Ukamaka M. Oruche, PHD, RN, PHMCNS-BC, FAAN is the Gordon Keller, Senior Associate Dean of Research and Director of the PhD Program at USF College of Nursing. Dr. Oruche has established and sustained an impactful program of research focused on the mental health care of children, especially those with disruptive, impulse-control, and conduct disorders (DICs) and their family caregivers. This research program focuses on developing and testing parent- and provider-focused evidence-based interventions to improve the well-being of children with DIC. Dr. Oruche is a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, member of the Edge Runners National Advisory Council, and past President of the International Society of Pediatric Mental health Nurses. She previously served at the Indiana University School of Nursing where she built a program of research and advocacy focused on advancement of mental health equity across the globe. Her contributions to clinical practice and research have resulted in expanded scope and reach through leadership on boards that influence mental health policy in Indiana, U.S., and globally. Her service portfolio includes appointments to: Gubernatorial appointments to the Indiana Mental and Behavioral Health Taskforce Healthcare Workforce Council, and the Indiana Protection and Advocacy Services Commission. She is a member of NIH Interdisciplinary Clinical Care in Specialty Care Settings (ICSC) Study Section. Dr. Oruche's outstanding contributions to global mental health have been recognized with numerous accolades, including the COVID-19 Courage Award from the American Academy of Nursing, designation as a U.S. News and World Report Hospital and Healthcare Hero, Lifetime Achievement Award in Nursing Education and Research from the Association of Black Nursing Faculty, and induction into the Sigma International Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame. Outside of her academic pursuits, Dr. Oruche is the founder of Village Community Health Initiative, Inc., a nonprofit organization providing healthcare and nutrition to populations in southern Nigeria.