Graduate students Rietz and Gasser selected to join AACN’s Digital Innovators Cohort for nursing education
(L to R) Melissa Rietz and Stephanie Gasser
The College of Nursing is proud to announce that two Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) students, Melissa Rietz, CNP, FNP-BC, CSC, RYT, IF, and Stephanie Gasser, MSN-Ed, RN-BC, CNE, have been selected to participate in the 2025–2026 Graduate Nursing Student Academy (GNSA) Digital Innovators Program, sponsored by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), with content provided by Apple Education.
Rietz and Gasser represent the college as one of only ten universities nationwide selected to participate in this prestigious program, which prepares future nurse educators to incorporate cutting-edge digital mobile technology into teaching. Over the next eight months, the pair will participate in bi-monthly virtual learning sessions on topics like podcasting, digital storytelling, universal design, augmented reality, and AI integration. Their work will conclude with a national Digital Showcase on March 3, 2026.
The team’s project will focus on developing innovative learning activities that help pre-licensure nursing students develop their professional identity. They are particularly interested in exploring how AI-assisted feedback, multimedia case studies, and interactive modules can transform asynchronous learning (at a student’s own pace and schedule) into a more engaging, reflective, and practice-oriented experience.
“Our passion is preparing pre-licensure nursing students to succeed in a rapidly changing healthcare environment,” Rietz and Gasser wrote in their application. “We believe the Digital Innovators Program will deepen our understanding of digital tools and support our exploration of how to ethically and effectively incorporate them into nursing education.”
“Melissa and Stephanie exemplify the spirit of innovation that drives our College forward,” said Brian Ahn, PhD, dean of the College of Nursing. “Their participation in the AACN Digital Innovators Program will not only enhance their skills as future nurse educators but also introduce new ideas and tools that will benefit our students and the broader nursing community.”
Both students, who have been with the College of Nursing for three years, see this program as a way to advance their shared commitment to innovation and mentorship. Their participation has strong backing from the college leadership. In her support letter, Peggy Jenkins, PhD, RN, CNE, associate dean, noted that the program aligns with the college’s commitment to preparing nursing professionals for the evolving healthcare landscape. “Rietz and Gasser’s participation in this program will enhance their individual professional development and bring valuable knowledge back to our academic community, serving as catalysts for digital innovation within our college.”
Through this opportunity, Rietz and Gasser will deepen their expertise as educators and innovators, developing skills that will shape their future careers while directly enriching the experiences of the students they will teach. Their dedication to reimagining how technology can support education highlights the crucial role graduate students play in advancing nursing education and preparing the next generation of nurses. Their participation in the Digital Innovators Program underscores the College of Nursing’s commitment to fostering innovation and ensuring that future nurses are equipped to succeed in a rapidly changing health care landscape.