About
When Jordan Diehl arrived at Carroll College as a nursing student, she was looking for a program that would provide both academic excellence and a strong sense of community. Four years later, she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a foundation that helped propel her to one of the nation's most prestigious nurse anesthesia programs.
Today, Jordan is in her final year at Johns Hopkins University, pursuing a Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice degree with plans to graduate in 2027 and become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). Before beginning the program full time, she worked as an intensive care unit (ICU) nurse, gaining critical clinical experience while preparing for the next step in her career.
"I chose Carroll because of its direct-entry nursing program, which helped ease my anxiety about getting into nursing school as a freshman," Jordan said. "The close-knit community emphasizes faith, academic excellence, and service to others. Carroll's culture aligned with my personal values and encouraged students to develop strong moral and ethical principles."
One of Jordan's proudest accomplishments came when she was accepted into the Johns Hopkins nurse anesthesia program at just 23 years old, becoming the youngest student in the history of the university's nurse anesthesia program.
She credits Carroll for helping make that achievement possible.
"Because of the leadership opportunities, clinical experiences, professor mentorship, and academic rigor, I was well prepared for the application process and the challenges that followed," she said.
Jordan also found that Carroll's liberal arts education gave her an advantage during her first years as a healthcare professional. While her nursing coursework provided the clinical foundation she needed, classes in theology, philosophy, and writing helped shape her into a stronger communicator and critical thinker.
"Those courses challenged me to examine different perspectives and develop a broader worldview," Jordan said. "They strengthened my communication skills and helped me engage in meaningful conversations with patients and colleagues while approaching others with empathy and compassion."
Throughout her time at Carroll, faculty mentors played a significant role in her success. One professor, in particular, left a lasting impact.
"My nursing professors hold special places in my heart, especially Maria Brosnan," Jordan said. "She played an influential role in helping me secure my first nursing position at Johns Hopkins Hospital, wrote several letters of recommendation, and never doubted my career aspirations. She always offered encouragement and saw the good in others."
While academics prepared Jordan for her profession, some of her most meaningful experiences took place outside the classroom. She points to Freshman Retreat, SEARCH, and community service projects as transformative moments that shaped her faith, friendships, and personal growth.
"These experiences introduced me to lifelong friendships and meaningful opportunities that fostered authenticity, vulnerability, and growth," she said. "They challenged me to reflect on my values, deepen my faith, and build genuine connections with others."
Looking back, Jordan says Carroll's greatest strength is its people.
"I would encourage prospective students to choose Carroll because people genuinely care about students as individuals," she said. "Faculty, staff, mentors, and campus leaders are invested in helping students succeed both academically and personally. Carroll challenges you to grow and reach your full potential while providing the support and encouragement you need along the way."
As Jordan prepares to complete her doctorate and enter the next chapter of her career, the values she developed at Carroll continue to guide her path—serving others with excellence, compassion, and purpose.
