McNeese Nursing Professor Elected to National Leadership Role

Dr. Tari Dilks, professor of nursing at McNeese State University, has been elected president-elect of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association Board of Directors. Dilks will begin her term at the APNA 32^nd Annual Conference Oct. 24-27 in Columbus, Ohio.

Dilks is co-coordinator of McNeese’s Master of Science in Nursing programs and director of the psychiatric/mental health track for the Intercollegiate Consortium for a Master of Science in Nursing partnership involving McNeese, Nicholls State University, Southeastern Louisiana University and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

“Dr. Tari Dilks exemplifies the commitment and dedication it takes to succeed in the nursing profession,” said Dr. Peggy Wolfe, dean of the College of Nursing and Health Professions. “She is a true leader in her field of psychiatric and mental health nursing and we are proud of our colleague.”

With a career spanning more than 40 years, she has practiced nursing at every level. Previously serving as president of APNA Louisiana Chapter among other leadership roles, she consistently advocates for awareness of psychiatric-mental health issues. She currently chairs the APNA Practice Council and was the 2017 recipient of the APNA Award for Excellence in Education.

“Health care delivery must include the recognition of psychiatric-mental health (PMH) in total health promotion and prevention,” says Dilks. “APNA’s membership brings a richness of expertise in evidence-based models in practice, research, administration, therapy, education and collaboration in multiple environments and I teach about them every day.”

She adds, “My experience in inclusive leadership, education and practice at all the PMH nursing levels are assets that I can bring to the APNA Board. PMH nursing is a strong and trusted voice for consumers of mental health services.”

Dilks obtained her doctorate in nurse practitioner/family psychology from the University of Tennessee, her Master of Science in Nursing degree and her Master of Arts degree in psychology both from McNeese and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from West Texas State University. She is a family nurse practitioner, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and a licensed professional counselor in Louisiana.

She has also been recognized for her leadership by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners with the Louisiana Award for Nurse Practitioner Excellence and her induction into the academy as a Fellow.