Lynsey Peters’ journey to graduation and a nursing career is a testament to resilience, passion and dedication. As a nursing student at Davenport University, Peters balanced the rigors of a demanding academic program with her lifelong love for cheerleading and STUNT. Not only has she excelled in the classroom, but her athletic pursuits also earned her four national championships and four conference titles with the university’s renowned cheer and STUNT team. Now, as she prepares to walk across the Van Andel Arena stage on April 27, 2025, and into her career as a Pediatric Registered Nurse at Indiana University Riley Children’s Hospital, Peters said Davenport helped shape her both as an athlete and as a health care professional.
When Peters, who is from Charlotte, first considered Davenport 
University, it was the school’s outstanding Cheer and STUNT program that attracted her. She wanted to continue her athletic career at the collegiate level, and she said Davenport’s program offered the ideal blend of excellence in coaching, team culture and competition. But Davenport offered something even more valuable—an academic experience that aligned with her aspirations to become a nurse.
“The small class sizes and hands-on learning opportunities stood out to me,” Peters explained. “I knew Davenport’s approach and faculty would provide the support I needed to succeed academically and in my future career.”
Peters’ decision to pursue nursing stems from a deep passion to help others. A compassionate person at heart, she thrives on building connections with others and offering support when it’s most needed. “Nursing is more than just a profession to me—it’s an opportunity to bring comfort, care, and advocacy to individuals during their most vulnerable moments,” she said.
This passion was further reinforced by the challenges she faced throughout her college career, including balancing multiple jobs while remaining committed to her studies and athletics. During her senior year, a devastating ankle injury forced Peters to undergo two surgeries, abruptly ending her cheerleading career. However, the setback only strengthened her resolve. “Adapting to this sudden change, both physically and emotionally, was incredibly challenging,” she said. “But it reinforced my resilience, adaptability, and commitment to my goals. This journey has taught me the importance of perseverance, time management and dedication—qualities that I will carry with me into my nursing career.”
Davenport’s Nursing Program: Rigorous, Real-World, Ready
Peters believes Davenport’s nursing program is exceptional for its combination of rigorous academics and hands-on experience. From day one, students are exposed to clinical settings, gaining invaluable real-world experience each semester. “The early exposure to clinical settings was crucial for me,” she says. “It gave me the confidence to apply my skills in real-world settings and solidified my belief that nursing is the right path for me.”
Davenport’s nursing program requires students to maintain high academic standards, including a requirement to achieve an 80% testing average. “While it was demanding, it pushed me to develop a deep understanding of the material and critical-thinking skills that will serve me well in my nursing career,” Peters said.
Equally important to her were the opportunities to learn through Davenport’s simulation labs and clinical rotations. Peters worked with real patients, which not only honed her technical skills but also reinforced her ability to respond effectively to the unpredictable nature of health care.
“Davenport’s nursing program is truly a blend of academics and practice, setting students up for success in the field,” she said.
A Dream Come True: From Cheerleader to Pediatric Nurse
For Peters, joining Davenport’s Cheer and STUNT team was a dream that came to fruition, offering her not only athletic success but also invaluable life lessons. “Being a part of Davenport’s Cheer and STUNT team has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life,” she said. “The program taught me not just cheerleading skills, but life lessons on dedication, hard work, and the importance of teamwork.”
The program instilled in her a mentality that has carried her through challenges, both in cheer and nursing. “One of our program’s favorite quotes is, ‘It does not matter the score at the end of the game. It’s about how you play, why you play, and your purpose behind playing that will make a difference in your lives forever,’” Peters said. “This mindset helped me through tough times and has shaped the way I approach every challenge.”
Peters is now looking forward to starting her career at Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis. “I’m excited to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and their families,” she says. “I’m looking forward to being part of a team that not only heals but also uplifts and empowers both children and their families.”
The Davenport Experience: Advice for Future Panthers
As she prepares to graduate, Peters encourages prospective students to embrace everything Davenport has to offer. “Get involved, step outside your comfort zone, and embrace new experiences,” she advised. “Davenport provides countless opportunities to grow, both academically and personally, so take advantage of them. The more you put into your college experience, the more you’ll get out of it.”
Peters’ story is a powerful example of what Davenport University stands for: a place where students can excel both academically and athletically, a place where passion and perseverance meet to create successful professionals ready to make a difference in the world. For Peters, that difference is a career dedicated to healing, compassion, and care—qualities that Davenport helped her develop during her time as a Panther.
For more on Davenport University’s nursing programs, see here.
For more on Davenport University and all its programs, see here.
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