JWU Charlotte Celebrates Third Cohort of Nursing Degree Graduates

Six students complete 16-month Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program

Celebrating a Milestone in Nursing Education

Over the summer, JWU Charlotte Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing students finished their coursework in the College of Health & Wellness and are now looking forward to starting their nursing careers at local healthcare institutions including Advocate Health and Novant Health.

Nursing students marked this important milestone with a heartfelt, traditional pinning ceremony held earlier this month, featuring remarks from Dean Maura Daly Iversen, DPT, SD, MPH, FAPTA, FNAP and program faculty members. The ceremony highlighted the history of nursing, the profession's commitment to serving the community and the impact these graduates will have on the health and well-being of others. Students received their nursing pins and recited the nursing oath, symbolizing their commitment to the profession and readiness to serve others.

Faculty Reflect on the Graduates' Journey

"Graduation was a truly heartfelt moment, and I am so proud to have been part of each of these students' journeys. Watching them reach this milestone was a powerful reminder of the dedication and perseverance it takes to become a nurse. I know they will carry that same determination into their careers and make a meaningful difference for the patients and communities they serve," said Dana Mangum, DNP, RN, JWU Charlotte's interim nursing program director and associate professor.

Students Celebrate Their Accomplishments

Student speaker Cayden Nesmith '26, selected by her peers to speak on behalf of the cohort, highlighted in her remarks the deep connections formed among classmates, faculty guidance and family support that carried them through their 16-month journey that has prepared them to make a meaningful impact as nurses.

"The ceremony was a wonderful way to celebrate our hard work, and having our family and friends there made it even more special. This was a day we have been looking forward to for so long, and I'm so happy we can finally say, 'We did it!'" Nesmith said.

Recognizing the 2026 Nursing Graduates

JWU launched its Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program on the Charlotte Campus after receiving approval from the North Carolina Board of Nursing in May 2023 and the North Carolina Board of Governors in September 2023. Congratulations to the six graduates recognized this summer who represent the third cohort to complete the program:

· Deirdre Clark '26

· Serina McDuffie '26

· Brittany McPhatter '26

· Cayden Nesmith '26

· Deshara Penn '26

· Sam Seshadri '26

“Completing this rigorous nursing program is a tremendous accomplishment, and I am excited to see how these graduates apply what they have learned as they begin their careers. They have developed the knowledge, skills and confidence to make a difference in the lives of their patients, and I look forward to seeing where their careers take them," said JWU Charlotte Campus President Richard Mathieu, Ph.D.

Preparing Students for Nursing Careers

The accelerated, four-semester program is intended to be a secondary degree program for students who already hold a bachelor's degree. The program features three start dates each year, a 16-month curriculum and a four-day class schedule, allowing students to enter the workforce more quickly than through a traditional four-year undergraduate nursing program. Students also benefit from small cohort sizes, direct access to experienced faculty, hands-on simulation training and tailored clinical experiences aligned with their career goals.

Learn more about the program. The JWU ABSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org/).

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