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Spring/Summer 2026
Vol. 2, Issue 1
| |  | The School of Nursing is dedicated to educating and empowering a diverse community of compassion-driven nurse leaders. With a focus on excellence, we prepare professionals to promote health, healing, and well-being across populations, offering innovative and holistic care. | | |
As spring semester fades into summer, I find myself pausing to take in all that we have accomplished together. What a season it has been!
This year, we proudly celebrated 75 years of nursing education at Capital University; a milestone that filled my heart with deep gratitude for every student, graduate, faculty member, staff colleague, alum, emeritus, and nursing partner who has made this School what it is today.
Now, our community heads in beautiful directions: some of you into summer coursework, some into meaningful clinical and professional work, and some into a well-deserved rest.
To our newest graduates, the next chapter is yours. Study hard, land that first role, and know that we are cheering you on every step of the way.
Live with joy,
Heather Janiszewski Goodin, PhD, RN, AHN-BC, CPN
Dean, School of Nursing
| | Congratulations Class of 2026 | | At Capital , family traditions often become Capital traditions. Sisters Hannah Moore ’22, Abby Moore-Grisez ’24, and Gracie Moore ’26 each earned nursing degrees through Capital’s School of Nursing, continuing a shared commitment to compassion and care. Along the way, Abby also found another lasting connection at Capital, meeting and marrying fellow Comet Bryce Grisez ’22. From late-night study sessions to lifelong relationships and careers in healthcare, the Moore family’s story reflects the lasting bonds and community that define the Capital experience. | | When Carson Harris ’26 crossed the commencement stage on Saturday, May 9, he continued a proud Capital family tradition rooted in service, compassion, and care for others. Harris became the fourth member of his family to graduate from Capital, joining his sister, Lauren Grace Harris ’22; his mother, Sara Jane (Hughes) Harris ’97; and his aunt, Emily Elizabeth Klee (Hughes) Chovanec ’04. Today, Chovanec carries that legacy forward as an instructor in Capital’s School of Nursing, helping prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals. | | |
Pinning Ceremony
On May 6, 2026, Capital University’s School of Nursing celebrated one of the profession’s most meaningful traditions: the Nursing Pinning Ceremony. Rooted in the legacy of Florence Nightingale, the ceremony symbolizes the transition from student to nurse and honors the dedication, compassion, and perseverance required to reach this milestone.
During the ceremony, graduates were pinned on stage by a loved one of their choosing, recognizing not only their accomplishments, but also the support systems that helped guide them throughout their journey. In recognition of the School of Nursing’s 75th Anniversary, each graduate also received a commemorative print, Connections to the Past, created by artist Courtney Adkins to celebrate the School’s rich history and lasting impact on the nursing profession.
As these new graduates begin their careers, they carry forward Capital’s tradition of holistic, compassionate care. Congratulations to the newest class of Capital nurses.
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Graduate Commencement
Congratulations to Capital University’s 2026 Master of Science in Nursing graduates, Kathryn Rogier, Kat Goetz, Allison McKenna BSN ’13, and Aryn Shortridge, who were hooded during Graduate Commencement on May 6. Their achievement reflects years of dedication, leadership, and commitment to advancing the nursing profession.
A special congratulations goes to Kathryn Rogier, who celebrated an extraordinary milestone by earning both her MSN and MBA simultaneously. Kathryn now joins a distinguished group of Capital alumni who have earned both degrees, including Stefani Chiudioni MSN ’25 and Jessica Warner MSN ’23, helping shape the future of nursing through innovation, strategy, and compassionate leadership.
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Undergraduate Commencement
On May 9, Capital University celebrated the achievements of the undergraduate Class of 2026 during Commencement ceremonies filled with pride, tradition, and excitement for the future. Family, friends, faculty, and staff gathered to honor graduates as they crossed the stage and officially joined the Capital alumni community. From future healthcare professionals and educators to artists, scientists, and business leaders, the Class of 2026 leaves Capital prepared to lead lives of purpose, service, and impact. Congratulations, graduates, your CapFam is cheering you on every step of the way.
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75 Years of Nursing at Capital
In October, Capital University’s School of Nursing celebrated 75 years of preparing compassionate, skilled nurse leaders who make a difference in healthcare and their communities every day. As part of the anniversary celebration, alumni, students, faculty, and friends gathered for a special luncheon at Franklin Park Conservatory featuring keynote speaker Marti Croll Taylor ’86, CEO of Aetna, a CVS Health Company. The celebration also included the panel discussion, “Rooted in Purpose – Connected by Care – Leading the Future of Nursing,” hosted in Schumacher Gallery. Throughout the year, Nursing reflected on its proud history while celebrating the people and partnerships that continue to shape the future of nursing at Capital.
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Welcome Capital's 18th President, Jared R. Tice, Ed.D.
In April, In 2026, Capital celebrated the inauguration of President Jared Tice, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the University’s history. Faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community partners gathered for a week of events honoring Capital’s traditions while looking ahead to the future of the institution. The inauguration celebrated President Tice’s vision for strengthening community, expanding opportunities for students, and building on Capital’s legacy of academic excellence, leadership, and service.
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Congratulations to Our Award-Winning Nursing Students!
At the 2026 Capital University Honors Convocation, four School of Nursing students were recognized for their exceptional leadership, academic achievement, and commitment to compassionate care. Hannah B. Hald received the Distinguished Nurse Leader Award; Alexander Pendleton was honored with the Barbara Weaver Award; Murphy Boyd earned the Josephine T. Hickey Award for Clinical Excellence in Nursing; and Jacob D. Thompson received the Ruth S. Neikirk Award for his commitment to holistic self-development and promoting health and well-being. Together, these students exemplify the compassion, professionalism, and dedication that define Capital nurses, and the School of Nursing proudly celebrates their accomplishments.
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Capital Nursing Students Showcase Research Excellence
At the 2026 Capital University Research Symposium on April 15, undergraduate and graduate nursing students showcased their scholarship and research alongside faculty mentors from the School of Nursing.
Under the mentorship of Professor Becky Anderson, Jersey Draughn, Bela Csora, and Melanie Garcia presented the poster, “Does Parental Education Improve Vaccination Compliance Rates for Their Children?” Luc Kadlic, McKenzie Kennedy, and Sunshynne Kawskay presented “As a Registered Nurse, How Does Working Night Shift Affect the Overall Health of the Nurse?”
Graduate nursing student Kayla Wietrzkowski, mentored by Dr. Breana Taylor, presented “Relational and Humanistic Foundations of Nursing: Integrating Watson and Peplau’s Theories in Contemporary Practice.”
The annual symposium highlighted the curiosity, professionalism, and academic excellence of Capital nursing students as they explored important issues impacting healthcare and nursing practice.
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Capital Nursing Students Shine at NSNA Convention in Houston
This spring, three Capital University nursing students represented the School of Nursing with excellence at the National Student Nurses’ Association (NSNA) Convention in Houston, Texas. Avri Whited served in the NSNA House of Delegates, where she presented a resolution that was successfully passed. Jersey Draughn showcased her scholarly work with a poster presentation in the exhibit hall, and Carleigh Warfield, Public Relations Director, documented the experience and engaged the Capital community through social media highlights.
As part of the Ohio Student Nurses’ Association delegation, students also participated in certification training, attended sessions focused on mental health awareness among nursing students, and connected with peers, employers, and organizations from across the country. The Ohio delegation was additionally recognized nationally, earning both the Health Advocacy Award and the Break Through to Nursing Award. The School of Nursing is proud of these students for representing Capital with professionalism, leadership, and Comet pride.
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Nursing Faculty Honored at Ohio League for Nursing Education Summit
At the Ohio League for Nursing (OLN) Education Summit held March 19–20, 2026, in Columbus, Ohio, Professor Becky Anderson was recognized with the OLN Outstanding Excellence in Teaching Award. This distinguished honor celebrates her commitment to nursing education and her impact on student learning and professional development. The School of Nursing congratulates Professor Anderson on this well-deserved recognition and her continued contributions to excellence in nursing education.
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Dr. Breana Taylor Receives Winters Endowed Professorship in Nursing
The School of Nursing is proud to recognize Dr. Breana Taylor as the recipient of the Winters Endowed Professorship in Nursing. This distinguished honor was established by Dr. Patricia Winters Goodyear in tribute to her parents, Rev. Robert William Winters and Helen Boggs Winters, whose faith and sacrifices made her educational journey possible.
In her ninth year at Capital, Dr. Taylor exemplifies the values of this professorship through her warmth, scholarly rigor, and holistic approach to nursing education. She is widely known for her teaching in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing, her research on nursing student belonging, and her ongoing commitment to fostering a strong and supportive learning community. The School of Nursing celebrates Dr. Taylor’s achievements and is grateful for her continued impact on students and the CapFam.
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Nursing Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Tracy Hoag
The School of Nursing is proud to recognize Dr. Tracy Hoag, DHSc, MSN, RN, AHN-BC, as a valued member of the Capital University nursing faculty. In August 2025, Dr. Hoag earned her Doctor of Health Sciences from George Washington University, completing years of dedicated scholarship and professional growth. Her doctoral research focused on the transition-to-practice experiences of native Spanish-speaking bilingual nurses, work she also shared nationally at Sigma’s Creating Healthy Work Environments Conference in Washington, D.C., through her presentation, “Exploring Early Career Experiences of Bilingual Nurses: Advocating for Supportive Workplace Culture.”
At Capital, Dr. Hoag’s impact extends well beyond the classroom. She was recently honored with the Inclusive Excellence Leadership Award during the University’s MLK Day of Learning, recognizing her commitment to belonging and equity within the campus community. She also leads the first-year nursing student mentorship program, helping to foster connection, support, and a strong sense of belonging from day one. Through her scholarship, leadership, and compassionate approach to teaching, Dr. Hoag continues to strengthen both the School of Nursing and the broader nursing profession.
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Bodrick Has Meaningful Impact on Nursing Student-Athlete
On April 15 at Bernlohr Stadium, Capital University’s Women’s Lacrosse team hosted its annual Professor Appreciation Game against Ohio Northern University, celebrating the strong connections between student-athletes and faculty. During the event, Professor Josie Bodrick was recognized by nursing student-athlete Kadyn Hyer for her mentorship, encouragement, and meaningful support throughout Kadyn’s academic journey in the School of Nursing. The recognition highlighted the lasting impact faculty have on students’ success both in the classroom and beyond the field of play.
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Faculty Engage in AI Training and Patient Safety Innovations
Emily Chovanec, Instructor
Faculty recently participated in the American Association of Colleges of Nursing AI Seminar series on AI in Healthcare and Bedside Nursing and AI. Key takeaways included the benefits of AI in supporting clinical decision-making and documentation, along with important risks such as bias, “hallucinations,” and data privacy concerns.
Discussions also highlighted AI’s growing role in patient safety, including fall risk prediction and smart monitoring systems that help identify high-risk patients and alert staff to early movement. Faculty emphasized that these tools enhance, but do not replace, clinical judgment.
Faculty plan to continue engaging in AI-focused training to better prepare students for safe clinical practice.
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Capital University
School of Nursing
| | Capital University Student Nurses Association | International Honors Society for Nursing Theta Theta Chapter | | Ohio Student Nurses Association | | | | |
