At LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans School of Nursing, we strive to produce graduates who demonstrate exceptional academic acumen and outstanding nursing leadership capabilities. The following profiles highlight some of our notable nursing student leaders and their valuable contributions to their peers, communities and the nursing profession.
A Place for Anybody to Become Somebody
Dacia Coleman, a distinguished third-year student, has held numerous leadership roles at the school, serving as Student Ambassador and current President of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Student Association. She is also a member of the Student Nurses Association (SNA).
Coleman’s decision to attend the School of Nursing was informed by the school’s reputation for providing superior nursing education, a promise that Coleman feels the school has fulfilled. Throughout her academic journey, she has been consistently impressed by the faculty’s steadfast dedication to each student’s success. The school’s instructors, well-versed in their respective fields, ensure that students receive a comprehensive education that deftly combines textbook theory with real-world clinical experience.
A key principle emphasized by the school – and echoed by Coleman – is the necessity of analytical thinking and leadership in nursing. In one particularly insightful lesson Coleman received from Connie McKnight, RN, MN, OCN, CRA, Instructor of Clinical Nursing, she learned that a great nurse “should be thinking of all the possible things that are happening and could be happening so they can be prevented.” Coleman has proactively applied this advice to her multiple leadership roles.
Beyond academics, Coleman praises the school for its empowering, inclusive environment where every student is given the opportunity to excel, saying it’s a place where “anybody can become somebody.” She also commends the faculty’s commitment to student success, saying, “The way faculty members go above and beyond to meet any request or student need is what makes the school so special.”
Coleman has leveraged her student leadership positions to further promote the school’s core values, and she is committed to paving the way for future students to continue building upon the school’s legacy. Reflecting on her experiences here, Coleman says, “The road has not been easy, but it has been well worth the feeling of preparedness and confidence it’s given me.”
A Vibrant Dedication to Service
Elizabeth McCormick, a fourth-year student, exemplifies the blend of academic excellence and commitment to service that distinguishes our graduates. Anticipated to graduate in December 2023, McCormick’s commendable academic achievements include consistent appearances on the Dean’s List and esteemed memberships in both the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing and the Leadership U Honor Society for the National Student Nurses’ Association.
McCormick’s tenure in the School of Nursing commenced amid the unprecedented virtual learning conditions of a global pandemic, and she seized the opportunity to play a pivotal role in restoring vibrant campus life. As Secretary on the Student Government Association (SGA) class board, she helped facilitate numerous engaging activities, including givebacks, spirit week for the Nightingale Ball, school crawfish boils and trivia nights. Of these experiences, McCormick says, “It has been so rewarding to be on my class board as secretary to help bring campus life back to our school.”
McCormick has assumed significant student leadership roles within the SNA. As the Breakthrough to Nursing® Coordinator and the newly elected Executive Board President, she has significantly influenced the organization’s community outreach initiatives, remarking, “I have deeply enjoyed the opportunity to give back to our community with my peers through community service.”
Inspired by her predecessors’ commitment and passion for the nursing profession, McCormick aims to encourage greater student participation in the SNA, fostering an environment that bolsters the association’s impact and the professional growth of future nurses at the School of Nursing.
Excelling in Learning and Practice
Rhys Lopiparo, a fourth-year nursing student expected to graduate in December 2023, demonstrates an exceptional commitment to leadership and the field of nursing. Serving in her second term as President of the SGA Executive Board, Lopiparo has effectively delegated and managed the executive board and its activities, plus those of the eight class boards.
“She does all this while continuing to excel in her clinical and didactic work,” says Colette Baudoin, PhD (c), MSN, RN, OCN, CNE, Instructor of Clinical Nursing. Baudoin adds, “Getting to work with her over the past year has been a pleasure, and watching her develop her leadership skills has been remarkable.”
Lopiparo holds notable positions as the Historian of the SNA and as the Class Representative for the Class of December 2023 SGA board. Additionally, she is a valued member of Sigma Theta Tau, the Oncology Nurses Society, the Emergency Nurses Society, the SNA Leadership U Honor Society, and the American Nurses Association.
Expertly balancing her commitment to service with her academic pursuits, Lopiparo works as a nurse tech in the Trauma ICU at University Medical Center New Orleans LCMC Health throughout the week while maintaining academic excellence. Her dedication to the SNA is evidenced by the volunteer and participation points she has earned, enough to merit her the honor of donning SNA cords at her upcoming graduation.
“Rhys displays an unwavering desire to learn new information in attempts to improve the care of her patients and have positive impacts on them,” says Baudoin. Lopiparo’s exceptional performance and commitment to continual learning and patient advocacy epitomize the School of Nursing’s core values, establishing a solid foundation for an influential future in nursing leadership.
An Admirable Commitment to Nursing Peers
Exemplary fourth-year nursing student Marshay Stevenson manifests an unwavering commitment to excellence in her studies and service. As the President of the school’s chapter of Student Veterans of America (SVA), she embodies the organization’s vision to “empower military-affiliated students to lead and live their best lives while adapting and overcoming obstacles to higher education.”
Under her leadership, the SVA chapter has fostered an inclusive and supportive environment, encouraging collaboration, community, professional growth and innovation among military-affiliated students. These collective efforts have resulted in an infusion of unique talents and technical skills into classroom, clinical and community settings, enhancing the broader educational and caregiving experience.
With laudable commitment, Stevenson actively participates in student orientations, SVA board meetings and various community and fundraising events, promoting the growth of the chapter and the services it offers. “This fall, we are planning for our best semester yet,” she says.
Stevenson’s outstanding achievements have garnered significant recognition, including the Daisy Award for Extraordinary Nursing Students, inclusion on the Dean’s List, the Army Medal of Achievement and the Black Scholar Award. She credits much of her success to the school’s demanding academic programs, extracurricular engagement, hands-on learning opportunities, and impactful faculty, particularly praising the support of SVA Advisor Celestine Carter, APRN, DNS, Assistant Professor of Clinical Nursing.
Even as she prepares to graduate in December 2023, Stevenson demonstrates a long-term commitment to the advancement of her peers and the nursing profession, asserting that she will continue to be a voice for the interests and needs of the SVA post-graduation.
“The School of Nursing empowers students to excel, distinguish themselves and create a meaningful impact,” Stevenson says. “We have the best instructors who ensure we have the necessary resources, opportunities and skills to succeed in diverse nursing fields and make significant contributions to the health care industry.”
