First MSN Grads Make North Central History

At Commencement exercises in May, two class of 2025 graduates made history as they became the first to earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree from North Central College: Colin Winn M ’25 and KellyAnn Reese M ’25.

Winn has worked as a travel nurse and as a nurse in a hospital emergency department. Because he enjoys training new staff in his work, he decided to earn his MSN through North Central’s Nurse Educator track. “I feel proud,” he said. “I never thought that I’d be a ‘pioneer’ of a graduate program, so it means a lot."

During his time at North Central, Winn liked that the College’s small class sizes meant that he could establish relationships with his instructors. “The faculty have been so supportive,” he said. “They’re more invested in you at a place like North Central.”

Asked what advice he’d give to future North Central nursing students, Winn offered this encouragement: “Keep going. Remember why you’re doing this program and use that as motivation to keep pushing forward.” 

Reese's nursing background is in mental health care, and she is a military veteran who served in the U.S. Navy. Earning an MSN and MBA dual degree through the College’s Nurse Executive Leader track has prepared her for future leadership opportunities in healthcare. “This track has allowed me to understand how healthcare operates in a bigger system, from understanding the perspective of the patients and staff on the hospital floor all the way to the top of the organization,” said Reese.

She appreciated that her experience as a student-veteran at the College was also very positive. North Central, which offers Veteran Success Services, was ranked No. 7 Best College for Veterans among schools in the Midwest region by U.S. News & World Report in 2025. “North Central has been super supportive to me as a veteran — making sure everyone in the veteran and military community feels included, and that’s fantastic,” Reese said.

Like many graduate students, Reese balanced work, life and studies. “If you're interested in getting your MSN,” she said, “this program is worthwhile and adaptable enough to fit your work- and family-life.”

Commencement was also a momentous occasion for North Central College faculty and staff who are committed to fostering nurses to be healthcare leaders.

Dr. Georgine Maisch is acting chair of the Department of Nursing and director of the Graduate Nursing Specialty Programs. She said, “The faculty and staff in the nursing program, and across the College, are extremely proud of the work our students have accomplished and the historic significance their graduation brings — introducing the first class of nursing graduates into the Cardinal alumni family.”