Badger Nurse Mentorship Program
About the Mentorship Program
This program is designed for current nursing students who wish to receive support from School of Nursing alumni as they transition from student nurses to professionals. Interested students are matched with mentors based on personal and professional interests, similar educational backgrounds, as well as future career and educational goals. This program allows new nurses to talk openly about the NCLEX, career exploration, networking, emotional support, career goals and interests, and professional skill development.
The program formally runs through the academic year (September to April). Mentoring pairs decide how often they will meet or talk and what types of conversations and activities they will engage in together. The School of Nursing team will recommend connecting at least once per month, but ultimately it is up to the pair to discuss and decide.
Volunteer Your Time
We’re recruiting Badger nursing alumni to volunteer for a variety of opportunities. Can you help us out?
Two Badger Nurses, One Lasting Connection
How Maya Korol ’26 found a mentor — and a friend — in Ann Brewer ’84.
A Badger Nurse Bond Built Through Mentorship
Gracie DeKeyser ’25 and Emily Mroczynski ’80 share the story of how the Badger Nurse Mentorship Program helped them form a lasting connection that impacted both of their lives.
Learning and Growing Together
The Badger Nurse Mentorship Program does more than connect students with experienced professionals; it fosters deep, reciprocal relationships. Mentor Ashton Nell ’10 and mentee Jenna Wendricks ’26 learned that firsthand as they navigated transitions together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Any UW–Madison School of Nursing alumni can serve as a mentor regardless of program completed.
Alumni mentors are matched with one student, maybe two.
Mentoring pairs decide how often they will meet or talk and what types of conversations and activities they will engage in together. The School of Nursing team will recommend connecting at least once per month but ultimately it is up to the pair to discuss and decide.
The School of Nursing Mentorship team selects pairs, but you may indicate a student to be matched with. There would not be a guaranteed match, but the Mentorship team would take your request into consideration.
No, our students indicate their interest areas and are matched with a mentor with similar backgrounds.
No, location does not need to be a barrier to your participation. Over half our mentors live outside the state of Wisconsin.
Congratulations on your retirement! Our students are looking to hear about your experiences and how you navigated your career journey. You do not need to be currently working to serve as a mentor.
