Students enrolled in the URI Pathways to Nursing program shared their challenges and achievements over the past semester, and looked forward to continuing their journey toward a nursing degree during the annual Pathways Living Leadership reception in the Alumni Center.
URI Provost Barbara Wolfe, who was the College of Nursing dean when the Pathways program began, along program administrator Diane DiTomasso welcomed the group, congratulating them on their successes and urging them to continue displaying the leadership they have shown on campus and in their communities. Guest speaker Professor Karen Jennings Mathis relayed her journey to becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner and the obstacles she faced as a member of an underrepresented group. She advised students to learn from those roadblocks they may face and continue to be exemplary in their work to prove doubters wrong.
Three of the 40 students currently enrolled through the Pathways program are graduating this year, and DiTomasso presented them with an honor cord to wear on commencement day. She also handed out awards to some of the top achievers in the program. Award winners include:
- Adriana Gutierrez – Academic Excellence Award
- RJ Fatorma – Academic Excellence Award
- Sofia Dela Cruz – Academic Excellence Award
- Ariela Santos Sanchez – Academic Star Award
- Justice Douglas – Clinical Excellence Award
The Pathways to Nursing program at URI supports nursing students from historically underrepresented populations, such as those from economically disadvantaged and minority backgrounds. Aiming to reduce health care inequalities and achieve health equity by increasing diversity in the nursing workforce, the program provides students with resources and support to attain bachelor’s degrees in nursing over five years.
Pathways provides the following supports to promote student success especially in overcoming academic disadvantages and unfamiliarity with university culture:
- Appropriate sequencing or pacing of the Pathways to Nursing curriculum.
- Mentoring support from CON faculty, Talent Development (TD) and other URI staff as well as professional nurses in the community.
- Special programs to connect students with mentors.
- Hands-on opportunities through the Mentoring Program.
- Equipment and other supports as needed.
Check out a gallery of photos from the event on the College of Nursing’s Facebook page. Learn more about the college’s academic programs here.
For more information on the Pathways to Nursing program and to apply, contact DiTomasso at dditomasso@uri.edu.