The Auburn University College of Nursing (AUCON) is spotlighting the influence of military service on its students and their families, as well as the programs available for those with military backgrounds. By connecting nursing education with military values, a powerful foundation is laid for shaping the next generation of healthcare leaders.
Senior nursing student Madeline Graf, president of the Auburn Student Veterans Association (ASVA) and an active-duty Alabama Air National Guard Airman, said her time in the military has influenced every part of her nursing journey. “It has taught me discipline, teamwork, and how to handle pressure, which are skills I apply in both academic and clinical settings,” she said. Under her leadership, ASVA was recently named the most Exceptional Student Organization at the 2025 Auburn Student Involvement Awards. “To me, it’s not just about an award but about the visibility it brings to student veterans.”
Nurse practitioner student and Air Force veteran, Taylor Shewbirt, demonstrates how the core values gained through military service continue to shape healthcare practice. He highlights integrity as the guiding force behind honest and accountable decision-making in both academic and clinical environments. Embracing the principle of “service before self,” he prioritizes the health and well-being of patients and their families above personal interests. A dedication to excellence further inspires a commitment to lifelong learning and continuous professional growth.
Drawing on experience as a firefighter and medic, Shewbirt notes that the ability to remain calm and act purposefully in high-pressure situations is directly transferable to nursing. Facing emergencies and rescues in the military instilled a composure and decisiveness that are essential when providing compassionate and effective care to patients in demanding clinical settings.
“Auburn Nursing has been incredibly supportive of student veterans,” said Graf. “The faculty understands what it means to balance military commitments with the demands of nursing school, and they’ve always encouraged me and given me the flexibility I needed. They are also annual supporters of our Scholarship Gala, which enables our organization to provide scholarships to some of our members. The support given has made it possible for me to succeed in both my job and school, and it has also made me feel valued as a service member whose perspective adds something important to the profession,” she added.
That commitment is also personal for Dean Gregg Newschwander, whose own family includes two children in the military. He emphasized the College’s deep appreciation for those who serve and the importance of preparing nurses who understand the unique healthcare needs of military and veteran communities.
The Auburn University College of Nursing exemplifies how the values, skills, and experiences gained through military service enrich both the nursing profession and the broader healthcare community. By recognizing and supporting student veterans, the College cultivates an environment where service, resilience, and dedication become the foundation for compassionate leadership and clinical excellence — ensuring that the legacy of military service endures in every nurse who walks its halls.
Article based on Information submitted by Michael Taylor, Submarine Veteran, ASVA Vice President
