School of Nursing Alumni of the Year: Russ and Nathania Park

Russ and Nathania Park met as undergraduate nursing students and soon became inseparable, so much so that Russ says their professors joked that they already acted like an old married couple. Their romance turned into marriage, while their education led to two distinct careers. Russ went on to earn his doctorate in nursing practice from UNR and specializes in behavioral health leadership and system improvements, while Nathania focuses on clinical care for primary and senior patient populations.

What does being selected as the 2026 School of Nursing honorees mean to you?

Nathania: Receiving this recognition together makes it even more special because we've built our careers alongside each other, supporting one another through every challenge and milestone. UNLV played such an important role in our journey. It feels less like an award for one accomplishment and more like a celebration of the journey we've shared.

Russ: I can't imagine anyone I'd rather share this recognition with than my wife. UNLV has always held a special place in our hearts — not only because it's where our careers began, but because it's where we first met in a summer chemistry class.

Nathania, your work focuses heavily on primary care and senior health in underserved communities. What drives your passion for this work?

Nathania: I especially love caring for seniors. They have the best stories, an incredible sense of perspective, and a wisdom that only comes from a lifetime of experience. I grew up in a family that had a deep distrust of the medical system, so I understand why some patients are hesitant or fearful. My goal is always to meet them with empathy, listen first, and build trust before anything else.

I recently received a national award for ranking in the top 5% in quality metrics, which was deeply meaningful because it took place in an underserved clinic, where many patients face barriers that make preventative care difficult to prioritize. It proved that with consistency, compassion, and commitment, meaningful health outcomes are possible—even in challenging circumstances.

Russ, as a CEO in behavioral health, how do you balance executive leadership with your core background as a nurse?

Russ: What if I told you that leading a healthcare organization and caring for a patient are really the same thing? 

As a nurse, I was trained to assess a patient as a whole. I look at their vital signs, lab results, symptoms, and overall condition to understand whether they're healthy and where they need support. 

Today, how do I know my organization is healthy? I look at its vital signs. I see strong patient and family feedback. I hear employees say they feel supported and valued. Staff turnover is low. Restrictive interventions are rare. We have few regulatory or legal concerns. Our financial performance is sound. Our reputation reflects the quality of care our team provides.

For me, leadership has never meant stepping away from nursing; it's simply nursing at a different scale.

You’ve chosen to raise your family and build your careers here in Las Vegas. What does this community mean to you?

Russ: My wife is from Mexico, I'm from California, and our children were born here in Las Vegas. We arrived by different paths, but what unites us is that we all bleed scarlet and gray. Las Vegas is where we met, built our family, and found our purpose. Because this community has given us so much, we feel a duty to leave a stronger foundation for the next generation of healthcare professionals coming behind us.

UNLV has remained a central part of your lives long after graduation. What message do you have for the university?

Nathania: No one builds something meaningful alone. UNLV has the incredible responsibility of developing that local talent and preparing the next generation of nurses and leaders. The School of Nursing gave so much to us, so we feel a responsibility to help strengthen the next generation of nurses. Together, we can continue to grow this beautiful community.