W Student Takes On State Role

COLUMBUS, Miss. – After 16 years, Heather Mitchell decided to change her career and life. Her hard work and determination have led her to represent fellow colleagues from universities throughout the state.

The Mississippi University for Women senior decided to follow her dreams after analyzing data for 16 years for a medical malpractice insurance company.

“As a data analyst, I saw all the bad data. I wanted to do something good,” said Mitchell, who decided to enroll in The W’s nursing program in 2014.

Now in her last year of nursing school, Mitchell’s hard work and persistence in working for her dream has led her to being named the first vice president for the Mississippi Association of Student Nurses.

“It is a very big honor. There is a lot of expectation,” explained Mitchell. “It’s an honor to represent The W and the state.”

As first vice president, Mitchell will preside over the annual statewide convention which hosts student nursing associations from universities across Mississippi. As part of her duties, she will recruit keynote speakers, session leaders and vendors. She will also represent the state at the national convention in 2016 at Orlando.

Mitchell was nominated for the office of first vice president by the House of Delegates at the annual MASN meeting.

The Mississippi Association of Student Nurses represents nursing students in schools throughout Mississippi, including associate and baccalaureate degree programs. The association works to develop nurses, influence the education process and encourage nursing students to participate in health care projects.

“I love taking care of people,” responded Mitchell when asked why she is working to be a nurse. She can recall always wanting to help others and wanting to be a nurse as a young girl in Moody, Ala.