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, Lennell Dumas—who earned his Accelerated BSN degree last December—as he shares his story and what this honor represents in his journey.
What does being named a Top 100 student mean to you?
Dumas: Being named a Top 100 student is inspiring to me because it reflects the setbacks I overcame, the resilience I built, and the determination it took to keep going even when things were difficult.
How have your extracurricular activities or leadership roles shaped your experience as a student at IU School of Nursing?
Working in group homes and volunteering with marginalized communities has shaped my understanding of what it truly means to be a nurse. These experiences taught me that healthcare goes beyond treatment and that advocacy is just as important as clinical skill. I learned that many individuals simply need someone willing to listen, support them, and stand up for their needs.
Who has had the greatest influence on your nursing journey and why?
Nursing mentors in my community had the greatest influence on my journey because they gave me guidance, encouragement, and showed me what success in this profession can look like.
What are your goals after graduation and how do hope to make a difference as a nurse?
My goal is to leave every patient better than I found them, whether through my care, my compassion, or my advocacy.
Is there anything else about your experience at IU School of Nursing you’d like to add?
IU School of Nursing helped me grow, not only academically, but also personally by helping me build confidence and prepare for my future as a nurse.
