Herzing University Celebrates Nashville Nursing Graduates at Spring 2026 Pinning Ceremony

As Middle Tennessee continues to face a critical demand for qualified nurses, Herzing University Nashville is helping build the local pipeline of compassionate, skilled healthcare professionals. Thursday, April 23, Herzing honored 42 nursing graduates at its Spring 2026 Pinning Ceremony at Tucker's Gap Event Center. A symbol of their commitment to patient care and the nursing profession, the time-honored pinning tradition marks the transition from student to nursing professional.

This spring’s class joins more than 300 graduates statewide who have earned their degrees from Herzing University to date. 

“Every student who crosses the stage at this pinning ceremony represents a new nurse entering our community, ready to make an immediate impact on patient care,” said Laurna Taylor, Director of Campus Operations at Herzing University Nashville. “Our graduates don’t just earn a degree, they gain the hands-on clinical experience and confidence needed to thrive in Tennessee’s healthcare workforce from day one.”

Herzing University Nashville offers a career-focused nursing education through a flexible online and hybrid learning model that maximizes students’ time in clinical settings with local healthcare partners. By combining rigorous coursework with real-world clinical experience at area hospitals and healthcare facilities, graduates are prepared to be workforce-ready upon licensure. Herzing’s approach connects career changers, working adults and first-generation students to meaningful careers in healthcare.

“I am incredibly grateful for my experience at Herzing University Nashville,” said Michaela Stone, an Associate in Nursing student in Nashville who is graduating this semester. “Each course challenged me to grow, think critically, and continuously learn in new ways. The professors created engaging and innovative learning environments, while the Director of Operations and Nursing Program Chair were always accessible, supportive, and genuinely invested in student success. Thanks to their guidance and dedication, I feel fully prepared to provide exceptional care as a labor and delivery nurse.”

“We enjoy working with the Herzing University students and love how eager they are to learn and help the residents,” said Tanaka Hamilton, RN, Director of Nursing, NHC Place at The Trace. “I would love to see them come back and start their nursing career with our center. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Herzing University to build a strong foundation for future nurses.”

Herzing University is proud to graduate approximately 800 new nurses this spring commencement season, adding to the 12,000 nurses who have graduated over its 60-year history. This milestone underscores the university’s role in meeting the nation’s urgent demand for skilled healthcare professionals. With 12 campuses across the country and a nationally accessible online division, Herzing is committed to serving nontraditional and adult learners, through more than 40 programs from diploma to doctorate.

For more information about Herzing University’s Nashville campus and its nursing programs, visit www.herzing.edu.

About Herzing University

Herzing University is an accredited, private nonprofit institution with 12 campuses across the country and a nationally accessible online division. The university offers career-focused programs in nursing, healthcare, technology, business and public safety. Herzing is committed to serving nontraditional and adult learners through flexible on-campus, hybrid and online learning options, workforce-aligned programming and strong industry partnerships that support the healthcare pipeline. Ranked among the best online programs since 2013, Herzing empowers students with accessible, career-driven education. Learn more at www.herzing.edu.