Posts by Olivia Grady | Today at Elon | ��޹��Ʒ

Commencement 2026: Allie Schult ’26 embodies the ‘heart and future of nursing’

Olivia Grady — Wed, 13 May 2026 13:38:39 +0000

When she initially applied to Elon, Allie Schult ’26 was planning to join ��ǲ�’s accelerated physician assistant program.

“I got waitlisted for it,” Schult explained. “And when I was on the waitlist, my mom was like, ‘Wait, what about the nursing program?’ I was like, ‘No, you have to apply. I can’t just ask,’ but she told me to just do it.”

Schult always knew she wanted to work in the healthcare sphere, so she emailed the Department of Nursing explaining that she had interviewed for the physician assistant studies program, but was now interested in becoming a nursing major. After verification of her test scores, she was switched into the program, and the rest was history.

“And so, then I had to tell my mom, ‘Oh, you were right. I did just have to ask!’ But I’m really glad I did, and I’ve loved every second of it.”

On campus, Schult has held various positions related to her journey in the health sciences, starting as an anatomy lab teaching assistant and later becoming a human physiology tutor. Additionally, Schult works once a week with fellow nursing student Lathan Rubant ’26 to answer any questions for younger nursing majors through PAL (Peer Assisted Learning) sessions.

“We say, ‘Bring any muddy points that you’re confused about,’ and they come in. We help them talk through things and clear up points that might not have been completely clear in class,” said Schult. “I feel like that’s probably the biggest thing I do in relation to nursing.”

Schult also shadowed Lori Hubbard, assistant professor of nursing, who works as a lactation consultant on the labor and delivery floor of Cone Health Alamance Regional Hospital. This inspired her to explore the pediatric route of nursing.

“I used to work in a daycare, I like working with kids,” Schult explained. “But then this past summer, I went out on a limb and applied to an externship at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, so I got to work in an adult hematology oncology unit, which is adults with blood disorders and cancer.”

This introduced her to a different side of medicine, which she combined to find her post-graduate position at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, working in pediatric hematology oncology.

“I never thought about doing oncology at all, but then after my summer, I realized these are the best people, and there are good victories,” Schult explained.

In commending her accomplishments in the nursing program, Hubbard noted the social media series Schult conducts to motivate fellow nursing students.

“Allie embodies the heart and future of nursing. She will bring immense knowledge as well as seasoned talents in peer mentorship and collaboration to the profession,” said Hubbard. “Her social media series that she films to encourage and inform other nursing students about study habits and test-taking skills for successfully navigating nursing school is the perfect representation of her character and compassion.”

As she prepares to graduate from Elon on May 22, Schult credits the closeness of her nursing cohort, class sizes and professors in shaping her experience.

“There are such small class sizes, and with 39 of us in the nursing cohort, we’ve been together since freshman year. We did our Elon 1010 together, so we’ve been together since the beginning. I think it’s just nice that you get to spend so much time together, and they really get to know you, and the professors do too,” Schult explained.

Assistant Professor of Nursing Jeanmarie Koonts served as Schult’s advisor in the nursing program.

“She has really seen me through it all, all of my dilemmas with things,” Schult explained. “I went to her when I was debating what kind of nurse I wanted to be and what I wanted to do for my senior practicum, and she just sat down with me and let me talk through all of my thoughts.”

“Allie exemplifies what it means to be both an outstanding scholar and an impactful, servant leader. Her academic excellence is matched by her dedication as a peer tutor and PALS leader, consistently uplifting others with patience, insight, and a collaborative spirit,” said Koonts. “This dedication is evident not only in her work but also in the genuine care and concern she brings to her patients, friends, and colleagues.”

In discussing the program, Schult attributed the size of Elon to creating a more individualized experience.

“I think all the professors have been instrumental in their own ways. I think that’s the great thing about being here, is that they all know you,” said Schult. “You’re not just a number, you’re a person.”

Ahead of ��޹��Ʒ’s 136th Commencement on May 22, 2026, Today at Elon is highlighting several graduating seniors who have made the most of their Elon experience.

SURF Stories 2026: Ryder Hutchinson ’28 researches how to fight cancer with viruses

Olivia Grady — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 13:50:37 +0000

For Ryder Hutchinson ’28, impactful research was not something to be completed towards the end of his college experience. The nursing student began research on how to fight various cancers with different viruses after only his first semester at Elon.

“We use a type of virus that does a really good job at not killing your healthy cells but does a really good job at killing cancer cells,” Hutchinson said. “They use this technique at clinical trials right now for common cancers such as breast and colon cancer in combination with chemotherapy drugs. But my big question was: what about the other cancers?”

Hutchinson began this research with Efrain Rivera-Serrano, assistant professor of biology. While taking his cell biology course, Hutchinson began shadowing Rivera-Serrano weekly in the lab as he worked with other students on research projects. Hutchinson was then accepted by Rivera-Serrano as a research student, in addition to his acceptance into ��ǲ�’s Summer Undergraduate Research Experience, where he stayed on campus over the summer of 2025 with a grant to continue research on the project.

Given his grandmother’s diagnosis of leukemia, Hutchinson was initially interested in exploring this specific type of cancer. However, given the difficulty in testing certain types of cancers, the pair compromised and used existing research and expanded upon it with Hutchinson’s desire to help cancer patients.

“It was a different way of using what he knows, with what I know, and making a really cool research project out of it,” Hutchinson said.

Ryder Hutchinson ’28 (center) at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research from April 13-15 in Richmond, Virginia.

When describing the various types of viral strings, Hutchinson compared them to “personalities,” for the layman viewer of his project to understand.

“This one virus can have many different strings, or as I like to say, many different personalities,” Hutchinson said. “And they’re using a specific string or specific personality in clinical trials, but there’s so many more out there. So, I did testing on 35 different strings and found that within the rare cancers I tested on, the one I found is different than the one in clinical trials, and it shows to be better at killing than the one’s they’re currently using.”

During SURF Day on April 28, all other campus activities are suspended so the Elon community can come together around students’ creative endeavors and research efforts. Undergraduate research is also one of the five Elon Experiences, which provides a natural extension of the work students do in the classroom and ensures that Elon graduates are prepared for both graduate school and careers.

After he presents at SURF, Hutchinson plans on conducting more specific research to the field of nursing with chemotherapy patients at Cone Health hospital that align more closely with his goal of a profession in nursing.

In addition to his research project, he is in the process of receiving feedback for two professional articles: one of which he is publishing himself, and another in which he is the co-author.

“I have always wanted to have a purpose,” Hutchinson said. “I wanted to make an impact, and I feel like I’m slowly doing that, or headed in the right direction of making a difference or impact on people’s lives.”

School of Health Sciences celebrates annual award ceremony

Olivia Grady — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 15:55:03 +0000

Faculty and staff members of the School of Health Sciences gathered at the Francis Center on April 15 to honor their peers in their dedication to external scholarship, teaching, mentoring, service and more.

The event began with an introduction from the Dean of the School of Health Sciences, Maha Lund.

“Your accomplishments reflect not only your individual commitment, but also the high standards and shared purposes that guide you and all of us here at the School of Health Sciences,” said Lund. “So even if you don’t receive an award today, you are all winners in my mind.”

Grateful Award: Monica Isbell, director of academic accommodations and accessibility

This award recognizes any person who is not a full-time member of the School of Health Sciences who has an established pattern of support and who provides services to the greater School of Health Sciences community. It was presented by Janet Cope, professor of physical therapy education.

“With more than seventeen years of experience in disability services, Monica has strengthened systems that expand access and opportunity for all learners. She has worked closely with SHS faculty to ensure accommodations are not only timely and appropriate but also integrated thoughtfully into the learning environment,” said Cope. “What sets Monica apart is the genuine care she brings to her work. She consistently reminds us that accessibility is not just about policy—it is about belonging, dignity and ensuring every student can fully participate in our academic community. Through her leadership, advocacy and compassion, Monica has made a lasting impact on the School of Health Sciences and beyond.”

Monica Isbell, director of academic accommodations and accessibility, receives the “Grateful Award” from Dean of the School of Health Sciences Maha Lund during the School of Health Sciences Faculty/Staff Awards on April 15, 2026.

Excellence in Scholarship Award: Jack Magil, assistant professor of physical therapy education

This award is designed to recognize a full-time faculty member who exemplifies excellence in scholarship that advances the knowledge of one’s discipline or supports one’s teaching as the hallmark of the Elon Teacher-Scholar model. Scholarship is broadly defined to include scholarship of teaching and learning, interprofessional work, and community-based scholarship, as well as peer-reviewed traditional disciplinary work. The award was presented by Srikant Vallabhajosula, professor of physical therapy education.

“Since joining Elon in 2021, he has quickly established himself as a productive and influential scholar in sports and orthopedic physical therapy, with research focusing on pediatric and athletic performance, return-to-sport testing and clinical decision-making. His growing body of work includes multiple peer-reviewed publications in leading journals such as the Orthopedic Journal of Sports Medicine and 20+ published abstracts that advance evidence-based practice in injury epidemiology, rehabilitation outcomes and functional performance norms,” said Vallabhajosula.

His research also extends to teaching and learning, investigating the predictors of the national licensure examination to improve educational outcomes in the health-care field. Additionally, his commitment to student mentorship is evident through his participation in the American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting, guiding students through data collection, analysis and presentations.

Jack Magil, assistant professor of physical therapy education, receives the “Excellence in Scholarship Award,” from Dean of the School of Health Sciences Maha Lund during the School of Health Sciences Faculty/Staff Awards on April 15, 2026.

Excellence in Service, Leadership and Collaboration: Melissa Scales, associate professor of physical therapy education

This award is designed to recognize a full time School of Health Sciences community member who has served through service, leadership and/or collaboration. The award was presented by Bethany Fearnow, simulation coordinator for the Interprofessional Simulation Center.

“Scales has demonstrated strong leadership at the university level through her service on the Academic Council, where she represents the School of Health Sciences and will begin serving as chair-elect in August 2025. She also serves as co-chair of the Academic Council’s Service Working Group, helping develop university-wide guidelines and rubrics for faculty service. Her university service further includes work on the Committee on Committees, the Residential Campus Advisory Committee, and the Health Professions Advisory Committee, where she has mentored undergraduate students interested in health careers since 2017,” Fearnow said. “Her breadth of service, from university-wide leadership and policy development to mentorship and student engagement, exemplifies the spirit of service, leadership, and collaboration that strengthens the School of Health Sciences and ��޹��Ʒ.”

Melissa Scales, associate professor of physical therapy education, receives the “Excellence in Service, Leadership and Collaboration Award” from Dean of the School of Health Sciences Maha Lund during the School of Health Sciences Faculty/Staff Awards on April 15, 2026.

Staff Excellence Award: Bethany Fearnow, simulation coordinator from the Interprofessional Simulation Center

This award recognizes a full-time staff member of the School of Health Sciences who significantly advances the work of the school and their department. This award was presented by Gytis Balilionis, laboratory and donor coordinator.

“Bethany joined Elon in 2022 and quickly became an inseparable part of the IPSC team, contributing her talent, dedication, and collaborative spirit from the very first day,” said Balilonis. “Bethany consistently goes beyond the expectations of her role, and her evidence‑based approach, commitment to continuous learning, and dedication to quality improvement have directly enhanced the effectiveness, consistency, and overall impact of simulation‑based learning across the School of Health Sciences. Bethany creates a welcoming, inclusive environment where students and colleagues feel supported, valued, and empowered to grow. Her calm presence, clear communication, and genuine care help others stay supported and confident, even in high‑stress situations.”

Bethany Fearnow, simulation coordinator from the Interprofessional Simulation Center, receives the “Staff Excellence Award,” from Dean of the School of Health Sciences Maha Lund during the School of Health Sciences Faculty/Staff Awards on April 15, 2026.

Excellence in Teaching and Mentoring: Jeanmarie Koonts, assistant professor of nursing

This award highlights a full-time community member who exemplifies excellence in teaching and mentoring. It was presented by Rob Slaughter, assistant professor of nursing.

“Over the past several years, Jeanmarie Koonts has consistently demonstrated what it means to be an exceptional teacher, mentor, and colleague. Her impact reaches far beyond the classroom, shaping not only knowledgeable nursing students but confident, compassionate future professionals,” said Slaughter. “Those who know Jeanmarie also recognize the energy and presence she brings to her work every day. She approaches her teaching and mentoring with optimism, warmth, and a genuine enthusiasm that is truly contagious. She always has a smile, always brings positivity, and always makes time for others.”

Koonts serves as a faculty advisor for both the Student Nurses Association and Club Nursing. Additionally, her commitment to experiential learning has been demonstrated through leading a study abroad course for student in Puerto Rico, immersing them in real-world practice of nursing to develop cultural competence.

Nominations for faculty and staff awards remain active year-round. Read more about the School of Health Sciences.

Jeanmarie Koonts, assistant professor of nursing, receives the “Excellence in Mentoring Award,” from Dean of the School of Health Sciences Maha Lund during the School of Health Sciences Faculty/Staff Awards on April 15, 2026.

Elon Doctor of Physical Therapy candidates participate in professional pledge ceremony

Olivia Grady — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 13:42:21 +0000

The 47 members of the Doctor of Physical Therapy’s Class of 2028 pledged to be ethical, compassionate and respectful professionals during the Department of Physical Therapy Education professional pledge ceremony on Friday, Feb. 27.

The program began with an introduction from Robert Nithman, program director of physical therapy education, followed by a message from Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, Rebecca Kohn. She refreshed the student’s memory on ��޹��Ʒ’s mission statement in connection to the mission and duties of a physical therapy career.

Robert Nithman, program director of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program speaks during the DPT Signing Ceremony for 1st year students in the School of Health Sciences on Feb. 27, 2026. Photo by Ethan Wu

“��޹��Ʒ embraces its founder’s vision of an academic community that transforms mind, body and spirit,” said Kohn. “It encourages freedom of thought and liberty of conscience. As I reflected on your ceremony, it was apparent that for physical therapists, through the holistic care you provide your patients, you are actively transforming minds, bodies and spirits. To achieve this, you must rely heavily on the core values of caring, compassion, inclusion and social responsibility.”

The ceremony, held in Lakeside, symbolized the students next steps in committing to a career that demands humility, resiliency and empathy.

“You’re stepping into a role where people trust you with their pain, their fears and their hopes,” said Nithman. “You will earn that trust through your actions every day. Through your work, you will give many the chance to reclaim parts of their lives that they feared were lost.”

Srikant Vallabhajosula, professor of physical therapy education, and Alys Giordano, assistant professor of physical therapy education, serve as the cohort advisors for the DPT class of 2028, and they began the introduction of the signees. Students posed while writing their signature, along with taking a headshot photo after they completed their walk.

Doctor of Physical Therapy Signing Ceremony for 1st year DPT students in the School of Health Sciences on Feb. 27, 2026. Photo by Ethan Wu

Before starting the Physical Therapy Pledge, class leaders Marisa Santamauro G’28 and Chimeri Anazia G’28 were invited to the podium to lead their peers in reciting the pledge. After the pledge concluded, Nithman finished the ceremony with some closing remarks.

“Students, on behalf of our faculty, staff and administration, we are very proud of you. We are honored to guide you, and we look forward to watching you grow into the clinicians and leaders that our communities desperately need,” Nithman said.

��ǲ�’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program emphasizes a patient-centered approach to the profession. The program includes science, research and 48 weeks of hands-on clinical practicums to reinforce what students learn in the classrooms to everyday life.

Health in action: Enosh Ishman G’26 takes diabetes awareness to the City Gate Dream Center

Olivia Grady — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 16:36:01 +0000

Encouraged by his Elon mentor Alexis Moore, assistant professor of physician assistant studies, Enosh Ishman G’26 offered an educational presentation on Nov. 11 to folks of the Alamance County community on diabetes awareness.

“Dr. Moore shared that she was working with the Dream Center and wanted to host the event, and she asked if I’d be interested in leading it,” Ishman explained. “Nutrition education and community advocacy are both things I’m deeply passionate about.”

Enosh Ishman G’26 presents his slides on diabetes awareness, accompanied by his mentor, Assistant Professor of Physician Assistant Studies Alexis Moore.

To prepare for the presentation, Ishman read over research papers and broke down the science of diabetes prevention and nutrition to present to attendees. He gathered a team of fellow Elon PA students to assign different roles, including a student interpreter who translated the presentation for non-English speakers at the event.

“Had it been 10 of the same students from the same city and culture, I don’t think the impact would have been the same,” Ishman said. “Our diversity, with students who are African American, Hispanic, and international backgrounds, allowed us to come together and answer questions not only from an academic perspective, but a cultural perspective as well.”

The students cooked recipes developed by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), a national nonprofit organization of physicians and health professionals dedicated to preventive medicine and clinical nutrition research. The team split up into groups to cook different plant-based meals to present and discuss their nutrients and benefits.

“Elon and our professors consistently emphasize the epidemiology and pathology behind conditions like diabetes,” Ishman said. “We have the knowledge and skill set to explain what’s happening, and more importantly, how to prevent disease upstream before patients require medication or long-term management of chronic disease.”

Elon Innovation Grant gives students a ‘Friday Night at the ER’

Olivia Grady — Thu, 06 Nov 2025 15:33:18 +0000

Through an Elon Innovation Grant, ��޹��Ʒ’s Department of Nursing spent Friday night at the emergency room, but not for an emergency.

The grant allowed the Interprofessional Education (IPE) Committee in the School of Health Sciences to purchase the simulation game titled “Friday Night at the ER” to promote the power of collaboration and increase students’ innovative thinking.

“The flow of the hospital can be stressful,” said Rachel Keslar, assistant professor of nursing. “So, I thought this was a very fun and interactive game to promote thinking outside the box and engaging with other student disciplines.”

Prior to the game, Keslar and Bethany Fearnow, simulation coordinator for the Interprofessional Simulation Center, completed online facilitator training provided by the “Friday Night at the ER” manufacturer. This ensured the facilitators’ support throughout the simulation experience across the varying academic programs. On Oct. 29, 14 senior-level Nursing Fellows and four physical therapy students played the game in the Francis Center.

Both physical therapy and nursing students worked together to play ‘Friday Night at the ER’ on Oct. 29.

“Some of the challenges in the game included overcrowding, staffing management, bottlenecks in patient flow and other barriers to care that felt very real to me and some of the nursing students who also had experience working in an emergency department setting,” said Keslar.

In her grant application, Lori Hubbard, assistant professor of nursing and co-chair of the IPE Committee, emphasized the need for interdisciplinary education for students, noting that these games have been shown to promote the socialization and readiness of students to function in professional positions in the healthcare field.

Hubbard wrote that the education Elon students receive, specifically in the School of Health Sciences, focuses on becoming leaders in their field. The game helps expose them to the true management it takes to be a leading healthcare figure.

“Students in the School of Health Sciences at ��޹��Ʒ are educated not just to become excellent professionals, but also to become leaders in their field,” Hubbard said. “Especially for our Nursing Fellows, this will help them get comfortable problem-solving and increase their awareness about tensions between quality and cost efficiency of care in today’s healthcare environment.”

Both physical therapy and nursing students worked together to play ‘Friday Night at the ER’ on Oct. 29.

The game’s benefits for nursing students are also backed by research on effective healthcare teams.

“The research literature supports this contention that healthcare coordinated between disciplines through systems thinking can lead to better outcomes for patients,” Hubbard explained in her application.

The game is part of a larger effort by the Interprofessional Education Committee, in collaboration with the Interprofessional Simulation Center (IPSC), to expand collaborative educational opportunities for students. Located in the Francis Center, the IPSC was designed to provide healthcare students with a realistic clinical environment, bringing their medical textbooks to life without ever leaving campus.

“Though any group can play ‘Friday Night at the ER’, this simulation experience seemed to be a natural fit for bringing nursing, physical therapy and physician assistant students together to work collaboratively through scenarios realistically encountered in the US healthcare system,” Hubbard said.

Visit the game information.

Maiah Giampietro ’26 becomes ��޹��Ʒ’s first Flynn Fellow

Olivia Grady — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 16:31:37 +0000

Maiah Giampietro ’26 is ��޹��Ʒ’s first Flynn Oncology Fellow, a program provided by the Flynn Foundation, described as the largest privately-funded program of its kind for growing and preparing oncology nurses.

Giampietro worked as a Flynn Oncology Fellow in summer 2025 at HopeHealth Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island.

“It was really such an amazing fellowship,” Giampietro said. “Doing all of the clinical work and actually talking and working (with) patients was great over the summer, and I’m still actively involved today.”

As Giampietro approaches graduation, pediatric oncology remains an area of interest for her after participating in the Flynn Fellowship. Following the fellowship graduation ceremony, she attended the National Conference for Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Nurses in Providence to learn from distinguished leaders in the field.

“I was able to fly home, attend this conference, and meet so many amazing nurses. Even though the actual internship itself was over, I’m still getting so many great opportunities in the field,” she said

Fred Flynn, founder of the Flynn Foundation, began the program after the passing of his wife, Susan, in 2013 from stage four ovarian cancer. Witnessing the compassion of the oncology nurses who cared for her, he became inspired to influence true change in the treatment of cancer patients.

“The nursing workforce is aging, and nursing students in most universities get little to no oncology clinical or academic exposure to oncology, because it’s perceived as a specialty,” said Flynn. “This fellowship program I created addresses an important training and learning gap for aspiring nurses and helps address the critical need for well-prepared nurses in the field of oncology.”

The fellowship is offered by 14 different hospitals across Pennsylvania, Connecticut, New York, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Though hospitals make the final selection for applicants, Flynn stresses the importance of specific characteristics for Flynn Fellows.

“We look for students who are accomplished academically and engaged with their school,” Flynn explained. “They should convey the value of compassion. We look for students who are highly motivated, and Maiah is a very good example of this. She was very passionate about getting exposure to the specialty field of palliative care, and this really impressed us.”

Giampietro’s coursework and experiences in ��ǲ�’s School of Nursing played a significant part in inspiring her to apply for this fellowship. The close-knit relationships with professors in the department instilled in her the confidence to take initiative to search for new opportunities in the field.

“That’s something they really stress in Elon nursing; taking initiative,” she explained. “And the emphasis they place on building professor relationships really helped me because I knew I had people in my corner who knew me and were able to vouch for me, so that was a really big thing.”

Department of Physical Therapy hosts American Physical Therapy Association NC conference

Olivia Grady — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 16:00:40 +0000

Robert Nithman, physical therapy chair and program director, with Doctor of Physical Therapy student Naomi Lackamy, who received the Diversity Student Scholarship.

��޹��Ʒ’s Department of Physical Therapy hosted the American Physical Therapy Association North Carolina (APTA-NC) on Oct. 17-18 to highlight research, network and award students for their achievements in the field.

Robert Nithman, physical therapy chair and program director, welcomed attendees to the Francis Center on Oct. 17 during the membership meeting.

Mary Kay Hannah, associate professor of physical therapy and president of APTA NC, presided over conference proceedings and was awarded the 2026 APTA NC Founder’s Lectureship Award.

“It was such an honor to welcome so many distinguished physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and students from across the state to the beautiful Francis Center,” said Nithman. “By hosting the APTA NC Annual Conference, Elon helped the North Carolina APTA chapter save over $50,000; funds that will now be reallocated towards legislative advocacy efforts and student scholarships.”

Mary Kay Hannah, associate professor of physical therapy and president of APTA NC, accepts the Founders Lectureship Award.

Two second-year doctor of physical therapy students (DPT), Sixela Caballero and Naomi Lackamy, were honored as APTA-NC scholarship award winners. Caballero was this year’s Keskula Family Student Scholarship recipient and was also recognized for leadership in community service and engagement in Elon’s HOPE pro-bono Clinic as a winner of APTA NC’s Community Impact Challenge alongside Sadie Thompson. Lackamy received the Diversity Student Scholarship.

Additionally, two DPTE student projects had their research abstracts accepted for peer review. Addison Swofford presented her poster on “Guillain-Barré Syndrome and the Importance of Therapeutic Alliance in Pediatrics,” mentored by Bill Andrews, professor of physical therapy. Danielle Essex and Alannah Thomas presented their poster on “Fatigue, Fatiguability, and Gait Changes Following Large Amplitude and Treadmill Training in Advanced Parkinson’s Disease,” mentored by Crystal Ramsey, associate professor of physical therapy.

Read more about Elon’s physical therapy program.

Elon Nursing Department launches chapter of National Student Nursing Association

Olivia Grady — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 16:28:46 +0000

��޹��Ʒ’s Department of Nursing is launching a chapter of the National Student Nursing Association (NSNA).

“It’s good to think about in a networking sense,” said Jeanmarie Koonts, assistant professor of nursing. “Because a nurse could have multiple different career changes and work in different areas, different hospitals and different settings.”

Koonts, who serves as the faculty advisor for NSNA, Club Nursing and the student affairs committee, brought a cohort of nursing students to the North Carolina Student Nurses Association and to the National Nursing Student Association in spring of 2025. There, they began to explore the idea of what the steps may look like to bring a chapter of NSNA onto campus.

��޹��Ʒ nursing students stand outside the entrance to the 73rd annual National Student Nursing Association convention in the spring of 2025.

“This has been an initiative of ours for the last year,” Koonts explained. “With the arrival of our third department chair, Dr. Cathy Quay, it was one of her goals to really get this up and running.”

In 2021, Elon launched both a traditional four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing program and a 16-month accelerated program for those who have already completed a bachelor’s degree.

Koonts chose Tori Whetstone ’26 to spearhead NSNA.

“I wanted to tap a student leader that I felt was exceptional in their leadership abilities and their commitment to nursing,” Koonts said. “Since she is a leadership fellow, I felt this really spoke to her two loves and passions of leadership and nursing. It was just a fluid process from there.”

Whetstone and other nursing students shared the knowledge they learned at the North Carolina Student Nurses Association convention through informational lunches in the spring of 2025. With around 30 students being receptive to the idea of a chapter, Whetstone then spent the summer drafting paperwork to register NSNA as a recognized student organization.

Assistant Professor of Nursing Jeanmarie Koonts (far right) demonstrates health care techniques on one of the mannequins in the Gerald L. Francis Center’s nursing lab.

Funding for NSNA was given through the Hilaire Pickett Leadership grant. The money has assisted in acquiring materials, spaces and getting the ball rolling for the program.

So far, the group has already held elections, finalized bylaws, and began their first meetings. They are promoting the organization by going into Elon 1010 classes, ensuring incoming first-year students are aware of the professional practice and opportunities it brings.

“I really think we’ve got the momentum for it to grow and to keep it going,” Koonts said. “With National Nurses Week each year, they’ve been voted the most trusted profession for 25 years in a row. I really see NSNA being able to highlight nurse’s week, and the profession as a whole.”

In terms of personal growth, Whetstone says leading NSNA will not only enhance her own understanding and skillset of leadership and nursing, but her fellow students as well.

“It serves as a collective voice for nursing students across the United States,” Whetstone explained. “Their resources help undergraduate students thrive when they take the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) and continue in their professional careers. Nurses are so much more than just healthcare providers. They are advocates, therapists, leaders, policymakers, volunteers and so much more.”

Enosh Ishman G’26 selected for prestigious health policy fellowship

Olivia Grady — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 14:41:19 +0000

Enosh Ishman G’26 has received the PA Education Association (PAPE) Health Policy Fellowship, which recognizes 20 students nationwide each year looking to make an impact in the physician assistant field and education for future generations.

“This will be an amazing opportunity, not only to push forward in developing leadership skills, but to be able to converse with lawmakers,” said Ishman.

Ishman attended the University of North Carolina Charlotte and earned a Bachelor of Science in biology before joining ��ǲ�’s PA program. Since joining Elon, Ishman has taken in the stories and experiences that peers and professors have to offer.

“Throughout their teaching, our professors share their personal stories, career paths, and unique experiences,” Ishman said. “It made me realize that my goal isn’t just to earn straight A’s or a perfect GPA, it’s to grow into a well-rounded clinician and advocate.”

Enosh Ishman G’26 practicing different procedures during a program activity

Associate Professor of Physician Assistant Studies, Kim Stokes, noted Ishman’s potential for this fellowship following a presentation he did in class regarding leadership and advocacy in the profession.

“I knew after that presentation that he would be a person I would encourage to apply for this type of opportunity,” Stokes explained. “It seemed like something he was passionate about and took a natural interest in.”

Ishman will join his peers in the 2025-26 cohort to participate in a virtual workshop designed to expand his understanding of healthcare policy. On Sept. 10, the fellowship recipients will put their learning into practice by speaking directly with lawmakers on Capitol Hill.

“Taking care of patients is the most important,” Ishman said. “But for me, it was also important to develop an overall understanding of the environment I’ll be working in, the policies enforced in and out of the hospital setting and being able to advocate for them both in and outside.”

After teaching many of his courses, Stokes has noted that Ishman’s interest in equitable healthcare is symbolic of the values ��ǲ�’s PA program strives for students to acquire.

“His intellectual curiosity, compassion and desire to serve make him an ideal representative for the PA Education Association Health Policy Fellowship,” Stokes explained. “Enosh exemplifies the kind of leadership our profession needs—grounded in lived experience, driven by equity and fueled by a genuine desire to improve healthcare access.”

This fellowship experience is one of the many opportunities made possible through the education at ��ǲ�’s Physician Assistant Program. By encouraging students to engage in and experience the real-world implications of the healthcare profession, they are equipped with the necessary tools to thrive in their chosen industry.

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