Compassionate Caretakers: First HPU Nursing Grads Take Flight
Kellie Brewer and Piper Dillon have a few things in common: they’re successful, they’re the first nursing graduates in High Point University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, and they’re more than ready to enter the workforce, each one with multiple job offers from which to choose.
HPU’s world-class nursing program brought them together and prepared them to provide top-notch care to their future patients.
After graduation, Brewer will be pursuing a nursing residency at High Point Medical Center, and Dillon will begin a Critical Care Nurse Residency at Novant Health. Both graduates credit HPU for giving them the exposure, experience and opportunities they needed to meet their goals. They say that the small class sizes, unmatched mentorship and consistent support are responsible for their many successes.
“The one-on-one learning opportunities provided by the School of Nursing have been exceptional. The faculty members are dedicated to our success, working tirelessly to support our academic and professional growth,” says Brewer.
Brewer is joined by thousands of students and community members in recognizing the extraordinary qualities of HPU, and she isn’t the first to notice the difference between HPU and other schools, either. Comparison comes naturally when the difference is palpable, and Brewer—along with Dillon and anyone who’s witnessed it—knows there’s something special about the experiences HPU offers.
The HPU Difference
“Prior to transferring to HPU, I attended a larger college where this level of individualized attention was lacking. The hands-on, personalized approach at HPU has made a significant difference in my educational experience, confirming that it was the right choice for me,” says Brewer.
Similarly, Dillon says, “HPU is filled with professors who love what they teach and want to see you succeed. The small class sizes and support from my professors gave me the perfect environment to grow into a confident student and leader. I’ve gained invaluable public speaking, interviewing and networking skills from immersive experiences I wouldn’t have gotten anywhere else.”
The humility of HPU professors—coupled with the small student-to-faculty ratio—allows students to form bonds with notable mentors. Despite impressive accomplishments and years of experience, HPU faculty never let titles stand between them and students; in fact, they do the opposite, using their expertise to enlighten and motivate those around them. Dr. Raquel Ingram is no exception.
As the founding dean of HPU’s Teresa Caine School of Nursing, Ingram brings 27 years of nursing experience, 25 years as a nurse educator and 21 years of nursing leadership. She is a member of several national nursing organizations and chair of multiple board committees. She is locally and internationally known for her research in health literacy.
It’s safe to say that Dr. Ingram is an expert in her field, but she doesn’t consider her dean status the most important item on her long list of accolades. Instead, the daily blessing of working side-by-side with students inspires her to show up each day. And that’s what makes the difference to HPU students.
“Whenever I have ideas, she is open to sitting down and hearing them despite her demanding schedule,” says Dillon. “Her support and trust in me have allowed my leadership and confidence to bloom in ways I never thought possible.”
Brewer has similar things to say about Dr. Rachel Phelps, DNP, MSN, RN, CNEcl, CHSE, assistant professor of nursing and director of simulation at HPU.
“She has gone above and beyond to help me excel,” says Brewer. “She’s given me the tools, guidance and support to succeed at HPU and beyond. Since my first semester of nursing school, she’s pushed me out of my comfort zone while giving me advice through everything.”
Like Ingram, Phelps’ calming presence, extensive knowledge and dedication to service set her apart from nursing professors at other universities. She cares deeply. She understands the value of offering unwavering support. She invests in her students. And the payoff is seeing ambitious scholars transform into valuable, confident nurses.
HPU Runs in the Family
Brewer isn’t the first in her family to attend HPU, and Dillon won’t be the last to do so in hers. With Brewer’s mother being an HPU alumna and Dillon’s sister preparing for her freshman year in purple, both scholars consider the university a significant part of their lives.
“My sister is coming to HPU next year, so I’m always in her ear telling her that the university has so many resources to capitalize on,” says Dillon. “My biggest piece of advice is never to be afraid to take chances and opportunities. HPU is a great school to become a leader in your field, but you must fully immerse yourself in that growth mindset to truly benefit from it.”
Taking Advantage of HPU’s Resources
Dillon’s advice to her sister rings true for all incoming and current HPU students. Neither Brewer nor Dillon needed HPU to know they were talented individuals—but they took advantage of opportunities made possible by HPU to put their talents to the test. Without action and a winning attitude, HPU’s incredible resources could be missed; conversely, when students seek out all that makes HPU extraordinary, the reward can be life changing.
“To be successful at HPU, students must continue to fight for success. Do not give up, and do not be afraid to ask for help. Your professors want to see you be successful,” Brewer says. And that’s exactly what happened for both of these nursing graduates.