“An acute stroke transforms a person’s life almost instantly, and nurses are positioned to provide holistic, restorative care throughout the recovery process,” said Brittany Kirby, 麻豆视频鈥檚 director of nursing simulation.聽“This simulation experience presents a formative opportunity for developing nursing students to interact with a person recovering from stroke and take action to promote comfort, dignity, and safety in a vulnerable care environment.”

This hands-on learning opportunity allowed students to work one-on-one with simulated participants and develop and strengthen essential clinical skills. Among the skills that were practiced were focused assessment, clinical judgment, therapeutic communication and clinical documentation.

“Our simulated participants truly bring the textbook to life, helping nursing students bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world patient care,” added Bethany Fearnow, 麻豆视频鈥檚 simulation coordinator. “Through experiences like this stroke recovery simulation, students strengthen their clinical judgment, communication, and confidence while learning to provide compassionate, patient-centered care. We鈥檙e proud to play a part in preparing the next generation of nurses.”

In focused assessment, students provided a targeted evaluation of the patient鈥檚 condition. Through clinical judgment, they were able to identify both expected and unexpected findings from that assessment. Students were then able to practice effective and compassionate communication with a patient who was experiencing mild expressive aphasia. Finally, the exercise allowed students to accurately document their findings and communications in the patient鈥檚 medical record.

By participating in an engaged learning opportunity, nursing students can apply knowledge they have gained in a classroom setting within a supportive learning environment. At the same time, they are able to continue the development of the required skills and build the confidence needed to provide compassionate, patient-centered care.

Exercises such as this one highlight the dedication of the IPSC staff and Department of Nursing faculty members to provide meaningful educational experiences that prepare students for real-world patient care.

During the ceremony, 40 new members were inducted, including 39 current and recently graduated 麻豆视频 nursing students and one community nursing professional. Their induction recognizes academic achievement, leadership potential and a commitment to excellence in nursing practice.

The ceremony featured guest speaker Janice Hawkins, Secretary of Sigma’s International Board of Directors and professor at Old Dominion University. Her participation highlighted the significance of establishing a new chapter and the opportunities Sigma provides for professional development, scholarship and collaboration within the global nursing community.

The chapter’s chartering officers include Stacey Thomas, president; Lori Hubbard, vice president; Amy Tippett, secretary; Jennifer Strom, counselor; and Eric Mulford 鈥�25, treasurer, a graduate of 麻豆视频’s Department of Nursing inaugural Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) cohort. Mulford’s leadership reflects the chapter’s commitment to fostering lifelong connections between 麻豆视频 nursing graduates and the university. Together, these leaders envision building an active and welcoming professional community that connects nursing students, alumni, faculty, and practicing nurses through mentorship, service, scholarship and leadership opportunities.

“Our goal is to create more than an honor society that recognizes academic achievement. We want Alpha Gamma Sigma to become a vibrant professional community where nurses at every stage of their careers feel connected, supported, and inspired to make a difference,” said Thomas. “As a newly chartered chapter, we have an incredible opportunity to establish a legacy of nursing excellence at 麻豆视频 that will continue for generations.”

The establishment of Alpha Gamma Sigma represents another important step in the continued growth of 麻豆视频’s nursing program. With leadership that includes both faculty and graduates from the program’s earliest cohort, the chapter reflects 麻豆视频’s commitment to building a lasting community of nursing scholars and professionals. Through mentorship, professional development, scholarship, and service, Alpha Gamma Sigma aims to inspire excellence in nursing practice while strengthening connections among students, alumni and the broader healthcare community.

Her poster presentation, 鈥淧reparing Prelicensure Nurses for Public Health Emergencies: A Capstone Course Model,鈥� highlighted Health Systems Under Pressure, an 麻豆视频 Core Curriculum capstone course designed to help students examine the challenges healthcare systems face during natural and human-caused disasters.

The 14-week course uses a scaffolded, case-based approach to explore historical and contemporary healthcare crises, including Hurricane Katrina, the Ebola outbreak in West Africa and the COVID-19 pandemic. Through interactive discussions, policy analysis, reflective writing, and crisis-response planning, students examine how disasters expose vulnerabilities in healthcare infrastructure, influence public policy, and disproportionately affect certain populations. The course culminates in a research project in which students propose equitable, evidence-informed solutions to healthcare challenges.

A distinguishing feature of Health Systems Under Pressure is its interdisciplinary approach, encouraging students to examine healthcare crises through the perspectives of ethics, leadership, systems thinking, health equity, and public policy. Rather than focusing solely on emergency response, the course challenges students to consider the broader factors influencing healthcare delivery and community resilience. The inaugural offering enrolled 23 students, demonstrating interest in examining complex healthcare challenges through multiple academic perspectives.

At the NLN Education Summit, Thomas shared the course’s instructional framework and innovative teaching strategies with nursing educators from across the country. Her presentation emphasized the importance of integrating disaster preparedness and public health emergency education into undergraduate curricula to strengthen critical thinking, ethical decision-making, leadership and advocacy. The course offers a model that educators can adapt to nursing, public health, leadership, and interdisciplinary educational experiences.

Looking ahead, Thomas hopes to expand course enrollment, increase participation across academic disciplines, and strengthen partnerships with community organizations, including emergency services, hospitals, and public health agencies. Future initiatives also include evaluating students’ perceptions of disaster preparedness before and after completing the course. Through this work, Thomas hopes to contribute to the development of future healthcare professionals and community leaders who are better equipped to navigate crises, advocate for equitable solutions, and strengthen healthcare system resilience.

The North Carolina Public Health Association hosted its 2026 Fall Educational Conference in Concord, North Carolina, under the theme “From the Mountains to the Coast: Public Health for All Carolinians.” The conference drew a record-breaking attendance of more than 600 public health professionals, educators, students and community partners from across the state.

Featured presenters included Jaimee Watts Isley, assistant professor of nursing, and Heather Bunn, nurse manager at Piedmont Health Services’ Prospect Hill Clinic. Their poster highlighted a successful academic-practice partnership focused on expanding community health clinical placements for nursing students.

Supported through a North Carolina Area Health Education Centers grant, the project showcases collaborative efforts between the Department of Nursing and Piedmont Health Services to strengthen community-based learning opportunities while addressing local health needs. Program Director DCathy Quay and Assistant Professor Lori Hubbard are leading the efforts in this community based work.

The poster was recognized as one of only two winning posters in the conference’s professional poster competition, underscoring the partnership’s impact and innovation. This recognition reflects 麻豆视频 and Piedmont Health Services’ shared commitment to preparing future nurses through meaningful community engagement, interprofessional collaboration, and practice-based learning experiences.

The week featured engaging educational sessions, thought-provoking discussions, networking opportunities, and social events that fostered collaboration among NCPHA sections, committees, and members. Conference highlights included a pre-conference workshop on communication in public health, featuring the work of the Tobacco 21 Youth Council and advocacy efforts surrounding Solly’s Law, as well as the professional poster session hosted by the Academic-Practice Based Research Section.

Taylor Rae Spurgeon 鈥�27, the 麻豆视频 chapter association president, is serving as director at large for the North Carolina Association of Nursing Students for 2026-27. Sarah Vignes 鈥�27, the chapter’s secretary, was elected Happenings Reporter for Imprint, the National Student Nurses鈥� Association’s official magazine.

As director at large, Spurgeon works with nursing schools across North Carolina by staying in touch with student nursing chapters, visiting schools, and helping students access conventions and other events. She also works with schools interested in starting chapters of their own.

Spurgeon is a founding member of 麻豆视频鈥檚 chapter of NSNA, which was formed in 2025, and says her experience as a founding member helped motivate her to seek the state role. After attending a national nursing students conference and meeting students and board members from across North Carolina, she applied for the position and was elected in May.

鈥淢y main goal is to strengthen communication between the North Carolina Association of Nursing Students and the schools in my region,鈥� Spurgeon said. 鈥淚 also hope to help more students get involved in SNA.鈥�

Vignes learned about the Imprint opening at the National Student Nurses鈥� Association’s annual convention. She applied and was elected a few weeks later. In this role, she highlights the chapters across the country and shares news about their initiatives and accomplishments.

鈥淲riting has always been one of my favorite hobbies and a meaningful creative outlet for me,鈥� Vignes said. 鈥淲hen I realized this position would allow me to combine my passion for writing with my nursing education, I knew it was an opportunity I would be grateful to pursue.鈥�

Both students hope their positions will create more opportunities for 麻豆视频 nursing students. Spurgeon intends to take the ideas and resources from other schools in North Carolina back to 麻豆视频, and Vignes hopes that her position at the national level will help the 麻豆视频 chapter build connections as it starts its second year.

鈥淚 hope serving in a national capacity will support the continued growth of the 麻豆视频 Student Nurses鈥� Association, while also highlighting the outstanding achievements of nursing students nationwide and inspiring others to pursue their goals,鈥� Vignes said.

Nearly 1,600 new students arrived at 麻豆视频 on Friday, Aug. 21, as the university welcomed the Class of 2030.

Despite a mix of rain and sunshine, staff members in Student Life and Residence Life worked to make the Move-In Day process as seamless as possible for students and their families. Student organizations and 麻豆视频 Athletics teams also lent a hand, helping unload vehicles and carry students鈥� belongings into their new homes.

Familiar items in a new home

For many members of the Class of 2030, those belongings include more than the essentials for college life. As they begin a new chapter at 麻豆视频, students brought photographs, books, keepsakes and other reminders of the people and places they call home.

Ale Furano 鈥�30 arrived at 麻豆视频 from Greenwich, Connecticut, with three Polaroid photos of his family and friends. A Communications Fellow who plans to study sport management, Furano said he is looking forward to the opportunities ahead.

鈥淚鈥檓 excited to meet new people and have a great opportunity and a new way of life,鈥� Furano said. 鈥淚 think the opportunities at 麻豆视频 are really great, especially in the sport management field.鈥�

Avery McTigue 鈥�30, who plans to study nursing, is looking forward to joining clubs and organizations and exploring study abroad opportunities. Among the items making her new room feel more like home is an 麻豆视频-themed Jellycat plush toy with a special connection to her friends.

鈥淭he special item I brought from home is my 麻豆视频 鈥楯ellycat,鈥欌�� said McTigue, who is from Bergen County, New Jersey. 鈥淢y friends threw a 鈥榖ed party鈥� for me, and it reminds me of them. Basically, they decorate your whole room, and it鈥檚 all 麻豆视频 stuff.鈥�

For George Schneider 鈥�30, from Seattle, Washington, the move to 麻豆视频 meant finding room for his vinyl collection. Schneider chose 麻豆视频 because of its acting program. The Princeton Review recently ranked 麻豆视频 No. 1 for Best College Theater, while The Hollywood Reporter included 麻豆视频 on its list of the “25 Best Drama Schools in the World.”

鈥淚鈥檓 very excited to be independent and expand on my training,鈥� Schneider said. 鈥淚 brought my record player and about 20 of my records. I knew I wasn鈥檛 going to bring a lot for my room, but I wanted to bring something to remember home by.鈥�

An avid reader, Ryan Parker 鈥�30, who plans to study journalism, made sure one of her books made the trip from Dallas, Texas. For Parker, attending 麻豆视频 also means experiencing a new part of the country.

鈥淚 chose 麻豆视频 because I felt it was the best for me, and I felt it would be a good transition as well,鈥� Parker said. 鈥淚鈥檓 most excited to meet new people, especially being from Texas and being in a different part of the country.鈥�

A class from around the world

The students arriving on campus bring a wide range of backgrounds, experiences and academic interests. Members of the incoming class come from 40 states and Washington, D.C., as well as 19 countries, including Singapore, Spain, Norway, Canada, Serbia, South Korea, China and New Zealand.

The most represented states are North Carolina, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Maryland, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Georgia and Illinois.

Fourteen percent of incoming students are the first in their families to attend college. The class also enters 麻豆视频 with a strong academic record, with an average high school GPA of 4.09.

Students are bringing a broad range of academic interests to campus. The 10 most popular intended majors among incoming students are psychology, finance, biology, business analytics & AI, marketing, nursing, exercise science, elementary education, sport management and political science.

Several programs are seeing notable increases in interest compared with last year鈥檚 incoming class. The number of new students intending to major in elementary education increased 41%, while finance increased 39% and biology increased 16%.

The community classroom experience

Those statistics are reflected in the individual journeys bringing students to 麻豆视频.

Alexis Jacobs 鈥�30 of Westport, Connecticut, was drawn to the university because of its size and sense of community. To personalize her new space, Jacobs brought handmade frames filled with reminders of the people, places and experiences important to her.

鈥淚 made these frames with different prints, photos, places I鈥檝e been and family members,鈥� Jacobs said.

Peter Matijevic 鈥�30, who plans to study business analytics and applied mathematics, brought a reminder of his Massachusetts roots: a Drake Maye NFL jersey.

鈥淚t reminds me of Massachusetts and my favorite NFL player,鈥� Matijevic said. 鈥淚 chose 麻豆视频 because it鈥檚 a beautiful campus and has small classes, so I could get to know my teachers.鈥�

麻豆视频’s teacher-scholar-mentor model among its faculty is a touchstone of the university’s academic experience. For five years in a row, 麻豆视频 has been ranked best in the nation for undergraduate teaching, and The Princeton Review recently ranked the university as No. 4 Best Classroom Experience.

Following Move-In Day, students attend New Student Orientation, including New Student Convocation on Saturday, Aug. 22.

At the conference, faculty members Shirley Etienne, Jeanmarie Koonts and Lori Hubbard also highlighted unique features of the innovative 麻豆视频 Nursing curriculum scaffolded to build equity competence through intentional community and global engagement. Nursing courses delivered across the sophomore, junior, and senior years focus on population health concepts, social and structural determinants of health, and patient advocacy.

Etienne, who recently championed an Advancing Equity Requirement (AER) designation for NRS 2000 Healthcare Relationships I, shared how students critically examine their own cultural identities, biases and values to understand how these factors influence practice. Experiential learning occurs through an Affinity Bias Analysis, cultural immersion activity, and Bridging Racial Health Disparities group project focused on advocacy and nursing interventions.

Hubbard expounded on students鈥� opportunities in NRS 4200 Population and Community Health to critically analyze community-level health disparities, identify barriers to equitable care, and develop and implement strategies to promote health during clinical rotations in the local community. Hubbard was also featured in a poster session with results from her study 鈥淐hildbirth Self-Efficacy and Factors Influencing Labor and Birth in the Dominican Republic.”

Koonts finished the presentation by describing how the preparatory seminar and both NRS 4300 (local) and NRS 4315 (global) Healthcare Relationships II foster intercultural awareness, ethical engagement, and global health literacy. Through the intentional design and sequence of these courses, 麻豆视频 nursing students examine intersectionality and cultural influences on health outcomes. They develop responsibility as local and global citizens committed to reducing health disparities.

During the recent accreditation process, curriculum design to promote competence in health equity was highlighted as one of the most compelling features of the 麻豆视频 Nursing program. Program outcomes demonstrate increased cultural humility, population health competency, and a deeper understanding of the structural determinants of health. This experiential, evidence-based model exemplifies how nursing programs can intentionally cultivate equity competence that bridges theory and practice to prepare nurses for inclusive, compassionate, and globally responsive and informed care.

The article, 鈥�,鈥� continues the Rivera-Serrano Lab鈥檚 work exploring the potential of reoviruses as cancer-targeting agents. The study examined a panel of genetically distinct reoviruses across three epithelial cancer cell models. The work found that different reovirus strains showed cell line-dependent patterns of infectivity and cancer cell killing, with some reassortant viruses showing enhanced activity compared with parental strains. The findings suggest that the effectiveness of reovirus-based cancer-targeting approaches may depend not only on viral genetics, but also on the specific cancer cell context.

Reoviruses are being studied as potential oncolytic agents, or viruses that preferentially infect and kill cancer cells. While much of the field has focused on one prototype strain, the 麻豆视频 study highlights the importance of exploring broader reovirus genetic diversity. Because reoviruses contain segmented genomes, different strains can exchange genome segments through a process known as reassortment, generating viruses with new combinations of traits that may influence infection, replication and cytotoxicity.

The article reinforces the value of comparative screens in cancer virotherapy research. The study found that viral infectivity and cancer cell killing did not always fully overlap, suggesting that efficient infection alone does not necessarily predict how strongly a virus will reduce cancer cell viability. Instead, the findings point to a more complex relationship among viral entry, replication, antiviral responses and cell death pathways.

The project builds on ongoing research in Rivera-Serrano鈥檚 laboratory, where undergraduate students use cell biology, virology and immunology approaches to understand how viral genetics influence cancer cell susceptibility. Hutchinson, the article鈥檚 first author and Nursing major, contributed to experimental work and data analysis as part of his mentored research experience in the lab for three semesters and participation in 麻豆视频鈥檚 2025 Summer Undergraduate Research Experience.

Carter, who performed research as a visiting high school student in the summer of 2025, contributed to data analysis, highlighting the lab鈥檚 broader commitment to expanding access to biomedical research experiences beyond the undergraduate level. Dagli, who recently co-authored a related study in Virus Genes on reovirus reassortants with enhanced activity against fibrosarcoma cells, also contributed to the current work as part of the lab鈥檚 continuing effort to evaluate how viral genetic diversity shapes oncolytic potential.

Alongside this infographic, these stories highlight some of the positive impact across campus through community partnerships during the past academic year:

• 麻豆视频 receives Carnegie classification for community engagement
• 麻豆视频 recognized for advancing nonpartisan student civic engagement
• 麻豆视频 creates community through Special Olympics and 麻豆视频 Athletics partnership
• Turning service into impact: How an 麻豆视频 alumna is bringing Alamance County together
• Literary Journalism class engages Town of 麻豆视频 mayor in civic dialogue
• Writing for Impact students secure funding for local nonprofit
• Showing up, growing together: Inside KING/PINK Academy鈥檚 power of mentorship
• Students reflect on service, community and connection during Fall Break
• New HealthEU course encourages students to go 鈥榖eyond the 麻豆视频 bubble鈥�
• 麻豆视频 empowers staff to make an impact in the community through paid volunteer leave

Kussman, who retired from 麻豆视频 this year, asked the graduates whether they were ready to change the world, whether their families were ready for them to enter the nursing profession, whether the faculty were prepared to continue supporting and encouraging them, and whether the administration was ready to send them into the world. Each question was met with a resounding 鈥測es.鈥�

鈥淵our career can grow with you. Shift with you. Support you. Again and again,鈥� Kussman said. 鈥淎nd the answer is yes.鈥�

Thirty-eight Bachelor of Science in Nursing students were honored during a May 21 pinning ceremony in McCrary Theater attended by faculty, staff, family members and friends. The tradition of the nursing pin dates back to the Middle Ages. However, modern nursing symbolism is often associated with Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, whose nurses were identified by the Maltese cross displayed on their uniforms.

鈥淭he world you are graduating into is complicated. Healthcare is changing. Systems are stressed and overwhelmed. And real trust is rare,鈥� Kussman told graduates. 鈥淎nd that鈥檚 why you matter so much. Because when a patient is scared, they don鈥檛 ask for a flow chart, they don鈥檛 ask for a piece of paper 鈥� they ask for a nurse.鈥�

In 2021, 麻豆视频 launched both a traditional four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing program and a 16-month accelerated program for students who had already completed a bachelor鈥檚 degree. The Class of 2026 marks the second cohort to graduate from the university鈥檚 four-year BSN program.

Taylor Girard 鈥�26, who introduced Kussman during the ceremony, described her as a professor who 鈥渃reates a learning environment where students feel supported, challenged and genuinely seen.鈥� Kussman also reminded graduates of the 鈥渇our Cs of nursing鈥� emphasized throughout their time at 麻豆视频: competence, caring, communication and cultural awareness.

鈥淵our patients may not remember the medications, they may not remember the procedures, but they will remember that kindness,鈥� Kussman said. 鈥淎nd when they rang that bell, somebody showed up who knew what to do.鈥�

Student speaker Maiah Giampietro 鈥�26 reflected on the close bonds formed within the cohort and the importance of becoming 鈥渇lexible, creative people,鈥� a phrase students heard often throughout the program. That adaptability, she said, helped carry them through both the challenges and successes of nursing school.

鈥淣o shift goes exactly how you plan it. No patient is exactly like a textbook example. Rarely does anything work out exactly how you plan it,鈥� Giampietro said. 鈥淏ut we are now equipped with the skills, the knowledge and the confidence to put plan B into action 鈥� whatever that may look like. This is what makes us ready.鈥�

Following the presentation of pins, led by Kussman and Jeanmarie Koonts, assistant professor of nursing, graduates and registered nurses in attendance recited the Nursing Professional Oath, led by Elizabeth Tonaj 鈥�26. Giampietro reflected on the significance of the pledge in her remarks.

鈥淚t represents the kind of nurses we have spent the last four years learning about,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he nurses who advocate. The nurses who listen. And the nurses who care even on the hardest of days. We are those nurses.鈥�

As the ceremony concluded, Cathy Quay, chair of the Department of Nursing, reminded graduates of both the responsibility and impact of their profession.

鈥淥ur healthcare system needs you, our communities need you, our world needs you,鈥� Quay said. 鈥淏ecause nursing, perhaps more than any other profession, holds the power to change lives.鈥�

Department Awards

Academic Achievement Award: Allison Schult 鈥�26
This award is presented to the students with the highest overall GPA and has a commitment to academic excellence.

Trailblazer Award: Victoria Whetstone 鈥�26
This award is presented to a senior nursing student who exemplifies integrity, accuracy and innovative leadership. Nominated and voted on by students and faculty, the recipient shows outstanding leadership, listens and guides others, is dedicated to driving change, raising awareness of social justice issues, and fostering an equitable campus community.

Heart of the Cohort: Eamonn Gallagher 鈥�26
This award is presented to a senior nursing student who inspires their peers and demonstrates a commitment to encouraging and supporting fellow students. Nominated and voted on by students, the recipient is known for their positive attitude, ability to motivate others, and perseverance throughout the program.

Phoenix Award: Allison Schult 鈥�26
The Phoenix Award is given to a senior nursing student who excels in supporting peers and the 麻豆视频 Department of Nursing throughout their program. Nominated and voted by students and faculty, the recipient demonstrates outstanding academic achievements, excellent character and interactions, active involvement in university organizations and significant community services, all while promoting the nursing profession and enhancing student life.

2026 Bachelor of Science in Nursing Graduates

Gia Agrawal
Gabrielle Carlson
Grace Dias
Leah Freeman
Jillian Freglette
Eamonn Gallagher
Maiah Giampietro
Taylor Girard
Skye Greene
Julianna Hood
Eva Korn
Meredith Korwan
Haley Kyle
Kalia Lilly
Amelia Loughlin
Kali Mahoney
Louisa Manthe
Jake Marion
Caroline McCormic
Emily McNamee
Olivia Minchello
Sara Morrison
Lauren Murray
Lauren Noble
Katherine O鈥橬eill
Jenna Petrarca
Eva Rashkovsky
Katherine Richer
Julia Ricker
Lathan Rubant
Emily Sabad
Allison Schult
Alexandra Simon
Elizabeth Tonaj
Paris Van Dyke
Victoria Whetstone
Dylin Wilson
Alaina Witter