursing Education Outreach & Arizona Nursing Inclusive Excellence (ANIE) program, spotlighted the program’s contributions to the college and her passion for working with youth and promoting the nursing field.
One of Chai’s professors, Stephanie Gasser, MSN-Ed, RN-BC, CNE, senior lecturer, nominated her for the presentation, recognizing Chai's exceptional work in the educational outreach program. Chai said, “It was truly an honor to be chosen to represent the College of Nursing at this event.”
A Tucson native and the daughter of an educator, Chai has a strong personal connection to nursing education outreach. She collaborated closely with Tarnia Newton, DNP, FNP-C, assistant clinical professor, to develop outreach programs for K-12 students in underserved areas throughout Southern Arizona. These interactive workshops are designed to introduce nursing as a potential career option. “Our mission is to inspire the next generation of nurses,” Chai explained. “I’m passionate about using education to nurture young minds. This project has allowed me to give back to the community that shaped me.”
Chai’s presentation highlighted the group’s upcoming children’s book, The Nurse I Want to Be!, a creative project she helped spearhead to engage young readers through art and storytelling. Partnering with artists from the U of A College of Fine Arts, the book hopes to inspire children to consider nursing as a career. It will be distributed in English and Spanish and reach elementary school children through story time events to make the experience more interactive and engaging. “This book is my gift to the community and the college,” Chai said. “My hope is that it sparks curiosity and ambition in children, showing them that nursing is a path they can follow.”
In her presentation, Chai also discussed the past four years, during which she participated in the ANIE program. Under the guidance of Timian Godfrey, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, associate clinical professor, and ANIE program director, Chai contributed to initiatives to cultivate a more diverse nursing workforce, particularly in tribal communities such as the Tohono O'odham Nation and Pascua Yaqui Nation.
“My identity as a Mexican-Chinese American woman shapes my passion for equitable healthcare,” Chai shared. “Representation matters, not just for the workforce but for the safety and care of patients.” Her involvement with the ANIE program allowed her to participate in educational trips to Flagstaff, New Mexico, Denver, and Nogales. She also served as an advanced skills facilitator for nursing students during the 2024 summer intensive program.
Brian Ahn, PhD, dean of the College of Nursing, said, “Samantha Chai embodies the heart of nursing: compassion, innovation, and a deep commitment to community impact. We are incredibly proud of her accomplishments and honored to have her represent our college at the Student Showcase.”
Reflecting on the Regent’s Reception, Chai described it as a career-defining moment. “The event was truly special,” she said. “I had the opportunity to meet incredible students, connect with supportive Regents, and experience the encouragement of leaders like Dean Brian Ahn.” Chai was grateful to the professors and mentors who guided her throughout her nursing journey. The evening became even more meaningful as she looked forward to her graduation in December.
In her closing remarks, Chai shared her pride in representing the College of Nursing and her excitement for the impact her work will have. “This experience reaffirmed my love for nursing and commitment to serving my community,” she said. “It was an honor to stand alongside so many talented students and to show what makes the University of Arizona College of Nursing so special.”