JJC Nursing Professor Finds Right Fit in Return to Classroom

Aug 19, 2024

Joliet Junior College (JJC) nursing professor Michael Taylor always knew he wanted to pursue a career in healthcare, but he wasn't sure if that dream would ever become a reality.

"Males make up only about 10 percent of the nursing workforce," Taylor noted.

Additionally, as a returning adult student entering the nursing program, he grappled with doubts about fitting in. But thanks to the advice of his advisor and encouragement from his mother, JJC nursing alum Sarah Taylor, he enrolled.

"I was surprised by how much I benefited from diversity in the classroom," Michael said. "There were students of all ages, races, genders and backgrounds. This created a great environment for discussion and the exploration of ideas."

His positive experiences in the classroom inspired the next step in his career. After graduating from JJC, Taylor continued his nursing education with the goal of becoming an instructor.

"I didn't realize my passion for teaching until I went through the nursing program at JJC," Michael recalled. "So when the opportunity arose for me to teach at my alma mater, alongside some of the same professors who helped guide my career, I fully embraced it."

The JJC Nursing Department welcomed Michael as a full-time faculty member in 2020. His responsibilities include diligently recruiting and retaining male nursing students. He was instrumental in establishing a JJC chapter of the American Association for Men in Nursing (AAMN). Since their first meeting in January of 2021, JJC's AAMN chapter has grown to 56 members, with new students joining each semester.

"Through mentorship, peer connection, evidence-based student development activities, and meaningful community engagement, the JJC chapter of AAMN advances academic and professional achievement, while establishing a robust network of support," Michael said. "Ultimately, our group has become a collaborative and welcoming community that embraces the individuality of each member."

JJC is the only community college in Illinois with a chapter of AAMN, and the only community college in the nation recognized as a Best School for Men in Nursing. Sarah Taylor had no idea that her influence as a nurse and alum would lead her son to such an enriching career at JJC, but she couldn't be prouder.

"I always knew Michael would make a great nurse and an even better teacher. His students are lucky to have him."

This story originally appeared in the spring 2024 issue of Connections magazine.