In August, Makayla Kopp began Northern’s new Bachelor of Science in Nursing program as part of the very first nursing cohort. “Getting accepted into the nursing program will always hold a special place in my heart. It’s an honor to help set the foundation for future nurses and make history at Northern.”
Makayla plans to become an oncology nurse and eventually pursue certification as a CRNA. One of her most memorable experiences was participating in Northern’s gross anatomy class, where she had the opportunity to perform a full-body dissection—an experience she calls unforgettable. “Everything you learn in the textbook becomes real.”
- Makayla Kopp, 2025 (Current Nursing Student)
Paige Stevens is the treasurer of the Student Nurses Association and a student representative on the nursing program’s curriculum committee. “I chose Northern because I immediately felt at home the moment I stepped on campus,” Paige said. “The atmosphere was so welcoming, and I could tell right away that this place was where I wanted to be.”
- Paige Stevens (Current Nursing Student)
On campus, Leslie Vorster is actively involved in Northern State University’s nursing program through clinical rotations, skills labs and simulation groups. This semester, Leslie is immersed in RN clinical training while continuing to work as an LPN, applying classroom learning directly into real-world patient care.
Leslie says Northern State University has grown so much since they last attended campus through the Upward Bound program in high school. Now, they’re proud to be part of Northern’s first nursing cohort and among the first students to experience the new Business and Health Innovation Center, where nursing courses are housed.
After graduation, Leslie plans to work as a Registered Nurse in the rural community of Oakes and hopes to expand their impact through advanced nursing practice and leadership.
“Returning to school while balancing work and family life hasn’t been easy with 12-hour shifts, long commutes, and coursework while raising my two children. But Northern State has helped me build not just knowledge, but confidence. This journey is about more than a degree, it’s about making a stronger foundation for myself, my family and the patients that I’ll serve. It’s never too late to continue building on the future you want.”
- Leslie Vorster (Current Nursing Student)