UJ School of Nursing Welcomes New Students, Honors Excellence at Annual Ceremony
Fargo nurse receives Nursing Excellence Award
Jamestown, ND (01/12/2026) — University of Jamestown School of Nursing honored 24 sophomore students at its annual Sophomore Induction Ceremony Jan. 8, reaffirming a tradition of excellence that began in 1947 as North Dakota's first bachelor's degree nursing program.
The ceremony also celebrated the induction of six senior students into Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing and recognized alumna Emily Paulson Schmidt, class of 2015, as the recipient of the fourth annual Nursing Excellence Award.
"Our students choose nursing to make a real difference in someone's life, to offer hope, and to care for people at their most vulnerable," said Sheri Gunderson, associate professor. "We are honored they chose UJ Nursing, and proud to support them on their journey."
Sigma Theta Tau International, the world's second-largest nursing organization, recognizes the top third of the class for academic achievement and leadership. This year's undergraduate inductees are Kennedy Fellers, Brenna Held, Hannah Hynek, Morgan Lee, Caici Mitchell, and Kylie Vining.
The Nursing Excellence Award was presented to Emily Paulson Schmidt, BSN, RN, for her leadership at Sanford Health in Fargo and her advocacy for compassionate, inclusive care.
Born with Treacher Collins Syndrome, Schmidt has inspired others through her resilience, service, and positive outlook. She currently serves as a clinical care leader, mentors senior nursing students, and speaks to organizations about overcoming challenges and the importance of empathy in healthcare.
"Nurses truly are the heart of health care," Schmidt told the inducted students during her acceptance speech. "I hope you never forget how important you are and how rewarding of a profession nursing is. Enjoy every moment and do not forget your reason for why you are becoming a nurse."
This class joins a proud tradition of excellence at UJ's School of Nursing, where student achievement consistently exceeds state and national benchmarks. For the class of 2025, 96 percent of graduates passed the NCLEX licensing exam on their first attempt, with all students ultimately passing. The class of 2024 achieved a 100 percent first-time pass rate, reflecting the program's commitment to preparing nurse leaders for success from day one.
To learn more about the program or apply, visit uj.edu/nursing.
Media Attachments
Emily Paulson Schmidt speaks Jan. 8, 2026, at the University of Jamestown School of Nursing Sophomore Induction Ceremony. Schmidt, an alumna of UJ's 2015 class, received the Nursing Excellence Award during the ceremony.
Newly inducted University of Jamestown nursing students stand together onstage Jan. 8, 2026, during UJ's School of Nursing Sophomore Induction Ceremony in the Reiland Fine Arts Center.
University of Jamestown
Lisa Jackson, 701-446-7498, lisa.jackson@uj.eduShare this Story
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