Name: Samantha Vickory Position: : Assistant Professor in the Nursing Department Years at ACM: 1
Q & A
What do you enjoy most about your position at ACM? I love watching the students grow. From the time they step into the classroom, anxious
and nervous, until the day that they walk across the stage to obtain their diploma,
confident and excited, they become a different person. They have completed a rigorous
task and will be able to become a member of one of the most trusted professions. They
are on a new journey – they will deliver newborns, save lives, and be the compassionate
soul who will hold the hand of the elderly. I hope I have made an impact on students
to be the nurse that can care for their patients with compassion, respect, and skill.
I love being in the position at ACM to form and mold these students.
What is your vision for the future of ACM? I envision ACM continuing to grow. Specifically, the nursing department, as there
is a need for nurses in our area and across the nation. I envision ACM reaching to
meet the needs of our community and region. While the college continues to grow, I
also envision us reaching the needs of our students; creating positive, learner centered
environments that fosters intellect, diversity, and connections.
Who mentored you in your career at ACM? Sandy Clark is my mentor. When I decided I wanted to be a nurse educator, I instantly
reached out to Sandy to get feedback and input. Why? Because Sandy was my instructor
for three of my four semesters while completing the Associate Degree of Nursing (ADN)
program at ACM (a rarity!). I knew her teaching styles and techniques, and she made
quite an impact on my life. She quickly became my preceptor while I was completing
my Master’s in Nursing classes, and continues to be now. She has a passion for teaching
and nursing, and a drive to produce outstanding nurses. I look up to her and hope
that I can gain all of the knowledge and experiences that I can from her.
What advice would you give to a prospective student interested in enrolling at ACM? ACM is worth it! The professors and instructors are so talented. You will gain the
experience and knowledge that you need to use throughout your career. And it’s affordable!
Coming out of higher education with little to no debt is difficult; but it’s possible
at ACM! Don’t be afraid to apply for scholarships and aid. Talk to the Scholarship
Foundation and your advisor. Out of all of the higher educational institutions, I
would always recommend ACM. You become part of a community and a family.
Did you take classes at ACM? If so, how did it prepare you for your career? I completed my Associate’s Degree in Nursing in December of 2014. This laid the very
foundation for all of my other learning and for my entire career. Because I was able
to complete my ADN and become a Registered Nurse, I was able to gain experience, while
continuing to go back to school for my higher degrees. ACM is affordable and provides
generous scholarships, so I was able to graduate with no debt. No matter what level
of nursing you are in, you still look back on the fundamentals and the basics that
ACM provides: professionalism, communication, responsibility, skill, integrity, and
compassion. Nothing compares to the education and skill that I received at Allegany
College of Maryland.
