JTC 26: Cheering for Something Greater

Elizabeth Gann did not arrive at the University of Mississippi with a nursing degree in mind. The Fulton native transferred from Itawamba Community College with a different dream, and it was only after making the Ole Miss cheer team that she found her true calling.  

In May, she graduates with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the UM School of Nursing and will step directly into a position she has already accepted in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at North Mississippi Medical Center. 

Q&A with Elizabeth Gann 

What brought you to Ole Miss? Why did you choose your major? 

After beginning my college journey at Itawamba Community College, I chose to pursue my dream of becoming an SEC cheerleader by trying out for the Ole Miss cheer team. After making the team, Ole Miss quickly became home.  

Following a year of cheering on the Rebels, I felt a clear calling from the Lord to pursue something greater than cheerleading. Nursing. Matthew 25:40 says, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of Mine, you did for Me.”  

This verse has deeply shaped my perspective, as I believe the Lord has called me to a life of service to others. Nursing provides a meaningful way to live out that calling by caring for individuals in their most vulnerable moments and advocating for those who may not have a voice of their own. 

What standout experiences have you had at Ole Miss? 

At Ole Miss, my most meaningful experiences have centered around both academic excellence and hands-on involvement in nursing. I have maintained a 4.0 GPA while at the University of Mississippi as a student-athlete, as well as while pursuing my Bachelor of Science in Nursing. 

I currently serve as a peer tutor, supporting first-year nursing students in mastering challenging material and strengthening critical thinking skills. Additionally, my role as a nurse intern in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at North Mississippi Medical Center has allowed me to apply classroom knowledge in a clinical setting, assisting in the care of critically ill neonates and developing skills to enhance my career upon graduation.  

Beyond academics and clinical work, I have been actively involved in service through opportunities such as volunteering at health fairs and within my church nursery, all of which have deepened my commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care. 

Were there any challenges you overcame during your college journey? 

One of the greatest challenges I faced during my college journey was learning how to effectively manage my time while balancing lofty academic expectations with demanding commitments. As a student-athlete on the Ole Miss cheer team, I had to learn to juggle practices, games and a full course load while maintaining my grades.  

This required me to develop strong discipline, structured study habits and the ability to manage time efficiently. That challenge has continued in a new way as a nursing student working as a nurse intern in the NICU, where I now balance clinical hours and work responsibilities with intensive coursework.  

I have navigated this by staying organized, planning ahead and remaining committed to consistency in my studying. These experiences have strengthened my resilience and time management skills, preparing me to handle the demands of a nursing career. 

Who has been your most influential mentor, professor or supporter at Ole Miss? 

My most influential professor at Ole Miss has been Dr. Lori Duke, one of my nursing professors. Throughout my time in the program, she has been a consistent source of encouragement and support. She approaches each day with positivity and is intentional about ensuring her students feel supported both academically and personally.  

Following challenging exams, she is quick to offer encouragement, motivating her students to continue striving for excellence. I am inspired by her dedication to both the nursing profession and her students' success, and I will carry the lessons I have learned from her throughout my nursing career. 

What are your post-graduation plans? 

After graduation, I plan to begin my career as a graduate registered nurse in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at North Mississippi Medical Center, where I have accepted a position. I am excited to continue building my clinical skills in a high-acuity setting while providing compassionate, evidence-based care to critically ill neonates and their families.  

After gaining several years of hands-on experience, I plan to further my education by pursuing an advanced practice role as either a nurse practitioner or a certified registered nurse anesthetist, allowing me to expand my scope of practice and impact patient outcomes at a higher level. 

In one sentence, what would you tell future Ole Miss students? 

My experience at Ole Miss has been incredibly meaningful and rewarding, and I would encourage future students to fully embrace every opportunity and savor each moment. The days may feel long, but the years fly by. 

Top: Elizabeth Gann, a nursing student from Fulton, graduates in May after balancing life as an Ole Miss cheerleader and student-athlete with a 4.0 GPA and a NICU internship. She has accepted a position as a graduate registered nurse at North Mississippi Medical Center. Photo by Sri Chattopadhyay/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services

See more photos from Elizabeth Gann's Journey to Commencement