Commencement Spotlight: Nia Brown

Commencement Spotlight: Nia Brown, Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Future: Cardiac Nurse Resident at Emory University Healthcare

Nia Brown, a 22-year-old Stone Mountain, Georgia native, will graduate on May 4th from Albany State University (ASU) with a  Bachelor of Science in Nursing.  As an active member of the Velma Fudge Grant Honors Program and the Gamma Sigma Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Nia has accumulated over 100 volunteer hours. Her accolades include being a HOPE Scholarship recipient, receiving the Dean’s List, and The Crawford/Blaylock Undergraduate Scholar Award.

Nia’s passion for research led her to internships, including the STEM Summer Scholars Institute at Indiana University, where she contributed to groundbreaking studies on epilepsy awareness. Additionally, she presented her research titled “Breast Self-Examination Awareness” at Albany State University’s Research Symposium. Nia’s dedication to service and academic excellence exemplifies the spirit of our university.

Looking ahead, Nia has secured a position at Emory University Healthcare as a cardiac Nurse Resident. After gaining valuable experience in her field, she plans to pursue a master's in nursing informatics to explore data analytics in nursing care. Outside of her education and career goals, Nia is deeply passionate about her family, friends, community service, and her faith. She credits their support and motivation for carrying her through every step of her collegiate journey and looks forward to embracing the future with gratitude and enthusiasm.

 

Why did you choose ASU?
I chose ASU because of my mom. My mom was an HBCU grad and motivated me to attend HBCU. She and I saw that ASU was one of the only HBCUs in Georgia with a nursing program, and that the program was ranked number 1. I also chose ASU because it wasn’t too far from home and pushed me to meet new people.

What motivated you to learn more about your field?
What motivated me to learn more about the nursing field is my love for the human body, as I enjoy learning how the different body systems work together. I also love caring for others, and I recognize the need for impactful nurses worldwide. I chose nursing because I want to make a difference in people’s lives and serve as a resource to my community.

 

What do you love most about your chosen profession?
What I love most about nursing is the endless opportunities, from different specialties to several degree options to further knowledge. I love that I’m able to explore options and work in numerous areas depending on my interests. I look forward to the changes in my nursing career that will keep me engaged!

Who has made the biggest impact on you, and who do you consider to be a role model at ASU?
The person who has made the biggest impact on me is my academic advisor and professor, Dr. Wanda Allen. I met Dr. Allen in 2021, and she guided me through my research project for the Center for Undergraduate Research Program at Albany State University. I am inspired by her many certifications and degrees throughout her career, and her success motivates me to achieve success of my own. She’s a role model at ASU because of her positive influence on nursing students. She sets the bar high for expectations in class and pushes me to be the best student. I appreciate her for believing in me, seeing my potential, and empowering me to strive for more.

What advice would you give to other ASU students?
A piece of advice that I would give to other ASU students is to never stop believing in themselves. College can be very stressful in addition to life’s struggles, but it’s important for college students to know that they can get through anything they set their mind to. I would tell them that there’s no limit to their success, and to keep pushing themselves to achieve all that they want!

What would you say to a high school student about choosing ASU to further their education?
To a high school student choosing ASU to further their education, I would first let them know that they’ve made the best decision! I would tell them that they will enjoy their time here and form amazing connections. With that, I would also tell them to stay focused on their grades. It’s easy to get caught up in extracurricular activities or festivities, and school needs to be their top priority! Lastly, I would encourage them to surround themselves with like-minded people who are also focused on school, to ensure that they are motivated and successful in school!