An alum's journey from GU to RN

Published: July 07, 2021

Author: Sarah Thomack

Brandon Leonard’s path to becoming a registered nurse (RN) is not one many would choose, but each step proved important in his journey.

Leonard studied ministry while at Greenville University and graduated in 2011. Just a few years later, on a mission trip to Guatemala, he assisted at a medical clinic, and through that, sensed God calling him to nursing school.

“Seeing the number of people coming to the clinics inspired me to be a nurse,” Leonard says. “

Brandon Leonard graduated in 2018 with a BSN from St. John's College of Nursing.

This year, Greenville University announced a partnership with St. John’s College of Nursing that will give students a four-year path to earning a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN).

Leonard offers a unique perspective on the partnership, since he attended both institutions and now serves as president of St. John’s College Alumni Board.

“I think the partnership is fantastic! It’s nice that my alma maters are working together to help better the lives of others through nursing,” Leonard notes. “I think that getting the Christian foundation at GU will [give] future students of SJC what it takes to be kind and compassionate nurses.”

Leonard currently works in the neuroscience center as an RN for HSHS Medical Group in Springfield. He adds that he plans to start Family Nurse Practitioner school through SJC in fall 2021.