Steph nelson

We are #NPRCProud to announce Stephanie “Steph” Nelson as the May 2026 Student of the Month. A native of Warren County and longtime resident of Russell, Nelson is a working parent of three who is taking advantage of the time she has now that her children are adults or young adults.

For the last 23-plus years, Nelson has worked at the Barber National Institute at the Bollinger Campus in Warren. She currently works as the SE Team Lead, working with high school students and adults with disabilities. Specifically, she and her colleagues help these folks in need with social skills and finding jobs that are meaningful for them and the community. To learn more about human services and continue growing in her career, she decided back in the Spring of 2025 to enroll at NPRC and has not only enjoyed her experience but made the most of it. She’s been named to the Dean’s List and is now thrilled about being a Student of the Month. “Making Dean's List was the most meaningful accomplishment I have ever had from a career and education standpoint. I was so excited to accomplish that. I never thought I would do anything like this and being named Student of the Month is exciting, too.”

Nelson has been enrolled remotely and loves the flexibility NPRC provides. It allows her to remain at her longtime employer during the day and complete two courses at a time during the evenings and on weekends.

“If there is anybody out there that is even thinking about coming to NPRC, do it. This is the most patient, helpful, non-stressful college you could ever think about going to. The classes and flexibility given for remote learning are amazing. The instructors are also honest and tell you what you did wrong and push you to fix it. Coming to NPRC has been one of the best decisions I have ever made.”

With the help of her advisor, Laurel Lucas, and from teachers like Hope Collins and Ben Blood, Steph has found her confidence and intends to graduate no later than December 2027. That moment will mean a great deal to her as someone who had children not long after high school and dreamed of becoming a college student one day.

“I wasn’t able to do this right after high school, but now that my kids have grown up, it’s time to do this for myself. I want to succeed in something, and this opportunity at NPRC is what I decided to try. I share with others to also follow their dreams no matter what it is or when in life you are doing it.”
Outside of those in the NPRC community, she is grateful for the support she has from her three children to take this time to better herself and her career. “My kids have been very understanding and give me that time to work. My youngest even makes dinner for me sometimes when I’ve had a long day. I am thankful for their support in doing this.”

Keep up the great work, Steph! Your perseverance will pay off and will continue to help you as you go forward in your career.