A critical component of student success at Mennonite College of Nursing (MCN) is the support they receive from staff and faculty. Meet Academic Advisor, Empower Coordinator, and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Task Force Chair Lana Cunningham ’17, M.S. ’19, who not only helps students map out their journey to become nurses but also helps marginalized students find community and belonging.
Cunningham holds her bachelor’s in sociology and master’s in college student personnel administration (CSPA), both from Illinois State University. Cunningham began her career at ISU as an academic coordinator in Athletics and later transitioned to her current passion, advising students, first for University College and now for Mennonite College of Nursing.
Cunningham’s care for her students is well-known. She is a two-time recipient of the Illinois State University Impact Award, which recognizes a staff member who made a difference in the life of a first-year student. Additionally, this year in her advising sessions, Cunningham learned that students from diverse backgrounds were feeling isolated and needing a place to express feelings related to race and identity. Recognizing that a sense of belonging is key to student success, Cunningham responded by hosting a series of group discussions over Zoom, creating a welcoming, inclusive space for students to share their thoughts and feelings about race and identity, while also helping students connect and find a sense of community.
Cunningham is committed to service as well. She currently serves on the Academic Advising Council (AAC) committee and serves as a mentor to new advisors. She also is the chair of the EDI taskforce at MCN. Cunningham’s passion for being a resource for MCN students was prevalent throughout our conversation with her. Learn more about her role and dedication to MCN students below:
What inspires you?
“I love working with college students and being on their academic, personal, and professional journey with them. It truly brings me joy to see a student excel at what they love, and grow throughout their academic career, but I also enjoy being alongside them and providing the necessary support during any moments of struggle or hardship. I was led to this career path through the various undergraduate work experiences I held within higher education.”
What is your area of specialization?
“My area of specialty is academic advising and EDI work. I currently serve as the Empower Coordinator and chair of the EDI taskforce for MCN.”
What do you love most about MCN here at Illinois State?
“The community and the support. I love the willingness that the faculty and staff exude to help one another and be there to lift one another up or encourage each other in their work. I love the autonomy in my role as well.”
What advice would you give to our MCN students?
“It is okay to struggle. Our program is rigorous and challenging at times, and it’s important for each student to know that it is okay to struggle and reach out for help/support. We (faculty and staff) are here to support our students holistically and want our students to come to us for academic support, but even more so for personal challenges outside of academia as well (for example food insecurity and mental health concerns).”
Interested in becoming a #RedbirdNurse? Learn more about the Mennonite College of Nursing at Illinois State University.
Want to learn more about the Empower Program through the Mennonite College of Nursing? Email Lana Cunningham at ltsumme@ilstu.edu.
