By James Coburn, staff writer
Oklahoma’s nursing community is mourning the loss of an original board member, leader and advocate who helped to create the Oklahoma Indigenous Nurses Association.
Dr. Diana Mashburn, PhD, RN, was a dedicated educator, and a powerful voice for Indigenous nurses and students. Mashburn served as OINA treasurer.
She passed away peacefully on February 11, 2026, in Oklahoma City. She was born on May 14, 1965.
Mashburn was an associate professor at the Anna Vaughn School of Nursing – Oral Roberts University. She considered this her supreme professional accomplishment, coming full circle as a faculty member. Her undergraduate experience began at ORU as a pre-med student.
She earned an Associate of Arts degree from Bacone College, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Northeastern State University, and a Master of Science in Nursing degree from the University of Oklahoma.
Mashburn earned her Ph.D. in Nursing from the University of Minnesota in 2012, becoming a member of an elite group.
“At that time, Dr. Mashburn became one of fewer than 15 Native American nurses in the United States holding this doctoral credential,” said Jane Nelson, CEO of the Oklahoma Nurses Association.
Her altruistic-based research focused on Cherokee citizens living with Type 2 diabetes with emphasis on self‑care, self‑efficacy, and culturally informed health practices.
Mashburn’s leadership roles included being Director of Nursing at Northeastern State University and Director of Nursing and Allied Health at Connors State College.
“She was very proud of her Cherokee heritage, and I feel that is where her heart was — serve the people and serve the land in a good way,” said Sonya Frazier RN, president of OINA and member of ONA. “And that’s exactly what she did through her profession of nursing.”
She was always coming up with new ideas.
Her legacy of educational opportunities encourages Native nurses. She taught at every level — from CNA and LPN to BSN, MSN, and doctoral education.
Mashburn was a tireless mentor. She not only served in leadership within the ONA, OINA, Sigma Theta Tau, and as a Peer Evaluator for ACEN. Her influence touched communities across Oklahoma.
Her impact on Indigenous health will impact generations. Mashburn’s legacy is defined by excellence, compassion, and transformational impact.
“Oklahoma’s nursing community mourns her loss and celebrates the extraordinary contributions she made throughout her life,” OINA expressed.
Mashburn served as a peer evaluator for the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. Her leadership shined in the Zeta Delta Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau. And in 2018, Mashburn was selected by Northeastern State University to travel to Beijing to meet with nursing educators and students. They compared notes and offered her professional advice on programs.
“Sharing her story with the rest of us is what touches other people,” Frazier said.
Also, Mashburn regularly volunteered at Muskogee’s Baptist Free Health Clinic.
She belonged to Muskogee Hope Chapter No. 401 Order of the Eastern Star. She served the Oklahoma Grand Chapter as Grand Lecturer in 2017. She was a member of the Muskogee-Indian Territory Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Auxiliary, Post 474 Muskogee and the Clement A. Evans Chapter, United Daughters of the Confederacy, Tulsa.
Diana and Greg Mashburn worshipped at Grandview Baptist Church in Muskogee. The couple loved their “fuzzy love puppy,” Usdi.
Board-certified as a medical-surgical nurse and certified nurse educator, she taught nursing at nearly every level, from CNA to doctoral levels. She filled the role of director of nursing at Northeastern State University and director of nursing and Allied Health for Connors State College.
“She was very proud of her Cherokee heritage, and I feel that is where her heart is — serve the people and serve the land in a good way,” Frazier said. “And that’s exactly what she did through her profession of nursing.”
“She was very supportive of any ideas or suggestions that we had,” Frazier said. “She was just very encouraging. Sometimes as a Native nurse, it’s good to see other Native nurses in these academia roles and supportive roles, especially, encouraging people to go on and further their own education, or even in research because there’s not a lot of research for Native Americans in health, especially. That is something she did to encourage us to do as well.”
Sharing her story is what touches people’s lives, Frazier said
Diana worshipped at Grandview Baptist Church in Muskogee with her husband, Greg Mashburn. The couple had no children but shared a love for their “fuzzy love puppy,” Usdi. And on special occasions, Mashburn was proud to wear her Cherokee Tear Dress.
“We would like to honor and remember our esteemed friend, colleague, and relative, Dr. Diana Mashburn. As one of the original founders of the Oklahoma Indigenous Nurses Association, Dr. Mashburn’s legacy continues to inspire and guide our work,” Frazier said.
The late Dr. Diana Mashburn, Ph.D., RN, devoted her career as an educator to enhance health research for Native Americans.
