Meet Eldredge Calhoun, RN, an Alternate Entry Master of Science in Nursing student in the Leadership in Diverse Settings program at The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing.
Calhoun, who is expected to graduate in summer 2025, found that the program’s values aligned with his vision of nursing leadership. At the UT Austin School of Nursing, he embraced cutting-edge technologies and evidence-based practices, preparing to deliver compassionate, holistic care.
“Although I have lost four close family members during this three-year program, I have remained motivated, focused and confident in my abilities to complete this program,” Calhoun said. “I am dedicating this degree to my loved ones. I continue to surprise myself by the things I continue to accomplish. I am beyond grateful for the amazing support I receive from my professors and my peers.
“I work for an amazing surgical hospital that has cross-trained me to work pre-op, post-anesthesia care unit, post-op and extended care. This enables me to utilize my knowledge and talents, which translates to providing high-quality care for each patient. The thanks and appreciation I receive from my patients every shift are motivating and inspire me to pursue a tertiary degree.”
Calhoun said a highlight of his academic journey was the selection of his capstone project, focused on suicide awareness and immediate intervention strategies for high school athletes, for presentation at the 2024 St. David’s Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Research and the 2025 Sigma Region 6 Regional Research Conference.
Looking ahead, Calhoun plans to continue his education at the School of Nursing by pursuing a PhD in Nursing, with a long-term goal of advancing patient care and helping people live longer, healthier and happier lives through compassionate leadership and evidence-based practice.