Nicki is not only a practical nursing graduate from rural Ohio, but a standout example of what preparation, support, and belief can unlock. A mom of two young children, Nicki graduated from Stautzenberger College in December 2025 with a 4.0 GPA and a job already lined up, pending licensure. When Nicki started at Stautz, she didn’t set out to be top of the class. She set out to do the work. Her commitment and discipline spoke for themselves, earning the respect of her instructors and a referral to the Centennial series as an outstanding student.
“I didn’t go into this thinking I was going to get a 4.0. I just knew it was time for me to go back to school, and I wanted to put my best foot forward. Once I started, I saw the support from my instructors, and I started to see the potential in myself that I didn’t even realize was there.
I’ve worked in healthcare for almost 16 years, and becoming a nurse was something I never wanted to give up on. I tried before, and the timing never worked. Stautzenberger made it work. Between the fast-track program, the start dates, and the hands-on learning, it finally felt possible.
I made a commitment with my family that for the next year and a half, this was the priority. It wasn’t easy. I had bad tests. I had bad weeks. But I didn’t let one bad week break everything. I kept going, and that consistency is what carried me through.”
For Nicki, the Stautz difference showed up early and often: a program that could fit into her busy life, hands-on learning that built confidence, and instructors who laid out clear expectations and offered constant support.What began as a goal to simply finish strong became something more powerful: the realization that, with the right structure around her, she was capable of far more than she’d imagined.
“When it came time to interview for my first nursing job, I felt prepared. We had interview prep, resume prep, and I had my questions written down. I could hear my instructors in my head reminding me what to ask and what to look for. That made a huge difference.
I still can’t always say I graduated with a 4.0 without getting emotional. I’ve been working toward this half my life, and to finally finish and feel truly prepared is incredible. I’m so grateful for the instructors and for choosing Stautzenberger. I’m proud to be a graduate.”
