Marquiez Jennings, a student in Kent State University’s College of Nursing Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, is preparing to take on the nursing world with a unique perspective shaped by his diverse background and experiences. Set to graduate in May 2026, Jennings is already looking ahead, determined to pass the National Council Licensure Examination on his first try and pursue top residency programs with a focus on trauma and cardiovascular intensive care nursing.
“I plan to attend a top RN residency program,” said Jennings, reflecting on his ambitious goals for the future. “I am interested in working in a trauma emergency room and, at some point, would love to work in the cardiovascular intensive care unit.”
Jennings’ path to nursing has been deeply personal. After earning a bachelor’s degree in health science from Kent State in 2024, he initially pursued a pre-med track. However, with a strong desire to work more closely with patients, Jennings shifted gears to nursing, where he felt he could have a more direct impact.
Throughout his nursing education, Jennings has gained insight into working with diverse patient populations. He recalled a memorable moment from his first semester in the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program when a professor shared invaluable resources on how to care for diverse populations, particularly within the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities.
Kent State’s commitment to diversity in the clinical setting has allowed Jennings to feel supported as a person of color in nursing.
“I noticed immediately how the college has invested in providing colored manikins in the skills and simulation labs,” he shared. “We are learning about evidence-based practices in the classroom and then have an opportunity to practice those techniques on the BIPOC manikins. These manikins are helping me prepare for my first semester of clinicals. As a minority myself, I am becoming more confident and competent in my nursing skills.”
Jennings shared how he navigates self-doubt and challenges in a field where there may not always be many people who look like him.
“Leaning on my faith is how I push through seasons of doubt and fear. I always pray, and God reminds me of who I am regardless of what others perceive me to be,” Jennings said. “I see myself as an ambassador. Taking on this mentality is how I continue to quench my ambitious appetite.”
In addition to his academic and clinical pursuits, Jennings is deeply involved in extracurricular activities, including the Student Nurse Association, the KSU Men’s Club Volleyball Team, Kent State’s Association of Pre-Physician Assistants organization and the Health Professionals in Color organization. He also works as a Room Attendant and delivers food when his schedule provides more flexibility, demonstrating his exceptional time management skills.
Balancing work, school and extracurriculars is no easy feat – especially as a commuter student from Canton, Ohio. Two of the biggest challenges Jennings has faced while earning his BSN have been financial pressures and the demands of commuting. With nearly a 50-minute drive each way, that’s almost two hours on the road daily. To manage his time effectively, Jennings has sought out scholarship opportunities to help alleviate the financial strain and has turned his commute into a productive learning experience by listening to class lectures.
Despite the challenges, Jennings is determined to succeed and continuously seeks ways to grow as a nursing student. He is focused on developing necessary skills such as critical thinking, bedside protocol, multitasking and nursing diplomacy. Jennings shared that his cohort has been incredibly welcoming and supportive, particularly acknowledging the invaluable guidance from Associate Lecturer Ann James and Clinical Preceptor Tiffany Tabellion. The strong sense of camaraderie and mentorship has been crucial in helping him stay motivated and navigate challenges throughout his nursing journey.
Jennings has two years of research experience. He spent a year studying terpenes, which are major biosynthetic building blocks, during the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE). Jennings spent another year focusing on social lexical relationships and cognition, which looks at the connection between the way words relate to each other within a social context and how our cognitive abilities are influenced by those relationships. Currently, he is working on his first authorship and research publication with Kent State Speech and Pathology faculty member Jennifer Roche, Ph.D., and Kent State nursing faculty member Janet Reed, Ph.D., exploring nursing and cognition.
In addition to his research, Jennings has also served as an anatomy and physiology supplemental instructor, peer mentor and peer academic advisor at Kent State.
Jennings also enjoys volunteering at Refuge of Hope Ministries, a homeless shelter in Canton, Ohio.
Outside of his academic pursuits, Jennings enjoys spending time with his twin brother and hosts a podcast called “Maturability” on both the Apple podcast platform and YouTube, where he discusses all things nursing.
Looking ahead, Jennings hopes to contribute significantly to the nursing profession by offering well-rounded representation and ensuring patients feel supported, regardless of their age, race or cultural beliefs. He aspires to work closely with the BIPOC community of nurses to foster inclusivity and support within healthcare, particularly in specialized fields like trauma and cardiovascular intensive care.
“Be fearless and the catalyst to change,” Jennings said, encouraging others in the BIPOC community to consider nursing. “That trepidation you feel is the excitement of opportunity that you can harness into the profession of nursing if you decide to stand in the gap.”
Through his commitment to excellence, diversity and leadership, Jennings is setting an inspiring example for future nursing students. His journey demonstrates how resilience, determination and a passion for inclusivity will help shape the future of healthcare, particularly in the high-demand fields of trauma and cardiovascular care.
To learn more about Kent State University College of Nursing’s Accelerated Second Degree BSN (ABSN) program, please register for one of our information events.
