UofL grad, named Student Nurse of the Year, strives for greatness in every task

During her academic career at the University of Louisville, Tiffany Mills has made her mark as a leader.

"When you read Tiffany's accomplishments on paper, you think about how great she is, but when you meet her, you know that she is stellar and will change our nursing world for the better," said assistant nursing professor Rebecca Gesler. 

Gesler nominated Mills for Student Nurse of the Year, an award given by the Kentucky Nurses Association to a student who has made a significant contribution in Kentucky or within the KNA. Mills received the honor at the 2020 KNA Annual Conference.

“It’s amazing to be recognized as the Student Nurse of the Year for 2020, which happens to be the designated Year of the Nurse. I give 100% to any task or challenge, and I am grateful to have my efforts noticed. This award has inspired me to continue to strive for greatness and to be myself while doing it,” Mills said.

Mills has served as UofL chapter president of the Kentucky Association of Nursing Students. She is a member of the National Student Nurses’ Association, Black Student Nurses Association, Black Student Union, Kentucky Nurses Association, KYANNA (the local branch of National Black Nurses Association), and serves as the academic liaison for the Student Government Association nursing student council. She also volunteers in the community with Louisville Youth Group and the Center for Women and Families.

“I decided to pursue nursing because it is a profession where you are constantly challenged and can learn something new every day,” Mills said. “There are so many opportunities to grow within nursing, and an endless amount of specialties and career options.”

After graduation, Mills will begin work on the burn unit at UofL Hospital. As she gains experience in critical care and pursues graduate education, Mills hope to become a doctoral-prepared nurse anesthetist.

Adrianne Kelly contributed to this story.