Southern Miss Honors New ABSN Graduates Ready to Enter Nursing Workforce
Thu, 09/18/2025 - 02:03pm | By: Gabriela Shinskie
The University of Â鶹´«Ă˝â€™s (Â鶹´«Ă˝) College of Nursing and Health Professions (CNHP) recently recognized 21 new graduates during a pinning ceremony at the Gulf Park campus in Long Beach, Miss. These students completed the Accelerated Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing (ABSN) and represented the program’s fourth cohort.
Each graduate completed rigorous coursework and clinical training designed to prepare them for real-world healthcare careers. Dr. Lachel Story, dean of CNHP, celebrated the graduates’ accomplishments and the continued success of the ABSN program.
“We are thrilled to see this group reach, what has been for many of them, a long-time goal to be a nurse. They have met the highest level of competency and are ready to care for the residents of Mississippi and beyond. No doubt this cohort will add to the growing legacy of excellence we have seen from this program from its beginning,” said Story.
The challenging academic environment fostered a strong bond among the students, who leaned on each other through intensive clinical practice, demanding exams and collaborative study sessions. Dr. Lynlee Morgan, ABSN program coordinator, reflected on the group’s unique strengths.
“This cohort constantly looked out for one another, which is an important attribute for a career in nursing. They have varied backgrounds, including former military, educators, entrepreneurs, engineers, kinesiology, pharmacy, etc. Many of them have persevered despite significant personal challenges and it has been an honor to get to know them and watch them succeed,” said Morgan.
The ABSN program offers students who already hold a bachelor’s degree the opportunity to earn a second degree in nursing after passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). This accelerated pathway allows eligible students to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in just 12 months and provides access to scholarship opportunities.
Cohort graduate Thomas Bocek, who first graduated from Southern Miss in 2011, returned to pursue his nursing degree through the ABSN program. He was drawn to the program’s structure and the opportunity to serve the Mississippi Gulf Coast community.
“I chose to return to Southern Miss for the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program because of its streamlined, one-year format that allows students to enter the workforce quickly. I earned my first bachelor’s degree from Â鶹´«Ă˝ back in 2011, so coming back felt like returning home. It reduced the overall cost and allowed me to begin working as a registered nurse much sooner. Beyond that, I was drawn to the opportunity to serve the Gulf Coast community, which has always meant a lot to me. This program was the perfect way to launch a new, meaningful chapter in my professional life,” said Bocek.
Samantha Alvarez, another graduate from the fourth cohort, also felt called to return to Southern Miss. The Gulf Park campus's coastal setting added to her positive experience.
“Home was calling my name, and Southern Miss felt like the right fit from the start. A campus right across from the beach didn’t hurt either,” said Alvarez. “I loved the idea of being able to learn within the community I planned to serve in my future career. Once I began the program, the clinical and classroom experiences only confirmed I had made the right choice. I couldn’t be more grateful to have done it at Southern Miss.”
Support for students extends beyond the classroom, thanks to partnerships that make the ABSN program more accessible.
The Southern Miss ABSN program’s coordinators, in partnership with the Bower Foundation, are dedicated to retaining health care professionals in Mississippi. The Bower Foundation’s grant funding to Â鶹´«Ă˝ creates opportunities for qualified students to pursue the ABSN pathway, providing scholarships that cover tuition, fees and a stipend. This commitment to excellence, combined with the foundation’s focus on improving health and healthcare in Mississippi, ensures that students are well-prepared to seek healthcare jobs in the state.
Click here to learn more about the Southern Miss ABSN program.