Innovations

College of Nursing News | June 2025

Dr. Davies hosts all campus forum at Northern Division

UNMC Interim Chancellor H. Dele Davies, MD, hosted his monthly all-campus forum at the UNMC College of Nursing - Northern Division. Dr. Davies provided updates on state and federal issues and projects at UNMC. He also discussed work being done at the Northern Division with Lisa Walters, clinical assistant professor. Pictured with Dr. Davies are, from left, Chloe Ash, semester two student, Lisa Walters and Jayden Hochstein, semester two student.

Students complete Norway program

The first cohort of senior UNMC College of Nursing students selected for the Norway program completed their trip.

The students were Kelsey Horton, Northern Division, Meredith Guara, Lincoln Division, Devin Moline, Omaha Division, and Aleyah Hunzeker, West Nebraska Division. The students were selected through a written application process with faculty input. They will present their experiences later this summer.

Through a partnership between UNMC and the University of Agder, the students explored healthcare systems throughout Grimstad and Kristiansand. Funding for student mobility was part of a grant from HK-dir.

Save the date: UNMC College of Nursing Alumni Reunion

Save the date for Friday, Sept. 12 for the College of Nursing Dean's Reception. During this event, Lepaine Sharp-McHenry, DNP, dean of the UNMC College of Nursing, will share a state of the college address, the BSN Class of 1975 will be inducted into the Half Century Club, and the 2025 award recipients will be recognized. More information will be shared closer to the event, but for questions contact Kat Hamilton.

Highlighting Our Graduates

On May 8 and May 10, new UNMC College of Nursing graduates celebrated the next step in their nursing journeys at UNMC Commencement ceremonies. Below are just a few of the countless memories made at the Commencement and Convocation ceremonies at each of our five divisions.

Division Highlights

Northern Division

The UNMC College of Nursing - Northern Division Student Nurse Association (SNA) packed 5,616 meals to be shipped to areas affected by hunger, poverty, and disasters. Twenty-one students from the Northern Division traditional BSN and accelerated BSN programs participated. The meals provide carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, and minerals using a mixture of rice, soy, dehydrated vegetables, chicken-flavored vitamins, and mineral powder. The SNA also donated $100 to Mercy Meals. The cost of meals is 20 cents per meal, $1.20 per bag feeds 6 people and $43.20 per box feeds 216 people. 

West Nebraska Division

Seven UNMC College of Nursing - West Nebraska Division students and one advisor attended the National Student Nurses Convention in Seattle in April. Students and faculty attended various educational sessions.

Emma Fink was the representing delegate. Steffi Geline Tactacan ran for vice president of the National Student Nurses Association with the assistance of Ben Klemesrud and Andrea Pearson. She was ultimately elected to the Nominations and Elections Committee.

Students also developed and sold merchandise, with additional orders taken online after some items were sold out. Katelyn Ott was instrumental in planning, organizing, and ordering the merchandise and was primarily assisted by Jessica Harvey and Stephanie Lopez at the booth.

Pictured are, from left: Wendy Wells, advisor, Jessica Harvey, Steffi Geline Tactacan, Andera Pearson, Ben Klemesrud, Katelyn Ott, Emma Fink and Stephanie Lopez.

Lincoln Division

Zahra Hasnawi, Melissa Florell, PhD, interim assistant dean of the Lincoln Division, and Isabella Gloria, from left, attended the Cattlemen's Ball near Blue Springs on June 6 and 7. They are standing in an inflatable lung that was part of awareness and screenings sponsored by the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center.