25 in ’25 — Lincoln University School of Nursing Partners with Mid-Missouri Black Nurses Association and Celebrates 13 Graduates at December Pinning Ceremony

Thirteen nursing graduates from Lincoln University of Missouri were honored at the Nursing Pinning Ceremony on December 13, 2024.

As part of Lincoln University of Missouri’s '25 in ‘25' points of pride, we are celebrating the School of Nursing, which recently achieved two significant milestones — a partnership with the Mid-Missouri Black Nurses Association (MMBNA) through the Helen L. Monroe Nursing Student Mentor Program, and the graduation of 13 Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students on December 13, 2024.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to partner with Lincoln University School of Nursing through the Helen L. Monroe Mentorship Program,” said Leana Mahaney, president of the Mid-Missouri Black Nurses Association. “This partnership has allowed us to serve our community by sharing our experiences with LU nursing students, helping them thrive academically.”

The mentorship program has proven instrumental in supporting nursing students at Lincoln University, offering them valuable opportunities to connect with mentors who guide them through their educational journey. The Helen L. Monroe Nursing Student Mentor Program pairs students with volunteer nurse mentors who offer professional and personal support, helping them achieve both academic and career goals while fostering their social and psychological growth.

“The partnership with the Mid-Missouri Black Nurses Association has created an invaluable network of support for our students, faculty, staff and alumni,” said Dr. Jennifer McCord, department head of the LU School of Nursing. “This program offers lasting benefits as students build their professional identities as registered nurses.”

A Ceremony of Dedication: Pinning New Nurses for Their Next Chapter
The December 13 pinning ceremony celebrated the dedication and resilience of the graduates, each receiving a nursing pin — a powerful symbol of their readiness to enter the professional world of nursing.

“The nursing pin is not just a piece of jewelry; it is a symbol of your commitment to care for others, your readiness to enter the field of nursing and your connection to this proud and noble profession,” Dr. McCord said. “It signifies that you are now part of a legacy of healers—individuals who will advocate for their patients, provide comfort in times of need and promote health and wellness in our communities.”

The following graduates were honored at the ceremony:

• Brooke Baldwin (Jefferson City, MO)
• Gracie Rae Bernskoetter (Jefferson City, MO)
• Haley Catherine Brandt (Loose Creek, MO)
• Samantha Nicole Brooks (Jefferson City, MO)
• Slena Marie Caldwell (Ashland, MO)
• Jemaima Caroline Charley (Jefferson City, MO)
• Sierra Nicole Fischer (California, MO)
• Kenley Marie Haslag (Jefferson City, MO)
• Claire Elizabeth Kampeter (Freeburg, MO)
• Savannah Marie Kirchner (Hartsburg, MO)
• Mackenzie A. Kueffer (Jefferson City, MO)
• Hannah Jewel Rader (Jefferson City, MO)
• Brooklyn Ann Worthey (Jefferson City, MO)

Each graduate’s journey was celebrated as they transitioned from nursing students to professionals poised to make a significant impact in healthcare.

In his congratulatory remarks, President John B. Moseley commended the graduates for their dedication and the difference they will make in the lives of their patients. He emphasized that the nursing profession requires skill, compassion and integrity — qualities the graduates have shown throughout their academic careers.

The Lincoln University School of Nursing continues to offer educational programs that address the evolving needs of the healthcare field. In addition to the BSN program, Lincoln University provides an online RN to BSN degree and a part-time Associate of Applied Science in Nursing program at Fort Leonard Wood, designed for active-duty military personnel and their dependents. Starting in fall 2025, the university will also offer a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program to expand nursing education and leadership opportunities.

Lincoln University is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and approved by the Missouri State Board of Nursing. The nursing programs at Lincoln University are dedicated to preparing students to meet the challenges and advancements in healthcare. 

Stay tuned for the rest of the month with more of Lincoln’s 25 in ‘25.