In this Fuel Your Future series, we profile six motivated students on their educational journey and learn how Davenport is igniting their passion and fueling their future. 

Classes start Sept. 2 & Oct. 27 apply at davenport.edu/apply 

 

When Jesse Ward walked across the stage at Davenport University’s spring commencement, he carried more than just a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. He carried relationships and experience beyond the curriculum he completed.

“As I reflect on my personal journey here at Davenport, I am reminded that I graduated high school five years ago with a certificate in nurse assisting,” Ward said. “Unsure if nursing school would be my calling, I worked during the mounting cases of COVID-19. Through this, I fell in love with the basics of nursing care and knew nursing was right for me.”

A Portland, Michigan, native, Ward completed a health care program through the Heartlands Institute of Technology during high school, earning his CNA credential just before the pandemic shut down schools. He spent a year working shifts at a rehabilitation facility, gaining hands-on experience that confirmed his career path.

“Applying to Davenport University, I was looking forward to the new experiences I could have,” he said. “I was not involved in student organizations or school-based extracurriculars in high school; however, with Davenport, that changed.”

Ward found his stride in campus life, joining the Business Professionals of America (BPA) chapter at the Lettinga Campus. “After two years with this organization, I was honored to be elected chapter president. This year, I passed the role to a group of exceptional student leaders.”

He also became involved in the Student Nurses Association (SNA) on the Lansing campus, where he served as president. “While this was my position, it could not have been done without the rest of the board members who made the program successful.”

In addition to his academic commitments, Ward represented Davenport at the Michigan State Capitol during Advocacy Day to support the reinstatement of the Michigan Tuition Grant for students attending private colleges. 

“With 36% of undergraduate Michigan students at Davenport qualifying for this grant, I addressed financial hardships, academic growth, and stressed the continuation of this program to Michigan students, especially to those as a first-generation student like myself,” Ward said.

He said his time at Davenport shaped him in ways that go beyond the classroom. 

“My experiences at Davenport have given me several avenues to challenge and develop my leadership, experiences that will follow me into the clinical environment. Whether that be through interprofessional communication or future policy writing, Davenport fostered an environment that challenged me.”

He credits much of his success to the people around him. 

“I have my professors to thank, my parents, past mentors, but most importantly, my classmates within my own cohort. Without their support and without building each other up, who is to say where I would be—or where they would be—right now?”

This summer, Ward is working for Scouting America as its lead health officer at the Gerber Scout Reservation in Twin Lake, Michigan.

“I work to triage scouts for further medical needs, support the scouting program through teaching, as well as provide first aid and be an emergency contact at camp 24/7 for scouts staying with us,” he said.

In pursuing a full-time nursing career, Ward is focused on pediatric care with the hopes to eventually work at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital in oncology nursing.

Looking back, he says Davenport offered more than a degree. It gave him a place to grow. 

“Davenport gave me a lot of unique opportunities for leadership and character development.”

If you are interested in a nursing degree from Davenport, click here.