RN and BSN Alumni Sandra Tripp’s Advice on Overcoming Self-Doubt


Throughout her childhood, Sandra Tripp had many career ambitions, but years of self-doubt fueled by naysayers stopped her from pursuing them. That was until her sick grandmother encouraged her to follow her nursing dream. After becoming a registered nurse, she decided to take her education even further, and in 2020 she graduated from Aspen University’s … Keep Reading

Meet Our Faculty: Donald Dunn


When Aspen faculty member Donald Dunn, DM, PMP, isn’t teaching one of his many courses, he spends his time as an avid golfer and grandfather to 29 grandkids. Hailing from Groveland, Florida, he prides himself on being fair and committed to student success.  What do you teach? I teach many courses for the School of … Keep Reading

How This Alumni Triumphed Through Anxiety to Achieve Her MSN at 50


Longtime nurse Rose Tyler always had her mind set on becoming an RN. But a discouraging setback led her on a path of anxiety that delayed her career goals. Years later, with the support of her loved ones, Rose achieved her RN dream and advanced her education even further. In 2020, she graduated from Aspen … Keep Reading

How This Alumni Found Hope In Nursing Following Tragedy


We share this inspiring essay from Maggie Ross, who initially left medicine after enduring a tragic loss. Years later, she became a nurse and completed Aspen’s RN to MSN Bridge Program in 2020, with a Nursing Education specialization. She hopes to continue her education even further and help other students with their goals.   From the … Keep Reading

Spotlight Wrap-Up: Looking Back On Aspen’s Amazing Students


This past year has been filled with challenges, and we continue to face public health obstacles amid the pandemic. With all that we’ve endured during this unprecedented time, Aspen is immensely proud of all the accomplishments our community achieved.   Our students and alumni come with unique backgrounds and experiences. As we enter into a … Keep Reading

Student Spotlight: Dyslexia Can’t Stop This DNP Candidate


Aspen University DNP student Simone Kessler, RN, BSc, BSN, MSN, began her nursing journey when she was 13. The England native was introduced to the field through vocational and pre-nursing courses that she took throughout her teens. She loved biology, and nursing felt like a natural fit for her. “We learned how to bandage, take … Keep Reading

Meet Your Austin BSN Pre-Licensure Program Director: Rhonda Winegar


Dr. Rhonda Winegar has many titles: educator, longtime RN, published author, and owner of two dogs who happen to be commercial actors. Having traveled to over 90 countries, she brings her sense of adventure and love for learning to Aspen’s new Austin campus.  What is your role at Aspen? I’m the BSN Pre-Licensure Program Director … Keep Reading

Alumni Spotlight: Jennifer Cummings Is Leading a New Generation of Nurses


After experiencing an academic defeat, Jennifer set aside her self-doubt from the past and pushed herself to go back to school for her MSN at the age of 56. She graduated in 2019 with a specialization in Administration and Management, which allowed her to begin her next journey of mentoring new nurses. Here’s her story. … Keep Reading

Meet Our Faculty: LouAnnie Godinez


Aspen invites you to meet our faculty — LouAnnie Godinez!  LouAnnie Godinez knew she wanted to be a nurse while serving as a medic in the Navy.  What is your name? LouAnnie Godinez MSN, RN Where are you from? I was born in Brazil and moved to the United States with my mom and my … Keep Reading