Student Graduates Early With a Nursing Degree, Credits Financial Aid, Academic Support

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Colby Thompson

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – When Colby Thompson, from Bald Knob, graduates from the University of Arkansas on Saturday he can claim two unusual achievements: first, he will have earned his degree in only three and a half years; second, he will be one of the few men to have a degree in nursing.

 Thompson attended Bald Knob High School where he says teachers who encouraged him and the school program that enabled him to earn 15 concurring college credits both prepared him to attend the university. He was inspired by a cousin who loved his career as a nurse, and chose the U of A because he was impressed by the quality of its nursing school. Still, he wasn’t sure he’d be able to attend.

“Coming from a small town it was like a fairy tale when I got accepted to the U of A,” Thompson said.

Thompson earned a scholarship from the Razorback marching band to play tuba, as well as a Razorback Bridge Scholarship, offered to high performing incoming freshman from underrepresented groups.

Thompson participated in the Academic Enrichment Program coordinated through the Center for Multicultural and Diversity Education. The program is required for all Razorback Bridge Scholarship recipients, and Thompson said it made a huge difference in his academics.

“I thought I was prepared for college, but it was because of AEP and the Center that I had the support to be successful,” he said. “The staff at the Center care for their students. It is the perfect program for people from small schools that are transitioning to large institutions.”

The nursing program at the University provided Thompson the preparation and training he needed for state board testing and the rigorous nursing exam. The highly competitive program required him to maintain a high GPA, even before applying, and he was admitted to the program on his first try. He said his favorite part of the nursing program was building relationships with his colleagues and instructors. He feels that with a career in nursing he is making a difference in the world.

In addition to his course work, Thompson enjoyed the atmosphere of a large university and the tremendous Razorback spirit on campus, taking part in several campus life activities and joining a fraternity, Phi Mu Alpha. 

After graduation he plans to work full time as a nurse at Mercy Hospital in Rogers.