Meridian, Mississippi, September 2, 2025
News Summary
Heather Forsythe has been honored as the first Outstanding Graduate of the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program at Mississippi State University. Her journey included a 160-mile daily commute and overcoming personal hardships. Forsythe graduated summa cum laude and accepted a nursing position in an intensive care unit, showcasing her dedication and resilience throughout the program. The MSN program aims to address the healthcare shortage in Mississippi by providing an accelerated path for graduates with non-nursing degrees.
MERIDIAN, Mississippi – Heather Forsythe has been named the inaugural Outstanding Graduate in Mississippi State University’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program during its first graduation ceremony. This significant recognition reflects her dedication and perseverance throughout the rigorous 12-month program that prepares students for registered nurse licensure.
Forsythe, a resident of Brandon, Mississippi, completed a challenging daily commute of 160 miles round trip to attend classes at the MSU Meridian campus. Her journey into nursing began 15 years ago when she graduated from Meridian Community College’s nursing program in 2008. As a single mother back then, she opted not to pursue the credentials necessary to become a registered nurse immediately.
After several years, in 2011, Forsythe was given the opportunity by the Mississippi Board of Nursing to take the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) exam, which she passed successfully. Following that, she worked for a year and a half at Bedford Care Center in Newton as an LPN.
In the years that followed, Forsythe’s path took a different turn. After her son turned three, she returned to education, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She worked at Forest Elementary School, then transferred to Rankin County Schools. Alongside her career, she remarried and had a daughter, spending the next decade teaching before returning to her passion for nursing by enrolling in the MSN program at MSU’s Meridian campus.
Forsythe’s decision to pursue nursing was sparked by unsolicited postcards she received regarding nursing programs. Despite significant personal challenges during her studies—including the deaths of her grandmother and father, as well as involvement in a car accident—she demonstrated remarkable resilience. Forsythe graduated summa cum laude with the MSN class on August 7.
Upon graduation, she accepted a position in the intensive care unit at Ochsner Rush Health, where she will begin her nursing career. Professor Kayla Carr highlighted Forsythe’s commitment and dedication, describing her as a “model case” of success in the accelerated MSN program.
The MSN program at MSU-Meridian was designed to address the shortage of healthcare personnel in Mississippi by allowing college graduates with non-nursing degrees to quickly transition into nursing roles. The inaugural cohort started with 36 students, acquiring essential skills such as basic life support. The program, which received its approval from the Board of Trustees of the State Institutions of Higher Learning in May 2024, is expected to expand to accommodate up to 60 students in the future.
The ceremony for the inaugural MSN graduates took place at the MSU Riley Center in downtown Meridian. During the pinning ceremony, a significant moment for the newly pinned graduates, Dr. Phyllis Polk Johnson emphasized their unique role as trailblazers in the nursing legacy at MSU-Meridian.
MSN Program Overview
The MSN program at MSU-Meridian provides an accelerated path for students with non-nursing backgrounds to transition into nursing, directly addressing healthcare shortages in Mississippi.
Key Achievements of Heather Forsythe
- First recipient of Outstanding Graduate honors in the MSN program.
- Graduated summa cum laude from the MSN program.
- Accepted a nursing position in the intensive care unit at Ochsner Rush Health.
Future of the MSN Program
The MSN program initially started with a cohort of 36 students and aims to grow to include up to 60 students in response to increasing demands for nursing professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program at MSU-Meridian?
A: It is an accelerated program designed for students with non-nursing degrees to become registered nurses within a year.
Q: Who was named the inaugural Outstanding Graduate of the MSN program?
A: Heather Forsythe received this recognition at the program’s first graduation ceremony.
Q: What challenges did Heather Forsythe overcome during her studies?
A: She faced personal hardships, including the loss of family members and involvement in a car accident, while successfully completing her MSN degree.
Q: What are the plans for the future of the MSN program?
A: The program intends to expand its capacity from 36 to 60 students to meet the state’s healthcare workforce needs.
Key Features of MSU-Meridian’s MSN Program
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Inaugural Class Size | 36 students |
| Expected Future Size | Up to 60 students |
| Duration | 12 months |
| Licensure Preparation | Registered Nurse (RN) licensure |
| First Graduation Date | August 7 |
| Outstanding Graduate Award | Inaugural recipient: Heather Forsythe |
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Additional Resources
- WTOK: MSU Meridian Graduates Make History
- Wikipedia: Nursing
- WTOK: Heather Forsythe Named Outstanding Graduate
- Google Search: Master of Science in Nursing
- C Dispatch: Inaugural Accelerated Master of Nursing Students
- Google Scholar: Mississippi State University MSN Program
- Clarion Ledger: MSU Welcomes Employees to New Nursing Program
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Nursing
- Meridian Star: MSU Meridian Graduates First Masters of Nursing Cohort
- Google News: Mississippi State University Nursing
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