Cody Bruce, PhD, MSN Ed, RN, CNE, ACUE

Associate Professor & RN-BSN Track Coordinator

An enrolled member of the Choctaw-Apache Tribe of Ebarb, La., Bruce brings a unique perspective to his roles in nursing education and research. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Education and is a Certified Nurse Educator (CNE). Dr. Bruce is also certified by the Association of College and University Educators (ACUE), demonstrating his commitment to effective college instruction. Additionally, he holds certifications in SafeSide Suicide Prevention and Opioid Overdose Intervention with Naloxone.

With 15 years of clinical expertise in trauma, psychiatry and orthopedics, Bruce has successfully transitioned his practical knowledge into academia. For the past 11 years, he has been dedicated to educating nursing students across various programs and settings, including traditional BSN, second degree/accelerated BSN, RN-BSN online and graduate MSN education. His commitment to excellence in teaching has been recognized through prestigious awards, including The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nursing Faculty and the Association of Former Student’s Distinguished Achievement Award for Teaching at the College Level.

At HSC, Bruce is part of a founding team developing new nursing programs, including undergraduate BSN, RN-BSN, MSN and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) tracks. His research primarily aims to improve the retention of Native American students in nursing education, and his work has been presented at prestigious forums, including the National League for Nursing’s Education 2023 Summit and the International Indigenous Nursing Research 2022 Summit.

Bruce is also actively involved in impactful grant-funded projects. He is a team member on two HRSA grants to increase the number of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners in both the Indian Health Service and the State of Texas. This work underscores his commitment to addressing critical healthcare needs and improving patient care in underserved communities.

Through his teaching, research, and clinical experience, Bruce continues to make significant contributions to the field of nursing education and the expansion of healthcare access. His unique background, extensive experience, and commitment to educational excellence, as evidenced by his numerous teaching awards, make him a valuable asset to the nursing education community and an inspiration to students from varied backgrounds.