Student Success Center marks 10 years of nursing excellence

When Andrew Diaz, BSN, RN, first walked into the School of Nursing at UT Health San Antonio, he was filled with a mix of excitement and uncertainty.

Coming from a family of nurses, Diaz felt like he knew what to expect from nursing school, but soon learned he would need a bit more guidance adapting to the rigorous academic demands.

The Student Success Center (SSC), a cornerstone of the school's support system since 2014, quickly provided him with a foundation that would drive him to excel academically and inspire his career trajectory.

Resources with returns

The SSC has been a significant force dedicated to helping nursing students succeed over the past decade. It's achieved notable milestones, including securing $5 million in extramural funding and distributing $4 million in student scholarships.

Peer-assisted learning sessions increase student academic success in challenging courses in a collaborative environment.

It has employed more than 700 student leaders in peer mentoring roles and provided over 30,000 contact hours of academic support from peer mentoring, personal tutoring and peer-assisted learning sessions.

"The center was the first place I turned to when I felt overwhelmed," said Diaz, who graduated this spring. "Their peer mentorship program helped me find my footing, and by the second week of school, I had asked how I could become a peer mentor myself."

This decision would lead to lifelong friendships, leadership experiences and a passion for giving back that Diaz carries into his professional life.

For current student Karen Deciga, set to graduate in spring 2025, the SSC has been a lifeline as well.

Coming to San Antonio from Brownsville, Deciga found herself navigating a new academic environment and a new city. The SSC's resources for academic coaching and workshops made all the difference.

Karen Deciga, nursing class of 2025.

"I was terrified of the academic challenges ahead," Deciga shared. "But through the SSC, I discovered my unique learning style and gained so much confidence. Their support was invaluable, especially during the transition from prerequisites to nursing school."

Deciga now serves as a peer mentor champion, a leadership role where she supports student mentors who guide new nursing students.

"Being able to guide others through the same journey I've been on is incredibly rewarding," she said. "We're given the opportunity to create a community and lift each other up."

'Instilling confidence'

Innovation is a hallmark of the student center. In 2023, it launched a virtual writing lab for graduate nursing students, providing tailored, one-on-one coaching to help them excel in their studies and research activities.

Vanessa Bográn Meling, EdD, MBA

Additionally, the center has spearheaded two undergraduate research initiatives - SUNRISE and New Horizons - to build scholarly inquiry and critical thinking among nursing students.

"The SSC isn't just about academic success," said Vanessa Bográn Meling, EdD, MBA, founding director of the Student Success Center and the school's associate dean for admissions and student success. "It's about building leaders, fostering connections and instilling confidence. We want every student who walks through our doors to feel supported, both personally and professionally."

Beyond graduation

The impact of the center extends far beyond graduation. For Diaz, the mentorship and guidance he received have influenced his approach to patient care and his role as a preceptor to new nurses.

Andrew Diaz, BSN, RN (center), is welcomed by his new colleagues at his orientation party.

"The skills I learned as a peer mentor - listening, teaching and supporting others - are the same skills I use every day on the job," he said.

Diaz is now the first male labor and delivery nurse to work in his unit since the 1990s, a field that studies estimate is less than 3% male.

He is passionate about helping others realize their own career goals. "Ultimately, I hope to encourage future nurses to pursue the field in which they feel they belong," he said.

Deciga echoed his sentiment, emphasizing how the SSC has prepared her for long-term success.

"The leadership opportunities and academic coaching have given me tools that I'll carry with me throughout my career," she said. "It's not just about passing exams; it's about becoming a better nurse and a better person."

Nursing students attend the Student Success Center's anniversary celebration event this fall.

As the SSC celebrates its 10th anniversary, it continues to be a beacon of hope and a hub of innovation for the nursing campus community. With plans to expand its services and impact even more students in the coming years, the center is poised to shape the next generation of nursing leaders.

"The Student Success Center is more than a resource," Deciga said. "It's a family. It's a place where you're seen, heard and supported. I wouldn't be where I am today without it."

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