The IU Indianapolis Top 100 list celebrates students who are making a lasting impact on campus through leadership, service, and academic excellence. Get to know IU School of Nursing honoree—Cody "CJ" Hutchison, Class of 2026 BSN student—as he shares his story and what this honor represents in his journey.
What does being named a Top 100 student mean to you?
Hutchison: Being named a Top 100 student is more than an award to me. It represents the countless hours of work, the sacrifices, and the commitment to showing up not only in the classroom but also in the community. It is a reminder that striving to make a positive impact, whether on campus or through service, truly matters. This recognition reflects both the journey and the purpose behind it, and I am incredibly grateful to be part of this class of honorees.
How have your extracurricular activities and leadership roles shaped your experience at IU School of Nursing?
My involvement in UCSC and Jagathon has been one of the most defining aspects of my college experience. Through roles such as director of Event Programming, vice president of Operations, Regatta's director of PR, associate executive director of External Relations, and now executive director, I’ve learned how powerful it can be to lead teams of passionate people toward a mission bigger than ourselves. These experiences revealed my passion for leadership within healthcare and taught me how to inspire, support, and empower others; skills I will carry into my nursing career.
Who has had the greatest influence on your nursing journey?
The greatest influence on my nursing journey has been the people who have walked beside me—my incredible friends, the communities I’ve been part of, and my family who has supported me through every season. They are the ones who reminded me of my purpose when the days were long, who celebrated every success, and who grounded me when things felt overwhelming. Their belief in me has been a constant source of strength. Each of them, in their own way, helped shape the nurse and leader I am striving to become. I carry their encouragement with me into every classroom, every clinical, and soon, every patient interaction. They are my “why.”
What are your goals after graduation, and how do you hope to make a difference as a nurse?
After graduation, I plan to work in the Riley Hospital for Children Emergency Department in downtown Indianapolis. Longterm, I plan to pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice with a focus in Executive Leadership. My goal is to help transform healthcare culture; even if it starts with a single department. I want patients and team members alike to feel valued, supported, and safe. If I can help restore trust in the healthcare system and create an environment where compassion and collaboration thrive, then I will have made the kind of difference I believe nursing is all about.
Is there anything else about your experience at the IU School of Nursing you’d like to add?
My time at the IU School of Nursing has been nothing short of transformative. The encouragement from faculty, the rigor of the program, and the meaningful clinical opportunities have shaped me into a more confident, compassionate, and purpose-driven nurse. This school challenged me to rise, to lead, and to believe in what I am capable of. I will forever be grateful for the community that helped me discover not just the nurse I am, but the leader I hope to become.
