By Kate Zydor
News Editor
The College’s department of nursing has launched a new Mentoring Hub for nursing students. According to the hub’s website, it is a space that provides support, fosters character development, enhances leadership skills and builds self-confidence among the College’s nursing majors.
On Aug. 28, the Mentoring Hub’s grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony occurred outside Trenton Hall. Carole Kenner, dean of the school of nursing, and Yolanda Nelson, associate professor and co-chair of the department of nursing, opened the ceremony with remarks and introduced the distinguished speakers.
“This Mentoring Hub is more than just a space — it’s a beacon of support; a place where students can find guidance, encouragement and tools to succeed,” said Interim Vice President for Inclusive Excellence Tacquice Davis.
Mentors consist of nursing faculty members, community members who work as professional nurses and mentors from the African American Student Nurse Mentorship Program, also known as Moving Forward Together.
Founded in 2017 by Nelson, Moving Forward Together aims to positively impact the lives of African American nursing students at the College. This program has opened doors for students to engage in meaningful opportunities such as accompanying the Black Nurses Association on Capitol Hill Day.
“This program has been very successful and it is now time to expand and open up mentoring opportunities to the entire department of nursing,” said Nelson.
Alongside the personal and professional development the Mentoring Center provides, it will be guided by the mission to improve intercultural understanding and collaboration within diverse communities.
“I’m really excited for the Mentoring Hub for all nursing students to utilize to get extra guidance and mentorship,” said Gianna Glover, a junior nursing major.
The Mentoring Hub will encourage peer-to-peer relationships, allowing undergraduate nursing students to network and form lasting connections. The goal is that this will contribute to the retention of first-year nursing students.
“I hope that we all utilize…the space and once we’re in the [mentor’s] position, turn it back around and pay it forward to those coming after us,” said Glover.
The Mentoring Hub provides an avenue for alumni to remain involved at the College and work with students currently enrolled in the school of nursing.
The hub will temporarily be housed in Trenton Hall Room 116. It is open on Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. According to Nelson, monthly activities and workshops will focus on test-taking strategies, goal setting, stress management and more.
“All of your voices matter. You are all special and we want you all to succeed. That’s our number one goal,” said Nelson. “Progression, retention, and we want to see you graduate and become professional nurses.”
Students and mentors who participate in this program will also have the opportunity to connect with the Trenton Soup Kitchen and the Trenton Rescue Mission to volunteer and teach workshops, gaining invaluable leadership and community service experience.
This ties into one of the key tenets of the hub, which is to develop an understanding of health equity best practices in contemporary society.
“Listen, this is your home,” said Kiel Jordan, intensive care nurse and community mentor. “You don’t need an invitation to come home. You come home any time.”
