Ken Dion

Ken Dion, PhD, MSN, MBA, RN, FAAN
Recipient of The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing’s 2021 Distinguished Alumni Award

With over 40 years of experience in the health care industry, Kenneth Dion is a renowned entrepreneur, inventor and scholar dedicated to advancing nursing, technology and business innovation.

In 1999, Dion founded Decision Critical, Inc., an information systems company designed to enhance education, compliance and competency development for health care organizations. His pioneering work in digital solutions earned him patents for critical portfolio, a groundbreaking ePortfolio application, and critical staffer. Following the acquisition of Decision Critical by HealthStream, Inc. in 2012, he served as vice president and Chief of Nursing Informatics, shaping technology-driven education solutions for health care professionals.

Dion later joined the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing as assistant dean for Business Innovation and Strategic Relationships, where he played a key role in fostering partnerships and driving strategic initiatives. Currently, he serves as president of Sigma, the International Honor Society of Nursing, leading efforts to advance global nursing excellence.

His dedication to the nursing profession began in 1989 as a student at The University of Central Florida, where he quickly rose as a leader within the National Student Nurses Association (NSNA). He served in leadership roles at the local, state and national levels, including as National Secretary/Treasurer (1990–1991). Later in his career, he returned to NSNA as a board member, treasurer and president of the Foundation of the National Student Nurses Association. In recognition of his lifelong contributions, NSNA honored him with its highest distinction—Honorary Membership.

His influence extends beyond national borders. Dion is a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing and was recently inducted into the Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland. Within Sigma, he has held key leadership roles, including treasurer and president-elect, before assuming the presidency as the organization's 34th President (2021–2023 biennium).

Dion’s academic achievements reflect his commitment to bridging nursing, business and innovation. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The University of Central Florida, followed by a Master of Business Administration, Master of Science in Nursing and a Doctorate in Nursing Systems from The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing.

Through his visionary leadership and dedication to the nursing profession, Dion continues to inspire and drive meaningful advancements in healthcare education, technology and global nursing leadership.