Sharese Windley
Herzing Alumni
Alumni Spotlight
When Sharese Windley made the decision to return to school at age 40, she wasn’t just pursuing a degree—she was seeking stability, direction, and a better future for her family. Amid personal turmoil, education became her lifeline.
“Herzing University completely changed the trajectory of my life at a pivotal point,” she says. “I was navigating a transition with children and needed something to secure our future. Pursuing my nursing degree became that anchor.”
Herzing’s flexibility proved essential from the start. Unlike other institutions that posed enrollment roadblocks, Herzing streamlined the process, even accepting unofficial transcripts to keep her momentum going. “They made it possible for me to attend when others might have turned me away,” Sharese recalls.
Once enrolled, Sharese thrived. She graduated at the top of her class and was featured in an Atlanta Journal-Constitution article as well as on the Herzing website. Her academic success opened doors, but it was Herzing’s holistic support system that set her up for long-term success.
“Beyond the academics, Herzing provided invaluable opportunities,” she says. Healthcare employers were invited directly into classrooms, offering insights into residency programs and even conducting interviews on-site. “That’s how I landed a position before I even graduated.”
Leadership opportunities added another layer to her experience. As class president, Sharese served on multiple nursing committees and boards, gaining the real-world skills she had hoped to develop alongside her studies.
Looking back, Sharese sees her time at Herzing as far more than an educational experience—it was a complete life transformation. “Herzing opened doors, smoothed obstacles, and empowered me to reach new heights. It was truly life-changing.”
Her story is a testament to what’s possible when educational institutions meet students where they are, removing barriers and providing support that extends beyond the classroom. In doing so, they don’t just change careers—they change lives and futures.