COMPASSIONATE LEADER

Nursing student Grace Micklon '26 fulfills her mother's dreams of pursuing a college education thanks to the generous support of Regis donors.

BY ASHLEY STARR

 

Some of Grace Micklon’s earliest childhood memories include spending time in a nursing home after school and on the weekends. Her mother worked in a nursing home, one of three jobs she had in order to independently support her family—and she would often take Grace and her sister along during her shifts.

“Even at a young age, I was fascinated by the nurses and the roles they played in providing care,” says Micklon. “I watched my mom work tirelessly, and it instilled in me a drive to succeed.”

When Micklon was eight years old, her world was turned upside down when her mother was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer.

Once again, Micklon remembers the nurses. Despite being so young, she vividly recalls all the nurses she met through the process and how they became an immediate support system for her and her family.

“To this day, I remember visiting my mother in the hospice wing, not knowing what to expect, and being greeted by a nurse with open arms,” says Micklon. “She came down to my level, explained what was happening, and comforted me.” 

It was at this moment that Micklon knew she wanted to become a nurse and care for others as this nurse had for her.

Micklon’s mother passed away when she was ten years old, but even after, Micklon continued to have a strong connection with the nurses who were there for her that day.

“I wanted to pursue nursing so I could be that type of support system for others and be there for them during their hardest days,” says Micklon.

Micklon chose Regis because of its prestigious Young School of Nursing, its partnerships with local hospitals, and the tight-knit community.

“From the moment I stepped on campus during my tour, Regis felt like home,” says Micklon. “The smaller classroom sizes have allowed me to build meaningful relationships with both my classmates and professors.”  

And Micklon is making an impression on the Regis community as well.

“Grace brings a dedication and enthusiasm to her work,” says Associate Professor Jennifer Krusinger, PhD, who taught Micklon during her first year. “She exudes a love of learning, an engagement with ideas, a commitment to Regis values, and a collaborative spirit with peers.”

LEADING THE WAY

Outside the classroom, Micklon is taking full advantage of the extracurricular opportunities that Regis offers as well. She is a member of the women’s track and field team, the Honors Program, and the Student Nursing Association.

She also brings passion and leadership to her work with The Hidden Opponent, a national organization that focuses on mental health awareness and advocacy for student-athletes.

“I never would have thought coming into college I would be running a club, but here I am,” says Micklon, who is president of the Regis chapter. “Regis has pushed me out of my comfort zone and taught me how to advocate for myself and for others.” 

And Micklon’s work is more important than ever. According to an NCAA Student-Athlete Well-Being Survey published in 2022 that represents data from more than 9,800 collegiate student-athletes, rates of mental exhaustion, anxiety, and depression remain 1.5 to two times higher than identified before the COVID-19 pandemic. Micklon has hosted educational workshops with multiple Regis athletic teams, helping connect students with valuable resources and highlighting the necessity of communication on and off the field.

Micklon says that bringing awareness to mental health is near and dear to her heart.

“Erasing the stigma around mental health starts with being open and providing others with a safe space to speak freely,” says Micklon, who says she struggled with anxiety and depression after losing her mother. “Over the years, I have learned how to help myself and use my voice—just like my mother always encouraged me to do. I want to help others do that as well.”

“Through her leadership and advocacy efforts, Grace has created a culture of openness, empathy, and support, ensuring that her peers have access to the resources and support they need to thrive both athletically and personally,” shares Ben Colello, head coach of the Regis tracking and field team. 

“Grace's leadership skills are exemplary, and she has a unique ability to inspire and motivate those around her to strive for excellence,” Colello says. “Whether she is leading by example on the track or spearheading initiatives to support her fellow student-athletes, Grace consistently demonstrates a strong work ethic, integrity, and compassion.

SMALL ACTS, BIG IMPACT

Micklon is currently living with her grandparents and paying for her college education on her own. She has worked two jobs since she was 16 years old to save money for tuition, including becoming a licensed nursing assistant.

She still relies heavily on scholarship support to bridge the gap. She was the 2023-2024 Compassionate Leadership Scholarship recipient, which is awarded to one outstanding nursing student who has shown compassionate leadership during his or her time at Regis College.

“Without the support of generous Regis donors, I truly would not be able to pursue higher education and have the opportunity to excel,” says Micklon. “I hope to make my mother proud by fulfilling her wish for me to receive a college education, and my work as a nurse will allow me to help others in their time of need.”