USI Nursing chapter earns national Stellar School status

The University of Southern Indiana Association of Nursing Students (USIANS) was one of three chapters in the United States to achieve Stellar School status for 2016-2017. Four students and two faculty members from USI accepted the award during the National Student Nurses' Association (NSNA) annual convention in Dallas, Texas from April 5-9, 2017.

The USIANS 2016-17 officers were: David Maldonado, president; Eric Tatum, vice-president; Mallory Martin, secretary/treasurer; Angela Todd, newsletter; Makayla Greeve, director of community projects; Quade Harvey, website; Rachel Goldstein, director of breakthrough to nursing; and Rachael Riedford, director of fundraising. The chapter's faculty advisors are Dr. Marilyn Ostendorf, Dr. Gina Schaar, Dr. Karen Parker, Robin Smith, Dawn Worman, and Dr. Jennifer Evans.

"Receiving the Stellar School designation is based on the dedication and leadership of not only our current officers, but those students who have served in the past," said Dr. Ann White, dean of the College of Nursing and Health Professions. "We are very proud of our students for representing USI on the national stage and for demonstrating their excellence both in and out of the classroom."

Since 2009, the NSNA Stellar School Recognition Program has spotlighted chapters that demonstrate ongoing involvement in NSNA and a strong commitment to shared governance and professional development of their students and faculty. Along with USI, chapters at Clemson University in Clemson, South Carolina and Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, Michigan, also earned the Stellar School recognition.