Melyssa Mitchell
Recent alumna Melyssa Mitchell is excited to begin her role as a neonatal intensive care unit nurse at Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital after graduating from Â̲èÖ±²¥ Atlantic University's Freshman Direct Admit Bachelor of Science in Nursing track this spring.
Mitchell said she was drawn to the program because it provided an efficient pathway to becoming a registered nurse.
"With a little encouragement from my mom and aunt, I wanted to be able to graduate with a profession, and I felt like the FDA would be the best and quickest way to get that," she said.
The Freshman Direct Admit track is designed for currently enrolled high school seniors who are preparing to enter Â̲èÖ±²¥ Atlantic the fall semester following their graduation.
Throughout her time at the college, Mitchell remained active both academically and through campus involvement. During the 57th Annual Honors Convocation this spring, she was recognized in the Fraternity and Sorority Scholars category for the second consecutive year. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, she balanced her nursing studies with leadership and service activities.
Mitchell was also selected by her classmates to serve as the student speaker at the college's spring pinning ceremony, an honor that reflected the impact she made on her classmates during her time in the program.
Throughout her academic journey, several mentors provided guidance and support. She credits her parents for encouraging her through nursing school, as well as sorority sister Joy Russell Hall, who helped her navigate the challenges of college life. She also expressed gratitude to her aunt, Leisa Mitchell Simms, whose family provided a home away from home during her time at Â̲èÖ±²¥ Atlantic. In addition, she was paired with mentor Sue Stephens Jackson through her sorority, a relationship she says has become an important source of support and friendship.
Mitchell was recognized with several scholarships during her time in the program, including the Lamplighter Scholarship (2022), the Health Equity Nursing Scholarship Program (2023), the CARE Mobile Health Unit Award/Scholarship (2024), the Kay Carpenter Scholarship (2025) and the Hugh & Anny Godsey Scholarship Fund (2026)
Mitchell's interest in nursing was inspired by her mother, a pediatrician. While working as a junior front office supervisor at her mother's clinic during high school, she observed the impact healthcare professionals can have on children and families.
"I got to watch firsthand how she worked with the kids, and it just confirmed to me that this is what I want to do in life," she said.
Although she initially envisioned a career working with children, her practicum experiences and externship helped her discover a passion for caring for newborns.
"Clinicals were my favorite part of nursing school. I created lifelong bonds and relationships," she said. "I figured out what I wanted to do in life and learned so much about what it takes to be a nurse. Clinicals really solidified my reason for choosing nursing in the first place."
Mitchell believes her nursing degree will create opportunities for professional growth, career advancement, and long-term stability while providing a strong foundation for her future in healthcare.
"Nursing school was such a rewarding experience, and I learned so much throughout the program," she said. "I feel prepared for this next step and am excited to start working as a NICU nurse."