Denise Schentrup, July 2006

With the goal of remaining a nurse educator, Denise Schentrup is currently enrolled in the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at Rush University in Chicago. She currently teaches in the graduate program at the University of Florida where she enjoys watching students grow as nursing providers. "I plan to continue teaching because I believe I can make a difference in my student�s lives." When weighing the option between a PhD or DNP program, Ms. Schentrup said she "prefers the application of research to make positive changes in the clinical setting" rather than the generation of new science.

Inna Kaplan, May 2006

As a nurse, Inna Kaplan is looking to "positively influence health care delivery and, ultimately make a difference in patients� lives." She is enrolled in the Clinical Nurse Leaders master�s degree program at the University of San Francisco and expects to graduate in December 2006. Committed to excellence in nursing, Ms. Kaplan said "I trust the academic richness of the exceptional nursing school along with the clinical expertise of our partner medical centers will provide me with the skills, resources and inspiration to be the best nurse I can be!"

Timothy Perez, March 2006

Timothy Perez is currently enrolled in the Graduate Entry Program at Oregon Health & Science University where he is studying to be a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. New to nursing, his undergraduate degree is in Information Management from Brigham Young University. His desire to change careers to nursing was born out of a need to take his career to a "much more meaningful level.� In his own words, Mr. Perez said: �I would love the opportunity to teach at a university and share with others the skills I have and will acquire over the next few years."

Rachel Lyons, January 2006

With a background in pediatric nursing, Rachel Lyons is enrolled in the Doctor of Nursing Practice at Columbia University. She hopes to build on her past experiences in working with pediatric patients and their families as she moves forward in her education as an advanced practice nurse. Ms. Lyons feels very passionately about teaching and providing strong leadership to future nurses. "Education has been the greatest gift that I have been able to receive and return," she states. "My enthusiasm for providing education and leadership to students will remain, and I hope to be a person that students one day emulate to continue their education and be the most informed practitioner they can be."

Ursula Fletcher, November 2005

With a Master in Health Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University, Ursula Fletcher is currently enrolled in the Accelerated BSN program at West Suburban College of Nursing in Oak Park, IL. A future nursing professor, she is motivated by a strong desire to be a lifelong healthcare practitioner. "My personal mission is to make a difference in the quality of life of the patients I serve," said Ms. Fletcher. "I have developed a strong desire to help improve communities by providing direct patient care as a nurse."

Jossett Mathison, September 2005

To fulfill her dream of a career in public health nursing, Jossett Mathison is working on her RN-BSN degree at the University of Maryland. She aims to provide the best caring environment for her patients and will use her degree to achieve her goals. She is expected to complete her nursing course work in December 2006 and is a member of Phi Theta Kappa. "Since the need for a BSN is growing to meet the rising standards in health care, having a baccalaureate degree will open multiple career opportunities for me," states Ms. Mathison.

Lisa Ball, July 2005

A graduate of the school's Family Nurse Practitioner program, Lisa Ball is now completing a PhD in Nursing program at the University of Buffalo. A future nursing professor, her interests lie in advancing and improving the image of professional nursing. "Too many people do not appreciate the intelligence, commitment and importance of nurses in health care," said Ms. Ball. "In pursuit of my nursing doctorate, I want to explore avenues to enhance empowerment of nurses and nursing students, enlightenment of the lay public, and collaboration with other health care professionals through education, leadership, association and research."

Rachel Alexander, May 2005

With undergraduate and graduate degrees in information systems, Rachel Alexander is currently enrolled in the BSN program for second-degree students at Duquesne University in Pennsylvania. She is interested in a career that encompasses both nursing education and informatics. In her own words, Ms. Alexander states: "I am committed to not only the practice of nursing, but also the advancement of nursing; specifically in the areas of the use of technology and diversity in the field." She is expected to complete her nursing course work in August 2006.

Millicent Ables, March 2005

A former officer in the U.S. Public Health Service, Millicent Ables is a full-time doctoral student enrolled in the BSN to PhD program at the University of Kansas. While an active duty officer, she received a Public Health Service citation for exceptional nursing care and an award from the Indian Health Service for outstanding delivery of care to Native Americans. Upon graduation, Ms. Ables will seek a faculty role that allow her to pursue her strong interests in nursing research and education. She wants to conduct research on the influence of health values and beliefs on individual health attitudes and practices.

Kelly Holder, January 2005

Having earned an MA in Maternal and Child Health, Kelly Holder is currently enrolled in the Doctor of Nursing Practice program at the University of South Carolina. Her education and research work have taken her to practice settings around the world, including recent service at the Edna Adan Maternity Hospital in Eastern Africa. In her own words, Ms. Holder states: "I have a vision for improved health in underserved and rural populations, a passion for preventative health and health education, and a strong desire to conduct clinical research." Someday she hopes to teach at the university level.

Maria Teresa Davis Erickson, November 2004

A future nurse practitioner, Maria Teresa Davis Erickson is currently enrolled in an accelerated BSN program at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. In addition to being a full-time student, Ms. Davis Erickson serves as treasurer of the student nurses association and works part-time at the Denver Health & Hospital Authority. Ultimately she would like to pursue doctoral level of education to further her understanding of a child's disease process. "My main objective is to facilitate superior nursing care to the younger population of the inner city communities of Colorado."

Christopher Wayne Woods, September 2004

Formerly a Navy SEAL, Christopher Wayne Woods is now enrolled in Duke University's accelerated baccalaureate nursing program. With experience working on medical emergency response teams, he plans to work as a registered nurse on an intensive care unit after graduation in May 2005. Mr. Woods is striving "to develop a strong knowledge base as the foundation for future learning." As a nurse, he plans to serve on committees, workplace teams and in leadership roles to underscore the importance of nursing to health care delivery.

Liwliwa Villagomeza, July 2004

With the goal of becoming a nurse educator, Liwliwa Villagomeza is currently enrolled in a BSN to PhD program at the University of South Florida in Tampa. She has been a practicing RN for more than 20 years and is pursuing a doctorate to "fill the shoes of retiring faculty." In her own words: "I feel that education is the channel by which I can make the most valuable contribution to nursing. By nurturing students to become excellent nurses, I can make a huge contribution to advance the profession." Ms. Villagomeza is on target to graduate with a doctoral degree by Summer 2007.

Rebecca Ann Busch, May 2004

Rebecca Ann Busch is a senior nursing student in the baccalaureate program offered through the Minnesota Intercollegiate Nursing Consortium, a cooperative initiative between St. Olaf College and Gustavus Adolphus College. A dean's list student, Rebecca has always been attracted to nursing and "its intimate connection with patients and holistic approach to healthcare." She is looking forward to sharpening her patient education skills and is interested in possibly teaching nursing at the undergraduate level someday. "As a nurse, I will be able to spread my knowledge to others and help them to better their health. My nursing education will allow me to provide an essential healthcare services to my community."

Suzanne Harrison Tang, March 2004

Suzanne Harrison Tang applied for the CampusRN-AACN scholarship to enhance her preparation as a nurse educator. Currently enrolled in the MSN/Family Nurse Practitioner program at California State University-Fullerton, she earned her BSN at the University of San Francisco. Suzanne plans to teach at the university level during the academic year and work as a Family Nurse Practitioner over the summer months. In her own words: "I understand that teaching holds great responsibility, and it's a privilege to mold nursing as a profession. My calling is to equip future nurses and to empower nursing students of ethnic minority status."

Janell Sample, January 2004

Janell Sample is taking the next step in her nursing education by completing a doctoral degree at Texas Woman's University. She successfully completed a BSN degree and an MSN degree from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. Janell possesses twenty years of nursing experience and currently teaches as a nursing instructor at Del Mar College. She is pursuing a doctorate in nursing to strengthen her skill as a nurse educator. In her own words: "Teaching students the importance of reaching out to their communities through the science of nursing is the most challenging and rewarding endeavor I have ever undertaken. I want to be a role model and demonstrate that women of color can succeed when they follow their dreams."

Darleny Henriquez, November 2003

Darleny Henriquez is an honors student enrolled in a traditional BSN program at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst School of Nursing. She works as a nurse intern at Baystate Medical Center and is the co-founder of the U-Mass Chapter of Work in Progress, an organization that assists students seeking internships and outside-of-the-classroom experiences in their field of interest. Darleny's experience as an intern "opened her eyes to what being a nurse entails." In her own words: "I realize how important a nurse's role is even though the nursing profession is often undervalued and overlooked. As a nursing student and future nurse, I want to work toward changing perceptions about nursing careers because there is so much more to providing quality nursing care than most people know."

Taha Abdelwahhab, September 2003

A former mental health counselor for San Mateo County, Taha Abdelwahhab is currently enrolled in an accelerated master's degree program in nursing at the University of California-San Francisco. After completing the MSN program, Taha plans to advance his studies as a Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist and Adult Nurse Practitioner. He has a special interest in becoming a nurse educator and conducting cultural competency trainings. "Many of my work and volunteer experiences involved working with the underserved or disenfranchised," said Taha. "I wish to remain active in developing and conducting cultural competency trainings and educating staff about how to provide care to patients from diverse backgrounds." Taha's commitment to education extends to presenting Understanding Islam: Care of the Muslin Client as an in-service training for healthcare staff throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.

Sarah Wheeler, July 2003

Sarah was born and raised in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin area. She graduated from Alverno College in Milwaukee in 1996 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology and Chemistry. She pursued a MD degree at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee for two years before deciding that becoming a physician wasn't the right fit. After four years in the business world, Sarah decided to return to school to pursue a Master's degree in nursing at Marquette University through the accelerated Direct Entry program. In August, 2003 she finished the first portion of the program, making her eligible to sit for the NCLEX and become a RN. Her goal is to become a Geriatric Nurse Practitioner and she anticipates graduating with her MSN in May, 2005.

Bonnie Henry Bowie, May 2003

Bonnie Henry Bowie, MBA/MSN, RN, was chosen to receive scholarship support to pursue doctoral studies at the University of Washington School of Nursing in Seattle.

�I have enjoyed every aspect of my nursing career, and feel that I now have much to bring to students who are studying to be nurses,� said Bonnie Bowie of Bellevue, WA. �The CampusRN-AACN scholarship will help support me and my family while I pursue my goal of becoming a nursing faculty member.�

A registered nurse for 26 years, Bonnie Bowie received her baccalaureate and master�s degrees in nursing from the University of San Diego. After working as a staff nurse, nursing manager, director and consultant, she transitioned into teaching and found her true passion. Bonnie began teaching undergraduate and graduate courses at Seattle University in 2000 and has since committed herself to a faculty career and pursuing doctoral studies. Bonnie continues to teach part-time while enrolled full-time in a PhD in nursing program.