College of Nursing

Balancing the responsibilities of being a young mother with the academic rigor of a nursing program, first-year Honors College student Zaya Campbell faces a schedule most students would find daunting. Yet her passion for nursing stems from deeply personal experiences that have shaped her goals and given her journey new meaning. It was her own experiences navigating healthcare as a young mother that fueled her desire to become a nurse, particularly one who can support young mothers and families going through similar challenges. “I want to make a difference,” Zaya explained, describing how she was motivated by the support—and at times, the lack of support—she encountered during her medical journey. 

Kent State University continues to be recognized for its excellence in online education, earning high marks in U.S. News & World Report’s newly released 2025 Best Online Programs rankings. U.S. News recognizes Kent State in the Best Online Master’s in Nursing Programs, Best Online Master’s in Education Programs, Best Online Master’s in Business Programs and Best Online Master of Business Administration (MBA) Programs lists. 

Kent State University’s Nursing Simulation Labs use sophisticated manikins to help students learn to provide proper care – and caring – for patients of all ages. 

Training future service dogs has been a win-win situation for junior nursing major Rylie Lapikas. Featured in our Year with a Flash series for 2024-2025, Lapikas gets the stress relief of a furry friend while learning how to be a better nurse by paying attention to nonverbal communication and cues. 

Second-year nursing students at Kent State received white coats in a ceremony marking their transition into the professional sequence of their program.