Thanking and Honoring Nurses in 2021
For National Nurses Week 2021, South University is looking back on and celebrating a few of the stories and recent accomplishments of our nursing faculty, students and alumni. We’re so inspired and impressed by all that every member of this group has accomplished academically, personally and professionally – often in the face of adversity – over this last year.
Nursing Students and Staff Help Administer COVID-19 Vaccines in Texas and Florida
In January, our staff and nursing students at South University, Austin helped support the administration of the first 3,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine in the Austin-Round Rock area. In February, our South University, Tampa staff and nursing students worked with AdventHealth Tampa to help administer the COVID-19 vaccine to 700 pre-registered Tampa Bay residents. Thank you to everyone who participated in these critical events!
Interim Dean Dr. Kezia Lilly Named Coldiron Senior Nurse Executive Fellow
Dr. Kezia Lilly, DNP, MBA HC, RN, interim dean of the College of Nursing and Public Health was named a Coldiron Senior Nurse Executive Fellowship recipient this spring. As a fellow, Dr. Lilly will be participating in a rigorous, year-long training program focused on expanding the development of senior nurse executive leaders. This fellowship was created by the Marian K. Shaughnessy Nurse Leadership Academy in partnership with the American Nurses Association, The American Organization for Nursing Leadership and the Healthcare Financial Management Association. Congratulations Dr. Lilly!
Nursing Program Director Dr. Anna Jessup Receives Texas Nurse Practitioners’ Year Of The Nurse Award
Dr. Anna Jessup, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, Program Director of the Graduate Nursing Program and Assistant Professor at the Austin campus received a 2021 Texas Nurse Practitioners’ (TNP) Year of the Nurse award. This award was given to only 5 nurse practitioners in Texas in recognition of their excellence and contributions in the field, including their remarkable service to their communities throughout the pandemic. Congratulations Dr. Jessup!
Nurse Educator Alums Shape the Next Generation of Nurses and Nursing Leaders
Being a nurse educator is such an important job and it is rewarding for us to see our alumni share and teach their knowledge to the next generation of healthcare heroes! For example, Kaeaiya Holmes, who earned her Post Graduate Certificate in Nurse Educator online at South University in 2020, started her new role as a lecturer at Valdosta State University in January 2021. South University also sends a big congratulations to Carolyn Hart, Ph.D., who joined Coker University as its first dean of nursing. Carolyn received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a specialization in Nurse Educator online at South University in 2008. We couldn’t be more proud of our alumni!
Nursing Program Grads Grow Their Careers in New Roles
We are confident that each one of you is making a difference in your community. Whether you’ve shared your story with us directly or we’ve seen you in the news, here are a few updates we’ve heard about recently.
- 2020 grad Danielle Dababneh, FNP-C, joined the Clinton Township Family Medicine Center in Michigan. Danielle earned her MSN with a specialization in Family Nurse Practitioner from South University online.
- In Kingstree, South Carolina, Matt Wise, FNP, accepted a new position at HopeHealth. Matt earned a MSN with a specialization in Family Nurse Practitioner online at South University.
- Alyssa Klein, FNP, (who earned a BSN from South University online and a MSN with a specialization in Family Nurse Practitioner from South University online in 2020) began practicing at Sunshine Family Medical Center in St. Petersburg, FL.
Thank you Danielle, Matt, Alyssa and all of our alumni for the work you do!
Helping Nurses Pursue their Goals
South University is proud to support nurses around the country in continuing their education online and in-person through our nursing degree and certificate programs. If you’re an alumni and you’d like to share your story, we’d be honored to showcase your accomplishments! Tell us about yourself and your work by logging in to our Alumni Site and clicking Share Your Story in the Alumni Success section.
In addition, we are pleased to offer eligible alumni who wish to return to South University to continue their education an opportunity to receive an Alumni Scholarship of $3,000 toward tuition and fees. To learn more about our nursing programs and financial options, request information online and a member of our admissions team will be in touch shortly!
