LaWanda Baskin, PhD, FNP-C

Dr. LaWanda Baskin is a tenured Associate Professor and Executive Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at The University of Southern Mississippi College of Nursing and Health Professions. She brings over 25 years of experience in nursing, including clinical practice as a Family Nurse Practitioner and extensive leadership in nursing education and academic administration.

A proud graduate of Natchez High School, Dr. Baskin earned her PhD in Nursing Leadership and BSN from The University of Southern Mississippi and holds an MSN in Family Practice Nursing from Alcorn State University. In addition to her administrative responsibilities, she mentors doctoral students as chair and committee member on numerous scholarly projects and dissertations.

Dr. Baskin has been recognized for her contributions to nursing education and leadership, including being named the 2024 Alumni of the Year by the College of Nursing and Health Professions and being selected as a 2024 Fellow in the AACN Elevating Leaders in Academic Nursing Program. She is an active member of the Mississippi Nurses Association, the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties, Sigma Theta Tau International, and the Transcultural Nursing Society. She also serves on the Mississippi Council of Deans and Directors of Schools of Nursing Strategic Planning Committee and is a former advisory board member for The Nursing Beat.

Dr. Baskin is married to Arrocus Sr., and they are the proud parents of three children: Morgan, Madison, and Arrocus Jr. The family is active members of Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church in McComb, Mississippi, where Dr. Baskin serves as Chair of the Health and Wellness Ministry.

Reflecting on her appointment to the Board, she says, “I’m grateful for the trust placed in me, and I am committed to serving with integrity and dedication.”