When Dr. Traci Krause became Chancellor of St. John's College of Nursing in Springfield, Illinois, in 2023, she inherited a college with a rich legacy and a challenge. Founded in 1886 by Franciscan Sisters from Germany, St. John's had a deep history of women training women to serve their community, but it faced stagnant enrollment and outdated pathways that limited access. Within a year, Krause led the college to a 260% enrollment increase while strengthening academic outcomes and licensure performance. In this exclusive interview, she discusses how strategic redesign, faculty collaboration, and a renewed commitment to access have transformed one of America's oldest nursing colleges into a model for the future of healthcare education. A Strategic Transformation Driving Unprecedented Growth For nearly 140 years, St. John's College of Nursing has been preparing nurses for demanding, high-stakes healthcare work. As the oldest remaining Catholic nursing college in the United States, St. John's in Springfield, Illinois holds a distinguished legacy rooted in compassion, service, and clinical excellence. "St. John's College of Nursing has a truly unique history," Dr. Krause begins. "It was founded by ten Franciscan Sisters who educated each other to care for central Illinois. As nursing education evolved through accreditation and licensure, so did St. John's. Today, we're still grounded in that mission of service, but we focus exclusively on upper-division nursing, from the baccalaureate to the doctoral level." That specialized focus, she says, allows the college to remain nimble and responsive to the healthcare environment. "We're part of the Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS), and while that's not entirely unique, it's uncommon," she notes. "It gives us a real-world view of the workforce our graduates will enter." "Being affiliated with a health system gives us insight and accountability. We're not just teaching; we're preparing nurses for the exact challenges they'll face on day one." — Dr. Traci Krause Under Dr. Krause's visionary leadership, St. John's has undergone a remarkable transformation. Through strategic planning and decisive initiatives, the college nearly doubled its enrollment—from approximately 80 students in 2023 to 150 by fall 2024.
Top Christian Preschool
Bergen County Christian Academy (BCCA) is a mission-driven, faith-based school dedicated to nurturing academic excellence and the growth of character in each student. It welcomes students of all backgrounds who are open to learning through a Christian and biblical worldview. The school cultivates an environment where faith is lived, not just taught. Teachers model Christian values, guiding students to reflect, make thoughtful choices, and internalize principles. The environment is intentionally print-rich, where learning materials are vetted to ensure positive values and ethical lessons. Learning comes to life through hands-on opportunities. Students participate in activities such as the “seed-to-harvest” gardening project, robotics, and school-wide fundraising initiatives that cultivate teamwork, school spirit, and generosity. Guest authors read to students, and older students hear from speakers, including representatives from Samaritan’s Purse, to understand how compassion and service can change lives. The school also hosts prayerful gift-packing events, where students thoughtfully prepare boxes for children in need and reflect on what might bring each recipient joy. After-school programs, such as music, chess, and taekwondo, help students develop patience, resilience and creativity. “We guide them so they can grow into individuals who choose the right values in life well beyond their time in school,” says Lily Ahn, head principal at BCCA.
Top Aviation Academy 2025
At Sacramento Executive Airport in California, the steady hum of engines signals more than departures—it signals ambition. For aspiring aviators worldwide, the Advanced International Aviation Academy (AIAA) is more than a flight school. It’s a launchpad where military-grade standards, discipline and technical mastery converge. Founded by Captain Augustine Joseph, a former Indian Air Force fighter pilot with 15 years of service and over 16,000 flight hours, AIAA brings proven military training principles to U.S. commercial aviation. “We don’t just graduate pilots,” says Joseph, president and CEO. “We graduate captains in the making.” Military-Grade Discipline Meets Civilian Aviation What separates pilots who qualify from those who lead? It’s discipline, a safety-first mindset and critical thinking developed from day one. AIAA embeds these qualities into every aspect of training. From the moment students step into the classroom or cockpit, they learn structured decision-making, accountability and professional conduct—skills that will follow them throughout their careers. Fleet, Safety and MRO Excellence AIAA operates a fleet of 38 FAA-certified aircraft, including Cessna 172 Skyhawks, Cessna 150s and 152s, Piper Turbo Arrows, multi-engine Piper Seneca IVs, Beechcraft Duchesses and Remos light-sport aircraft. Over its history the academy has logged over 200,000 accident-free flight hours, a testament to rigorous training, disciplined operations and a spotless 13-year safety record. Supporting this is JetEXE Aviation, an FAA-certified Repair and Overhaul (MRO) station in California. Students gain hands-on exposure to aircraft maintenance, engineering systems and structural design, learning how aircraft are built, maintained and certified—skills highly valued by airlines and government operators.
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The right mentorship can transform a student’s academic journey from one of uncertainty to one driven by purpose, achievement and lasting impact. The Bertram Group (TBG) ensures this through a personalized, student-first approach grounded in thoughtfulness and warmth. With a genuine commitment to each learner’s success, they support clients through their holistic education services. What sets The Bertram Group apart is the ability to blend expertise, compassion and strategy into every student’s journey. TBG’s team of experienced consultants caters to students from kindergarten through college and individuals navigating career transitions. Working collaboratively with clients, the team tailors strategies to ensure each learner finds the right academic, social and emotional fit. “Our advisors meet each student and their family where they are, helping them move forward with confidence,” says Krissy Naspo, Managing Partner. The Bertram Group assists both domestic and international students with every stage of educational planning, from school placement and college admissions to career guidance and therapeutic program selection. Their work spans a spectrum of learners, including high achievers, performing and visual artists, aspiring athletes, neurodivergent students and those needing additional emotional support. The holistic model ensures structured support in times of setbacks, helping families regain momentum. The process begins with a detailed review of academic records, teachers’ feedback and social-emotional context, which provides advisors with insight into the student’s capabilities and performance. This is followed by interviews to gain a deeper understanding of the learner on a personal level. The Bertram Group also collaborates with therapists, tutors and school counselors to build a complete profile. Leveraging their network of schools and programs, the consultants then tailor recommendations with the collected information.
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Nursing colleges are enhancing curricula to integrate EMRs and telehealth, ensuring graduates are both clinically skilled and technologically competent for modern healthcare environments.
EDITORIAL
Advancing Health and Education with Heart and Vision
St. John’s College of Nursing in Springfield, Illinois, stands as a model of that progress, uniting a 140-year tradition of compassionate care with data-informed, modern education. The college has nearly doubled enrollment by removing barriers for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) advancing to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs and by streamlining pathways for Registered Nurses (RNs) pursuing BSN degrees. Its strategic partnerships with healthcare institutions provide students with meaningful real-world experience, producing a workforce that is both clinically skilled and career-ready.
Similarly, Lincoln Land Community College has transformed education with a focus on flexible, technology-rich spaces. Under the leadership of Tim Ervin, Director of Construction and Environmental Health and Safety, Montgomery Hall was renovated to include simulation labs, hybrid classrooms, and centralized faculty support resources. These upgrades allowed the college to train an additional 90 nursing students annually and provide immersive experiences that mirror real-world clinical challenges, ensuring graduates are prepared for evolving healthcare demands.
Equally important is the role of leadership in fostering equity and engagement. Soraia Santos Felgenhauer, Director of Community Schools at Gwinnett County Public Schools, advocates listening, co-creation, and inclusive systems. By building culturally responsive environments and sustaining cross-sector partnerships, she ensures student welfare remains central, empowering families and communities while creating long-term pathways for success.
Together, these initiatives illustrate a forward-looking vision in education that blends innovation, accessibility, and human-centered leadership. From nursing programs that anticipate workforce needs to community-driven strategies that strengthen student wellbeing, the future is being shaped by leaders and institutions that put people at the heart of progress.
