Nightingale Scholarship Supports South Nursing Student’s Leadership Journey
Posted on October 13, 2026
Catelin Sayen, a student in the University of South Alabama College of Nursing’s BSN-to-DNP Executive Nursing Leadership program, has been selected to receive a Nightingale Awards of Pennsylvania Scholarship.
For Sayen, the recognition is meaningful not only because of the financial support, but because of the time it gives back to her as a full-time nursing leader, graduate student and parent.
“The scholarship also provides me with something that is incredibly valuable: time,”
Sayen said. “Because of this financial support, I will not have to work as many additional
shifts to help pay for my tuition.” 
Sayen is in her second year of the DNP program and currently serves as a director of nursing services in an intensive care setting. She said South’s program has allowed her to build on her leadership experience while applying what she learns directly to her work.
“The program has given me the opportunity to take those real-world experiences and look at them through a more scholarly and evidence-based lens,” she said.
Her interest in nursing began by watching her mother, a radiologic technologist, build lasting relationships with patients.
“I realized that I wanted to have that same opportunity to care for patients, but in an even more involved way, which ultimately led me to nursing,” Sayen said.
When Sayen returned to graduate school, she was looking for a program that could fit alongside her professional responsibilities and raising two children. Although she lives more than 1,100 miles from Mobile, she said she has never felt disconnected from South.
“From the moment I was admitted, I felt incredibly supported,” she said. “There has always been someone available to answer a question, provide guidance or simply help me navigate the program.”
Through the Executive Nursing Leadership program, Sayen hopes to continue strengthening her skills in evidence-based practice, quality improvement, healthcare systems and strategic leadership.
“This scholarship is not only helping to make my education more financially manageable, but it is also giving me the time and space to get the most out of this experience,” she said.
For nurses considering continuing their education at South, Sayen’s advice is simple.
“Do it,” she said. “If you are looking for a program that will challenge you, support you, and help you grow both personally and professionally, I would absolutely recommend the University of South Alabama College of Nursing.”
