Gardner-Webb Ignite Scholar Ja’Kayla Alexander Embodies Excellence in Nursing and Service

Alexander Pursues Her Calling with Faith as Her Foundation and a Heart for Helping

To our readers: In celebration of 60 years of nursing education at GWU, which began in August 1965, HSON highlights some of its students who are preparing to serve in the field. Learn more here.

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—When Ja’Kayla Alexander, of Shelby, N.C., was awarded the Ignite Excellence Scholarship at Gardner-Webb University, she reflected on 2 Corinthians 15:7, a verse that perfectly captured her journey: “Be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.” Through dedicated pursuit of academic success, her hopes of earning a college scholarship became a reality.

As a student in the Hunt School of Nursing, Alexander continues to be diligent in her studies to prepare for her career and meet the scholarship’s academic requirements. “I feel extremely blessed to be one of the recipients of the Ignite Scholarship,” reflected Alexander, who will graduate in 2028. “Getting this scholarship has really eased the financial pressure on me and my family. I’m still amazed that I was chosen out of so many qualified applicants and interviewees. Winning this scholarship has allowed me to pursue my career without the financial burden of debt, which means a lot to me.”

She is confident that her professors in nursing and other subjects will equip her with the skills and knowledge she needs to care for patients. “I’ll get a ton of hands-on experience during clinicals, learning how to take care of patients and handle meds and equipment,” she explained. “Plus, classes like anatomy have given me a solid understanding of the body and how to treat illnesses. I’ll also learn how to think on my feet and make quick decisions, which is super important in nursing. And, of course, I’ll have gotten better at talking to patients and working with other healthcare folks.”

Alexander’s introduction to Gardner-Webb began when her family moved to Shelby from Charlotte, N.C. “When I started attending Shelby High School, some of my teachers had gone to Gardner-Webb University and often shared their experiences with me,” she related. “As I was in my senior year and thinking about my future, Gardner-Webb kept popping up as a great option. So, I decided to check it out and see what it had to offer.”

Gardner-Webb was close to home and that is important to Alexander. She wanted to be close to her mom and sisters, and she also desired to keep her job as a nursing assistant. Through an opportunity at her school, she completed the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program and works in a skilled nursing facility. Her first job was caring for patients in an assisted living and memory care community. “I believe that this experience, coupled with the inspiration I received from my health science teacher, has been instrumental in my career development,” Alexander said. “This job has taught me the most about the nature and demands of the healthcare field. It demands immense time, patience, and empathy, and it can be challenging, but it is also incredibly rewarding.”

She continued, “Working with my residents at both facilities has taught me the most valuable lesson: To live life in the present moment. Whether it’s traveling, building a family, running a marathon, or simply reading books, we should strive to achieve and find fulfillment in every aspect of our lives. For when we grow old and reflect on our journey, we will want to feel a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment.”

The compassion and care she practiced as a CNA strengthened her desire to pursue a nursing career. “From a young age, I knew I wanted to be in a field where I could make a positive impact and help people,” Alexander affirmed. “My grandma always taught me to be selfless, reminding me that ‘when you give, God will give back to you.’ So, being in a field where I can care for the vulnerable, helpless, and those in need feels like a way that God is giving back to me.”

In an effort to expand her skills, Alexander explored her interest in American Sign Language and decided to minor in the subject. “I’ve always been fascinated by interpreters at big events, concerts, and on social media,” she shared. “I wanted to make the most of my time at GW, so I took the class. While learning about deaf culture, I realized it’s so much more than just being fascinated by interpreters. It’s an integral part of their everyday lives, and I wanted to be a part of that. I’m really grateful to learn from Mr. Russ Gribble, who is a deaf instructor, and to incorporate what I’m learning into my future career.”

She appreciates all of her professors and describes them as kind and supportive. She said her two advisors—Aubree Bell and Dr. Kerstin Queen—have provided invaluable guidance to her throughout her time on campus. She is especially grateful for the friends who share the same career path. “We often support and uplift each other since we’re all going through this together,” Alexander affirmed.

To balance the demands of school and work, she makes time for self-care. “These activities include spending time outdoors in the sun, and thrift shopping,” Alexander described. “In nursing school, knowing when to prioritize school and when to prioritize personal well-being is crucial for your success.”

She also enjoys attending events sponsored by Student Engagement. Her favorites are BINGO and any activity with free food.

Another inspiring event for Alexander was a personal story shared by Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Nicole Waters during a Dimensions program. Waters is the former dean of the College of Health Sciences and a nursing professor. “It really touched my life,” Alexander said. “Her story about how faith has guided her career as a nurse inspired me as a future nurse. It even made me tear up a bit. Her message really resonated with me, and I’m so grateful for that experience.”

About the Ignite Scholarship

Ignite Excellence is Gardner-Webb University’s most competitive academic scholarship. Each recipient receives a full-tuition scholarship that covers the cost of tuition for eight semesters. Recipients are selected through an on-campus interview process. They must maintain a cumulative institutional grade point average of 3.5, reside on campus, and continue to demonstrate a strong leadership ability and commitment to service. Learn more here.

About Gardner-Webb

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Learn more at Gardner-Webb.edu.