Vanderbilt University School of Nursing celebrated graduating students and their entry into the nursing profession with a pinning ceremony and reception Thursday, May 8, followed by Investiture on Friday, May 9, on Vanderbilt’s Magnolia Lawn. The ceremonies recognized students completing their programs in August and December 2024 and May 2025.
The Class of 2025 included 324 Master of Science in Nursing students, 60 Doctor of Nursing Practice students and 29 Master of Nursing students. Four PhD in Nursing Science graduates were also recognized. In addition to their degrees, several nurses earned Post-Master’s Certificates in additional advanced practice specialties.
Dean and Valere Potter Distinguished Professor of Nursing Pamela Jeffries, PhD, FAAN, ANEF, FSSH, called the graduates pioneers and advocates.
“All the members of this class – MNs, MSNs, DNPs and PhDs – have many things in common: excellence, dedication, intelligence, accomplishment and hard work, to name a few,” Jeffries said. “You are Vanderbilt’s answer to society’s health care challenges. Not just because you are so very needed as providers, but because each of you is a nurse leader equipped to ask the hard questions, identify the problems, find the best solutions, discover knowledge and lead the discussions that will revolutionize health care delivery.”
Vicky Nicolas, MSN’25, was selected as Founder’s Medalist for the School of Nursing. Each year, Vanderbilt awards the Founder’s Medal to the top scholar in each of its 10 schools in honor of founder Cornelius Vanderbilt.
“Vicky has embraced the belief that serving others makes life fulfilling,” Jeffries said. “She is determined to provide primary care with her trademark dedication, compassion and commitment to patient well-being, and she will no doubt continue to make a difference in nursing going forward.”
Nicolas was inspired to become a nurse practitioner by her adoptive mother, who overcame poverty to become a certified nursing assistant. As a VUSN student, Nicolas received the DAISY Award recognizing extraordinary nurses and nursing students and was selected for a federal Health Resources and Services Administration–funded program that provided clinical nursing experience in rural and underserved health clinics in Kentucky.
Graduating students also received words of encouragement from Vanderbilt University Medical Center System Chief Nursing Officer Karen Keady, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, who urged them to build their support systems and to find their passion as they advance their nursing careers.
“What you have learned here at Vanderbilt will follow you forward,” Keady said. “You can count on us for support and a lifelong academic, clinical and leadership connection as you navigate the amazing careers that are ahead of you. I know that I can speak for everyone here today — we are so proud of what you have accomplished and so excited to see what you will do next.”