Nursing school is rigorous and demanding — but no student should navigate it alone.

The ETSU College of Nursing has launched a new Academic Student Success Center dedicated to supporting students throughout their nursing education. Designed to complement academic advising, the center offers hands-on support that helps students master coursework, build confidence and stay on track to graduate.

“This center advances our mission by ensuring every nursing student has the tools, guidance and encouragement to excel, and to carry that excellence into the communities they serve,” said Dr. Dena Evans, dean of ETSU’s College of Nursing.

The center is built on four primary pillars:

  • Tutoring
  • Peer Mentoring
  • Academic Coaching
  • Supplemental Instruction

Succeeding in school and beyond

The center goes beyond academics, helping students manage the personal and professional pressures that come with preparing for a nursing career.

Dr. Kacie Hauldren, executive director of Academic Success and Retention, understands firsthand the challenges nursing students face.

“As a former first-generation nursing student and someone who has failed a nursing course, I understand the unique challenges students encounter,” Hauldren said. “I am committed to providing support that empowers students to thrive academically and professionally.”

Support when it matters most

Through tutoring, study groups, skill-building workshops and peer mentoring, the center helps students strengthen study strategies, overcome obstacles and develop the resilience needed to persist in a demanding program.

“I want every nursing student to be able to say they had the support they needed,” said Dr. Tabitha Quillen, an Academic Student Success Educator.

By addressing both academic and personal barriers, the center creates an environment grounded in understanding, accountability and meaningful student success.

A team dedicated to student growth

Hauldren is joined by Academic Student Success Educators Quillen and Christine Rigsby, who collectively bring decades of nursing education experience to the initiative.

“I never want dedicated, compassionate future nurses to feel alone or give up on their goals,” Rigsby said.

Students can contact the Academic Student Success Center by submitting this form.