Nursing Major Named 2021 CHS Valedictorian

Published: April 08, 2021 | Author: Savannah Byers | Read Time: 2 minutes

Sabrina Jensen has been named the 2021 valedictorian for Southern Utah University’s College of Health Sciences (CHS). Jensen is graduating this spring with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and plans to become a nurse.

“I really love medicine and learning new things, so I think I picked a great career because I get to continually learn,” said Jensen. “My amazing nursing professors and the experiences that I have been able to have during my clinical rotations have reiterated to me that nursing was the right choice for me.”

Jensen graduated from Winnemucca, Nevada’s Lowry High School in 2015, where she was also valedictorian. Growing up, she looked up to her parents and her older sister, who is also a nurse.

“Sabrina is a phenomenal student,” said Professor Suzie Campbell, assistant professor of nursing. “She is a leader among her peers but besides that, she is just a lot of fun. Everyone loves her."

"She and another student were responsible for conducting an educational program at one of the local elementary schools to teach them about maturation,” Professor Campbell continued. “That can be a difficult topic to teach when you don't have a lot of experience, but Sabrina did an amazing job. She was natural and comfortable and helped the elementary students be comfortable as well. She has a gift for making people feel included and helping people around her be happy. I think her choice to be a nurse was inspired because she is going to be a great one. I'm grateful to have had the chance to teach her and know her.”

At SUU, Jensen has been involved in the Nursing Honors Society and the rugby club. In the rigorous Nursing program, Jensen has enjoyed completing clinicals in a variety of settings including Cedar City Hospital and St. George Medical Center for a more well-rounded experience.

“I have had so many wonderful professors while at SUU,” said Jensen. “Due to the small class sizes, I always felt like my professors really cared about me personally and wanted me to be successful. The nursing professors are some of the best teachers and people ever! The time that they have dedicated to my success has been touching and I hope that I can be a nurse that takes all of the best things that they taught me.”

Jensen has recently accepted a job position in the Emergency Room in her hometown, Winnemucca, Nevada, after graduation.

“Sabrina is an intelligent, compassionate, quiet, fun person,” said Dr. Donna Lister, Nursing Department chair. “I have enjoyed having her in my classes because of her thoughtful insights into the various topics we have discussed. Her participation and performance in class is very strong. She is engaged and very supportive of her classmates. She quietly goes about doing exceptional work. I know that Sabrina is going to be a great nurse. She will enter her career very prepared to practice both the science and the art of nursing.”

Learn more about the 2021 valedictorians or Southern Utah University's 2021 Commencement Ceremonies. 

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Tags: College of Health Sciences Nursing Graduation

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