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Release Date: 
Monday, April 24, 2023

Two nursing students represent HFC at NSNA; one wins national office

A picture of Jerry “Trey” Harpole III and Misty Russell.
From L-R: Jerry "Trey" Harpole III and Misty Russell are two HFC nursing students who represented the College at the 71st annual NSNA Convention. Harpole was elected to national office and will serve the NSNA as the Director and Chair of the National Election Committee for the 2023-24 academic year.

Two members of the HFC Student Nurse Association (SNA) – Jerry “Trey” Harpole III and Misty Russell – recently represented the College as delegates at the 71st annual National Student Nurses’ Association Convention: Reflection – A Catalyst for Change in Nashville. During the event, Harpole was elected to national office. For the 2023-24 academic year, he will serve the NSNA as the Director and Chair of the National Election Committee.

“I’m so proud of Trey and Misty. Both of them represented HFC with distinction at the NSNA National Conference. I’m happy that Trey won his election and will be the Director and Chair of the National Election Committee,” said SNA advisor and nursing instructor Cathy Gangarossa.

Trey Harpole

Harpole, of Canton, is the SNA secretary and will represent the College as a delegate at the National Convention June 12-17. Prior to enrolling in the Nursing program at HFC, Harpole was a flight attendant for six years. After he earns his associate degree in nursing from HFC at the end of 2023, Harpole plans to transfer to the University of Michigan-Flint and complete his bachelor’s degree in nursing. Since May 2022, he has been a nurse extern at Corewell Health, working in the ICU.

“The SNA has taught me there is so much more to being a nursing student than just going to class and clinicals. With the help of my faculty advisors, I continued developing my attention to detail as I was responsible for the publication of agendas, meeting minutes, and our monthly newsletter in addition to the community events we attend. I have met the greatest people and was honored to represent HFC on the national stage!” said Harpole.

Misty Russell

Russell, of Ypsilanti, is the SNA activities director and the Michigan Nursing Student Association communications director. She attended the NSNA leadership and honors training program and is a “Project In-Touch” recruiter for the NSNA. Like Harpole, after Russell earns her associate degree in nursing from HFC at the end of 2023, she plans to transfer to UM-Flint and complete her bachelor's degree in nursing.

“The SNA has been a huge part of my journey as a nursing student, allowing me to enhance my leadership skills as I prepare to step into my role as a professional nurse,” said Russell. “While these additional responsibilities have been demanding, they are equally rewarding! I am honored to give back to our community through the events coordinated by the SNA, and I look forward to representing the SNA at the local, state, and national levels.”

Outstanding leadership

Gangarossa said both Harpole and Russell’s outstanding leadership has set an example for their peers and for HFC nursing faculty members to follow.

“During my 17 years as a faculty advisor for the SNA, both Trey and Misty have demonstrated the motivation, desire and professionalism that we strive to see in every student,” said Gangarossa. “It has been my honor mentoring them and being a part of their journey.”