Emily Daskalakis becomes Southeastern’s first RN-BSN graduate

DURANT, Okla. - Southeastern Oklahoma State University student Emily Daskalakis has become the university's first graduate of the RN-BSN program, which was launched in August 2025.

It's a full circle moment for Daskalakis. She graduated from Southeastern in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Health Science, and later began her nursing journey at Kiamichi Technology Center before earning an Associate Degree in Applied Science in Nursing from Murray State College.

Earlier this month, she graduated once again from Southeastern - this time with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Daskalaskis, who is currently a traveling nurse in the Intensive Care Unit at Ingenovis Health, completed the program in just two semesters while balancing demanding travel nursing assignments in two different states.

"I found the program to be very manageable, even while traveling and working night shifts," Daskalakis said. "Each course was well organized with easy-to-follow schedules, and the faculty were always supportive and helpful whenever questions came up."

Daskalakis said she was initially on the fence about pursuing the program, but credits the ease of the application process and the affordability of the program as the two main reasons she decided to move forward.

She plans to continue her educational journey as she advances her nursing career.

"Her achievement highlights both her commitment to advancing her education and the flexibility of our fully online RN-BSN program," said Dr. Amanda St. John, director of nursing and allied health at Southeastern. "Her success serves as an inspiration for future students considering advancing their nursing education."

St. John hopes this is just the beginning of success stories for the program.

"As we celebrate this historic achievement, we are hopeful that Emily's accomplishment is only the first of many success stories to come," said St. John. "Southeastern is committed to building a legacy of excellence in nursing and allied health education while preparing nurses and healthcare leaders who will positively impact healthcare outcomes across southeastern Oklahoma and beyond."

To learn more about Southeastern's RN-BSN program, visit https://www.se.edu/nursing/master-of-science-in-health-science/.

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