Graduate Student Profile

Finding Time to Become a Leader: Kate Ryan's Story
By Sarah Jio

Kate Ryan, MSN student at SPU, says she never considered a master's degree in nursing. In fact, her resume was looking pretty well rounded on its own: hospital experience, five years practicing in Saudi Arabia, a background in health care management and current role as a vice president for PacMed Clinics. "It didn't ever occur to me that a graduate degree - in nursing of all areas - was the direction to go," said Ryan.

But, something changed her mind. After encouragement from SPU's School of Health Sciences faculty, she was convinced that Seattle Pacific was the place she wanted to be. "God led me here," she said. "I had lost touch with my 'nurse-ness,' and needed to renew my sense of learning."

As the intensity of the program grew, so did her vision for her future. "I wanted to light the fire in others the way my SPU professors encouraged me," she said. "I decided to become an educator."

Nursing, more than ever, needs leaders — people who can preserve the profession in the face of much assault," she said, also speaking to about the national nursing shortage, as well. "Higher education really gives you an ability to be articulate about the profession of nursing."

With two greyhounds and a work week that exceeds 40 hours, Ryan finds her household always bustling. "But," she says, "graduate school fits better than you expect — you just create time. I still have time to watch 'The West Wing.'"

When she completes her degree next June, Ryan plans to begin a doctoral program. She also hopes to continue her administrative work and explore university-level teaching opportunities.

"SPU was an excellent fit for me. I like my education to be connected to my spirit," she said. "My graduate experience has allowed me to create a new world for myself that includes everything I love."

Notes and Reminders

Educating With Heart and Soul: A Conference for Educators
Don't miss this inspiring conference with education expert Dr. Lorraine Monroe. A national andinternational consultant, Dr. Monroe shares her powerful message about the role of leadership in creating effective schools. Through video presentations, lectures, hands-on activities and group discussions, learn innovative tools and techniques. For more information and to register, visit www.spu.edu/depts/soe/conferences/index2.html.

Dates to Remember

Quick Resources
Find what you need on campus -- from an SPU ID card to class registration information. Click here for a compilation of office hours, phone numbers and other details to make graduate student life a little easier.

Questions, Comments, Feedback
We're interested in hearing your feedback about The Graduate Review and how it can be used to better meet your needs. Please send any comments or questions via e-mail to sasinfo@spu.edu. If you have a story idea or suggestion for a future issue, please contact sarahjio@spu.edu.