Pierce, Andries win UMMC School of Nursing alumni honors
Published on Monday, May 12, 2025
By: Annie Oeth, aoeth@umc.edu
Photos By: Jay Ferchaud/ UMMC Communications
The University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Nursing is woven throughout the career of Heather Pierce, manager of nursing development and education at UMMC, director of the Office of Nursing Excellence, and the 2025 School of Nursing Alumna of the Year.
Dr. Chelsey Andries, associate professor of nursing, assistant dean for undergraduate programs and interim director of the Accelerated BSN program in Oxford, received the 2025 Early Career Achievement Award. Pierce and Andries were honored Thursday during a luncheon at the Fairview Inn.
“The education and training I received at the UMMC School of Nursing provided the foundation for my career and professional growth,” said Pierce, who earned a BSN from UMMC in 2002 and a Master of Science in Nursing and Healthcare Administration in 2021. “My BSN equipped me with the clinical knowledge and critical thinking skills essential for patient care, and the exposure I had to the Medical Center during my BSN clinicals prepared me for what the real world of nursing would be like.”
Returning to the School of Nursing for her MSN further prepared Pierce for a career as a nurse leader.
“My MSN in nursing and health care administration broadened my leadership abilities and strategic perspective and helped support my current role in UMMC’s Office of Nursing Excellence,” she said.
The only nursing program in the state that’s part of an academic medical center, the UMMC School of Nursing combines the highest levels of training with individual attention.
“The School of Nursing’s curriculum and supportive faculty in all programs have always challenged me to excel, helped me grow in confidence and guided me on how to be an effective nurse leader,” Pierce said. “I am fortunate to still have working relationships with many in the School of Nursing, as the Medical Center seeks to grow the academic practice partnership between the school and the health system and finds ways to strategically support each mission.”
Andries, a UMMC alumna who earned her BSN in 2010, MSN in 2015 and DNP in 2018, said her education at the School of Nursing was lifechanging.
“The nursing education I received at the University of Mississippi Medical Center has been instrumental in shaping my career and professional growth,” she said. “From my BSN to my DNP, the comprehensive training provided a solid foundation in clinical practice, nursing education and leadership. This education instilled a commitment to lifelong learning, which continues to drive my work in teaching, scholarship and professional development.”
UMMC School of Nursing faculty were mentors to Andries, something she hopes to offer today’s nursing students.
“The faculty, staff and leadership at the School of Nursing played a significant role in my growth, offering mentorship, support and inspiration that shaped my approach to nursing education and clinical practice,” she said. “Their expertise helped me build a strong professional foundation and motivated me to strive for excellence throughout my career. The School of Nursing’s emphasis on critical thinking, leadership and evidence-based practice continues to guide my professional endeavors, empowering me to contribute meaningfully to the nursing profession. Ultimately, my education has been foundational to my growth as a clinician, nurse educator and academic leader, ensuring I continue to excel and make impactful contributions to the field of nursing.”
Dr. Tina Martin, dean of the School of Nursing, congratulated Pierce and Andries and updated alumni on the school’s growth.
“We have more than 900 students on two campuses, and we have plans to increase enrollment with the opening of the new School of Nursing,” she said.
Under construction on the north side of the UMMC campus, the new home for nursing education will accommodate a 25% rise in enrollment when open next year.
Alumni of the UMMC School of Nursing can visit umc.edu/alumni to stay informed and show support.