Kelsey Wilder

Kelsey Wilder is the proud recipient of the 2026-2027 Joanne V. Pontier Scholarship from Nurses Educational Funds. Eager to serve in the medical field, she began her healthcare journey as a Certified Nursing Assistant while still in high school. This early exposure solidified her desire to continue with a healthcare career. Following graduation, she pursued her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, graduating Magna Cum Laude. Currently, Kelsey is advancing her clinical expertise at Vanderbilt University, where she is pursuing her Master of Science in Nursing with a focus on dual certification as a Family and Emergency Nurse Practitioner.

Growing up, Kelsey developed a deep fascination for human science and a constant drive to understand the underlying causes of illness and injury. This motivation has fueled her continuous pursuit of specialized training. She specifically chose Vanderbilt University for her graduate studies because of its strong reputation for academic and clinical rigor. The program provides the ideal balance for her professional life, offering the flexibility of distance learning alongside intensive, hands-on training during campus visits.

Professionally, Kelsey brings extensive experience in high acuity emergency and trauma care, having worked in Level I and Level III trauma centers as well as freestanding emergency departments. She holds a prestigious certification in emergency nursing through the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing. Beyond the bedside, she is deeply committed to professional development and education. Kelsey has mentored over thirty nursing students and served as a skills validator for medical school programs. Her leadership extends to active participation in unit-based programs, serving as a student advisory representative, and maintaining memberships in professional organizations such as the Emergency Nurses Association, the Society of Trauma Nurses, and the American Academy of Emergency Nurse Practitioners. In her local community, she regularly volunteers with community-based housing initiatives and supports nature preservation efforts.

Looking ahead, Kelsey is dedicated to improving healthcare access in rural communities and Health Professional Shortage Areas. Her primary goal is to practice emergency medicine in remote regions, where she hopes to integrate advanced technology and expand partnerships with tertiary hospitals. After graduation, she also plans to participate in future disaster relief efforts through organizations such as the American Red Cross or Samaritan’s Purse.

Receiving a Nurses Educational Funds scholarship is a profound honor that further solidifies her commitment to these ambitious goals. The Joanne V. Pontier Scholarship provides critical support as Kelsey Wilder transitions into her advanced practice role, empowering her to drive meaningful change in rural emergency healthcare.