An alum's journey from GU to RN

Published: July 12, 2021

Brandon Leonards 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. [I believed I could] one day go back and help there.

That inspiration led him to St. Johns College of Nursing in Springfield, Illinois, to earn a bachelor of science in nursing.

I think my time at GU prepared me to be compassionate and caring towards others around me, especially those that are in a time of need, Leonard says. Having one degree already from GU helped me to know what hard work [goes into earning] a bachelors degree and what type of work I needed to put in to be successful in nursing school and my career!"

This year,Greenville University announced a partnership with St. Johns College of Nursingthat 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. Johns College Alumni Board.

I think the partnership is fantastic! Its 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.