Natalie Wess, Author at UofL Online Programs

A Story of Leadership, Service and Advocacy: Meet DSW Student Lindsay Gutierrez

By Natalie Wess | December 11, 2025 | Comments 0 Comment

On November 11, 2025, UofL DSW student Lindsay Gutierrez appeared on The Jennifer Hudson Show to share her inspiring story. Lindsay is a two-time living organ donor, an Air Force veteran and an advocate for both living donors and American veterans.

In honor of Veterans Day, Jennifer welcomed Lindsay as a special guest whose service did not end when the uniform came off. On the show, Lindsay shared how she saved multiple lives through living organ donation. Her first donation was her kidney, which went to a fellow veteran. Later, she gave 40% of her liver to someone she had never met. Her appearance served as a powerful reminder that service comes in many forms and that love can break barriers to create new hope for others.

Her commitment to service began during her years in the Air Force where she discovered a deep calling to help others. That calling led her to social work and later to UofL’s online DSW program where she is focused on the mental health and long-term support of living donors.

Her work shows the heart of the doctoral program in social work and highlights what it means to lead with knowledge and compassion.

Why Choose the University of Louisville’s Online DSW

UofL’s online Doctor of Social Work gives experienced social workers the advanced skills they need to grow their impact in classrooms, agencies and communities.

DSW Program includes:

A 100% online format built for working professionals

Applied coursework that supports leadership, teaching and organizational change

An applied capstone project shaped by your professional goals

A supportive and engaging online learning cohort

Apply by March 15 to Start Fall 2026

Find Your Path in K-12 Education with UofL Online

By Natalie Wess | December 10, 2025 | Comments 0 Comment

Choosing a path in K-12 education is an exciting step and now it is easier to see where you fit. The University of Louisville Online offers flexible teacher preparation and advancement programs through the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD). To help you explore your options we created the Find Your Path in K-12 Education infographic. It outlines multiple program tracks so you can quickly see which area aligns with your goals and experience.

Programs built for driven educators
UofL Online offers a range of education focused programs that support new teachers, current educators and professionals transitioning into the field. Options include early childhood education, special education and education leadership along with other CEHD programs. Each program is delivered fully online which means you can continue your work and life commitments while pursuing your degree.

Designed for working professionals and career changers
Many students who come to UofL Online are building a new path or advancing in their current role. Courses are structured to support busy schedules while providing practical skills that prepare you for real classrooms and school environments.

Learning with purpose and support
UofL faculty bring experience and care into their teaching, so you are never alone in your journey. Coursework connects directly to K-12 learner needs and gives you the tools to guide and support students with confidence.

Start your path today
Your career in education begins with one step and we are ready to help you take it. Explore the infographic and start your application when the time is right.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4atzfie

From LPN to BSN: How Kasen Meek is Advancing His Nursing Career Online with UofL

By Natalie Wess | November 17, 2025 | Comments 0 Comment

When Kasen Meek decided to leave a career in marketing to pursue nursing, he knew he wanted a program that would help him serve his community while advancing his education. Through the University of Louisville’s online RN-BSN program, Kasen is doing exactly that.

“The kindness of nurses struck me over and over again – and solidified that nursing was my calling,” Kasen said.

Kasen enrolled in UofL’s LPN-to-BSN pathway, which allows working nurses to continue providing care while earning credit towards their degree through online coursework. The flexible format and strong faculty support have helped him balance coursework with his role as a licensed practical nurse in Kentucky.

Meeting Kentucky’s Need for Skilled Nurses

UofL’s online RN-BSN program is designed to meet the growing demand for nurses with a BSN degree. The program’s focus on leadership, evidence-based practice and community health prepares nurses like Kasen to make a greater impact on the profession and the patients they serve.

Why Choose UofL Online for Your RN-BSN

UofL’s online RN-BSN programs offers a number of benefits that make this program compelling to future nursing leaders.

Transfer-friendly

Taught by experienced faculty

Scholarships available

The benefits don’t stop there. Online RN-BSN students can earn credit for their prior nursing experience. This program offers a Professional Nursing Portfolio component that awards you 30-credit hours tuition-free (saving you more than a year of classwork and $11,250 in tuition). This helps students to save time and money on their path to becoming a nursing leader.

Applications for the Spring Term are open now. Apply by December 1 to take the next step in your nursing journey.

Apply today!

RN-BSN Student Highlight: Tracy Nordmann

By Natalie Wess | September 9, 2025 | Comments 0 Comment

It’s time for another UofL Online student highlight! Today we’re thrilled to highlight Tracy Nordmann, an online RN-BSN nursing student who will complete the program Summer 2025. Check out her responses to our interview questions below!

What is your name and your current program of study?
My name is Tracy Nordmann and I’m a student in UofL’s online RN to BSN program.

Where are you from?
I am from Louisville, Kentucky but I grew up in Chicago, then lived in Atlanta for 20 years. During those years I attained my LPN license and while doing travel LPN, I decided to go back to school and attain my RN from Henderson Community College.

How did you get involved with UofL’s online RN-BSN program?
While in that program I was offered to be part of the pilot program and be one of the first LPN’s that bridged in an RN program to also do dual enrollment at University of Louisville RN-BSN program as I complete my RN program. I started in the summer of 2024 at UofL.

What was your academic experience prior to this program?
I graduated from Henderson Community College with my RN in December 2024. I received my RN license in January 2025.

I knew I would go back and get my BSN and anticipated waiting a few years, but since I was offered a grant scholarship to attend, I made the choice and was in both programs at the same time. I thought maybe I was crazy (and so did my friends), but I couldn’t pass up the opportunity. So, I talked to my advisor at UofL, Colleen Costar, and explained my thought process. I wanted to get it done as quickly as I could. She devised a unique plan so I can get through the program quickly. And it is working! I have two classes left for this summer and I will be graduating this year!

The program allowed me to have the flexibility to make this happen. I spoke with my advisor and instructors throughout the program, always gaining insight on how to attain what I wanted to accomplish.

What were some of the challenges you experienced over this program?
Many times, I didn’t feel I could get through the semesters, but I persevered. I found ways to manage my schedule to allow me to go to two programs, work part time and travel back and forth to Atlanta when I needed to.

I also had many family issues happen throughout the program. I did apply for grants and was awarded them just for applying. So, I am forever grateful for the encouragement to apply and getting the help I need to continue to pursue my degree. Many times, I truly thought I would have to quit because I didn’t have the means.

Where do you work now?
I currently work at Ascension St Thomas Midtown as an Oncology nurse in Nashville, TN.

What are your plans after graduation?
To pursue my nurse practitioner license.

What are your career aspirations? How will this degree help you to pursue those passions?
This degree allows me to be more knowledgeable on many aspects in my field. I see it working already while in my career.

What would you want to communicate to other students considering this program?
Take the BIG LEAP! Don’t wait to pursue your education further! Apply for scholarships because you never know how and when it can help you.

Author: Natalie Wess