Unlike other commissioned graduates, however, Aurand will not go directly into active duty. Instead, she will continue her education to become a psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner.
Aurand was one of only five cadets in the nation selected by the US Army Recruiting Command’s Nurse Practitioner Health Professions Scholarship Board for a program that allows nursing cadets to delay active duty and pursue a graduate degree full-time.
According to Military Science Professor Lieutenant Colonel Decker B. Hains, this selection is very well deserved. “During her time at Western and with Army ROTC,” he states, “Shelley has consistently demonstrated her intellect, fortitude, professionalism, and passion for the Army Nurse Corps and health care.”
In addition to maintaining a 3.45 GPA in the challenging nursing program, Aurand participated in many other activities. She volunteered with the Battle Creek Veterans Administration Medical Center, providing recreational activities for veterans with mental health illness. She was also selected to attend the 2013 Nurse Summer Training Program, completing over 150 hours in the emergency department at Evans Army Community Hospital in Fort Carson, Colorado. There, she earned high praise for expertly working with critically acute and psychiatric clients.
In addition, Aurand volunteered as captain of the ROTC Ranger Challenge and intramural basketball teams, served as cadet public affairs officer, and assisted in recruiting potential nurse cadets.