Jacksonville, AL – As originally reported by Brett Buckner of JSU’s Media Department, a Jacksonville State University (Jax State) senior nursing student from Pidment, Jenna Hardin, has been named one of six students in Alabama selected for the prestigious Area Health Education Center (AHEC) Scholars Statewide Leadership Team. The AHEC Leadership Team is composed of outstanding healthcare students chosen to represent and advocate for community health initiatives across the state.
“Being one of only six individuals recognized is an incredible honor, and it means a great deal to me,” Hardin said. “It’s an opportunity to engage in outreach efforts, address healthcare disparities, and collaborate with other future leaders in the field. We are also the driving force behind small acts that can have a ripple effect in our state. It is something that I hope I inspire others to be part of.”
Hardin expressed her surprise at being selected for such a distinguished group. “I was up against some amazing people,” she said. “I was in utter awe at the skills and the people who are part of AHEC in general, let alone when you actually get to know everyone on a collaborative level.”
This recognition will have a profound impact on Hardin’s career, offering her an opportunity to grow as both a nurse and a leader. After graduation, she plans to enroll in the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), focusing on emergency and critical care. “I have this whole plan to become a flight nurse and instruct at FEMA to teach others to be someone’s ‘calm in the storm,'” she explained.
Hardin has long been driven by a passion to help others, advocate for patients, and make a meaningful difference in healthcare. “This experience will help me build the skills and connections needed to serve,” she said. “More than anything, I see this as a way to give back and continue learning how to better serve the people who need it most.”
As an active member of organizations such as the Nurses Christian Fellowship and the National Student Nurses’ Association, Hardin has been a strong advocate for a more inclusive and accessible healthcare system. The Alabama AHEC Network Newsletter highlighted her dedication, stating, “Her passion for serving rural and underserved communities stems from growing up with limited resources and witnessing healthcare disparities firsthand. These experiences drive her commitment to bridging the gap in access through outreach and education.”
For Hardin, leadership is rooted in service, encouragement, and empowering others. She believes in leading by example, fostering teamwork, and ensuring that everyone feels valued and supported. “I actively work to grow by seeking mentorship, learning from experiences, and refining my ability to uplift and inspire those around me,” she said. “To me, leadership isn’t about being in charge. It’s about encouraging others to succeed and making a lasting impact together.”
Hardin credits her success to the faculty and staff who have mentored and guided her throughout her nursing journey. “Their dedication and mentorship have reinforced my passion for serving others,” she said. “I’m grateful for the foundation they’ve helped me build as I continue this journey.”
With her selection to the AHEC Scholars Statewide Leadership Team, Hardin is poised to make significant contributions to the future of healthcare in Alabama, embodying the spirit of service and leadership that defines the next generation of medical professionals.
