Each year, IU Indianapolis honors 50 graduate and professional students who excel in campus leadership, scholarly work, and community engagement. These Elite 50 students embody what makes IU Indianapolis remarkable.
This year, two School of Nursing students—Tanner Sergesketter and Racheal Kayemba—have earned a place on the prestigious list and will be honored at the Elite 50 Awards Celebration on April 12. We asked both students about the experiences that shaped their journeys and what lies ahead.
Tanner Sergesketter
Tanner Sergesketter, MSN, is a PhD student expected to graduate in 2028. She says being named to the Elite 50 reflects both personal dedication and strong support systems.
“It acknowledges the unwavering support and encouragement of my husband, family, and friends,” she said. “It also represents the dedication, perseverance, and resilience that I have carried with me while pursuing my BSN, MSN, and now PhD.”
Sergesketter initially chose to pursue her MSN in Nursing Education at the IU School of Nursing in Indianapolis because of the program’s exceptional reputation and accessibility while she was also working full-time.
“I made many meaningful connections to faculty and staff while pursuing my MSN that made it a natural fit for pursuing my PhD,” she explained. “It is evident that the PhD program strives for research excellence and has an infrastructure that supports nurse researchers.”
Sergesketter credits her many excellent mentors who have inspired her, starting in her undergraduate education at the University of Iowa.
“In the PhD program, Dr. Julie Otte, my committee chair, has had a profound influence on my nursing journey,” she said. “She is an inspiring role model, consistently helping me to strengthen my research ideas, improve my scientific writing, and move confidently towards my research aspirations.”
Sergesketter’s research focuses on communication between inpatient pediatric nurses and families/caregivers of pediatric patients who use a language other than English. She recently had her research manuscript published in Patient Education and Counseling.
“Although interpreting services, such as in-person, video, and phone interpreters, are available in the hospital setting, communication barriers still persist between nurses and pediatric families/caregivers,” she said. “These barriers can impede accurate exchange of information and understanding of care plans, potentially increasing the risk of preventable harm for hospitalized children.”
“Given nurses’ unique position as care coordinators at the bedside, and the significant amount of time they spend with patients and families/caregivers, there is a critical need to strengthen nurse-caregiver communication when interpreting services are used,” Sergesketter continued. “Through this research, I hope to optimize support for pediatric caregivers who use a language other than English while also promoting patient safety for pediatric populations.”
In addition to her academic work, Sergesketter volunteers with Community Hospice, providing companionship to terminally ill patients on hospice care.
“This time is spent reflecting with the patient on their life, listening to stories and music, asking them about their favorite memories, and ensuring their comfort,” she said. “I chose to volunteer with Community Hospice after I switched to a non-bedside nursing role because I missed the meaningful connections that I had previously been able to make with patients and families.
“[The Elite 50] award demonstrates that embracing opportunities that you are passionate about can lead to a significant positive impact on others while also shaping your personal and professional development.”
Racheal Kayemba
Racheal Kayemba, MSN, RN, is a Doctor of Nursing Practice candidate on the Executive Leadership Track and will graduate in May.
“Being named an IU Indianapolis Elite 50 honoree is both humbling and deeply meaningful,” she said. “It reflects not only my personal commitment to academic excellence and leadership, but also the collective support of mentors, colleagues, and my community who have poured into my journey.”
Kayemba chose the IU School of Nursing for its reputation in leadership development, academic rigor, and commitment to advancing nursing practice.
“Working at Eskenazi Health, I had firsthand exposure to the program’s impact, as many respected colleagues had completed it and demonstrated exceptional leadership in practice,” she said. “The alignment between the school’s mission and my professional goals made it a natural and strategic choice.”
Shaped by a combination of personal passion, faith, and the support of those around her, Kayemba says her nursing journey was shaped early in life.
“From a young age, I have been driven by a desire to care for others and make a meaningful difference,” she said. “My family and close support system instilled in me the values of resilience, discipline, and purpose. Professionally, I have been fortunate to learn from exceptional mentors, professors, and healthcare leaders who have challenged and inspired me to grow.”
Her DNP project focuses on raising awareness of leadership mentoring as a strategy to strengthen workforce development, improve retention, and enhance quality outcomes across healthcare settings.
She also serves as a teaching assistant, a graduate Nursing Student Academy liaison, and volunteers with Junior Achievement of Central Indiana, where she mentors students exploring career paths.
After graduation, Kayemba aims to drive innovation in care delivery, particularly for underserved populations.
“My goal is to lead and develop entrepreneurial initiatives that improve care coordination and outcomes for individuals with developmental disabilities and complex chronic conditions in the post-acute care space,” she said.
Reflecting on her experience at the IU School of Nursing, she added:
“The program has not only strengthened my clinical and leadership competencies but also expanded my ability to think strategically and lead at a systems level. I am truly grateful for the opportunities, mentorship, and growth I have experienced throughout this journey.