Abby Wilson ’25
Hometown: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Major: Nursing
At William Penn University, students arrive with big dreams, and for Abby Wilson, those dreams evolved in ways she never expected. Originally from Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Abby first attended Iowa Central Community College, earning degrees in Biology before transferring to William Penn to continue her academic and athletic career. While she initially pursued a path toward medical school, her experiences and evolving goals led her to a double major in Biology and Nursing, a decision that has shaped both her academic and professional aspirations.
Abby’s love for nature and her strong commitment to community service have defined her time at William Penn. When she’s not immersed in her studies or on the softball field, she dedicates her time to volunteering at the local animal shelter, mentoring middle school students through the Penn Pride Partnership, and assisting at LoveINC. Her passion for helping others extends into every aspect of her life, reinforcing the values that William Penn instills in its students.
Her decision to attend William Penn was influenced by her recruitment for softball and a visit to campus that left a lasting impression. “We appreciated how beautiful the campus was when walking up the path from the library to Penn Hall,” Abby recalls. The state-of-the-art Penn Activity Center and the welcoming community made her choice an easy one. Some of her fondest memories are of playing on the softball field, especially during those breathtaking sunset games.
Academically, Abby has thrived, despite facing challenges that tested her resilience. She credits her professors for providing invaluable support and inspiration, particularly Dr. Ewart, whose immunology class sparked a deep fascination with the subject. “I was mesmerized by the science behind the immune system and how it works to keep us free of illness,” she shares. She also expresses deep gratitude to Ashley Goytia and Terri Morris, who dedicated their time to ensuring she could enter the nursing program as planned. These experiences have solidified her love for learning and reinforced her commitment to a future in healthcare.
Beyond the classroom, Abby has been an active participant in Alpha Chi, Alpha Lambda Delta, and the Student Nursing Organization. She played softball for three years and even joined the cross-country team for the final stretch of their season in 2024. Balancing academics and athletics has taught her invaluable lessons in discipline, time management, and perseverance. “The William Penn campus fosters a sense of belonging through various student organizations, events, and activities,” she says. “There’s a shared commitment to helping one another thrive, making the university feel like a home away from home.”
Her professional growth has been greatly enriched through internships and research opportunities. A standout moment was her internship at Mahaska Health Partnership’s laboratory, where she gained hands-on experience in microbiology. Additionally, her year-long symposium research project on bacterial growth on pillowcases earned her the prestigious 2023 Watland-Richmond research award. More recently, she has worked with Mahaska Health Partnership to promote early lung cancer screenings, demonstrating her dedication to community health.
Despite the inevitable challenges of university life—being far from home, juggling athletics and coursework, and navigating a shift in career goals—Abby has faced each obstacle with determination. She encourages incoming students to embrace the journey, reminding them that “persistence, self-care, and seeking support when needed are key to overcoming obstacles and making the most of your university experience.”
As graduation approaches, Abby’s next steps include passing the NCLEX to obtain her nursing license, spending quality time with family in Canada, and launching her career as a registered nurse. She envisions working in a medical-surgical unit before pursuing specialized certifications, with a growing interest in intensive care nursing.
What she will miss most about William Penn is the friendships she has built. “It will be difficult to not live both with and down the street from some of my closest friends,” she reflects. “I will miss our movie nights, walks, birthday celebrations, Bible study Tuesdays, dinners, study sessions, coffee runs… they have become my home away from home.”
Looking back, Abby describes her time at William Penn as nothing short of transformative. Through the challenges, triumphs, and invaluable experiences, she has grown into a confident, compassionate, and capable individual—ready to take on whatever comes next. William Penn University is proud to have been a part of her journey, and we know she will continue to make a meaningful impact in the world.