---
title: "Professor Mpawenimana’s Journey to Nursing Education"
url: "https://arizonacollege.edu/blog/professor-mpawenimanas-journey-to-nursing-education/"
type: post
date_published: 2025-09-29
date_modified: 2026-04-10
schema:
  @type: Article
language: en-US
word_count: 710
reading_time: 4 min
canonical: "https://arizonacollege.edu/blog/professor-mpawenimanas-journey-to-nursing-education/"
featured_image: "https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/What-are-the-top-nursing-schools-in-Ontario-California.webp"
categories:
  - Nursing Careers
  - Nursing School
topic:
  - Healthcare
  - Nursing
---

# Professor Mpawenimana’s Journey to Nursing Education

![Professor Mpawenimana’s Journey to Nursing Education](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/What-are-the-top-nursing-schools-in-Ontario-California.webp)

The path to becoming a nursing educator is a true testament to Professor Jeanne
Mpawenimana’s MSN-Ed, RN, passion for helping others, no matter where life takes
her. Her journey to Arizona College of Nursing’s Ontario campus, however, began
rooted in a different kind of service.

Initially, Mpawenimana’s career began as outreach coordinators/secretary in
Rwanda, where colleagues noticed her love for people and her fight for equal
rights. She was subsequently elected to become a spokesperson/union
representative for employees’ interests at a young age. Her unwavering
commitment to this cause was evident from the start. Unfortunately, this story
didn’t last long as she fled the country due to genocide war, immigrating to
Zambia.

![Nursing Degree Professor at California Nursing Program](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Nursing-Degree-Professor-at-California-Nursing-Program.webp?w=240)

While in Zambia, she actively engaged with communities, understanding their
needs and advocating for their well-being. A realization began to shift her
focus when she observed firsthand the impact that healthcare professionals had,
particularly how their interventions directly alleviated suffering and improved
lives.

Later, Mpawenimana immigrated to the United States, where she pursued her new
dream and embarked on a nursing journey. This transition wasn’t immediate.
Mpawenimana honed her skills as a certified nursing assistant and as a licensed
vocational nurse before achieving her goal of becoming a registered nurse (RN).
Her early RN career took her into the field of forensic psychology, specifically
in state hospitals.

## A New Chapter in Nursing

Life, as it often does, presented an unforeseen challenge. An injury while
working led Mpawenimana into early retirement from clinical practice. For many,
this may have been the end of a career, but for Mpawenimana, it was the start of
a new beginning.

“I thought, there is more work to do to continue to help and contribute to the
nursing profession,” she recalls. “That’s when I went for my Master’s in Nursing
Education to help the students.”

Mpawenimana has now found her current home at
[Arizona College of Nursing’s Ontario campus](https://arizonacollege.edu/ontario-nursing-school/)
. She joined the campus at its inception, working with the first cohort of
students over three years ago. The early days were small, with Mpawenimana
sharing her excitement with the now bustling, full campus.

Mpawenimana emphasizes her biggest passion: her students.

![How do I enroll in a nursing program in Ontario California that offers evening or weekend classes](https://arizonacollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/How-do-I-enroll-in-a-nursing-program-in-Ontario-California-that-offers-evening-or-weekend-classes.webp?w=300)

“When I see the face of the students who are happy, who are passing the classes,
it brings me joy because I just say there is nothing good to see a product of
your work. I’m so happy with the students and the work we do here.”

Mpawenimana likes escorting the students to the clinical sites, helping them to
[translate what they learn in the classroom into practice](https://arizonacollege.edu/accredited-bsn-program/skills-and-science-lab/)
, and teaching students best practices for their nursing careers.

“I’m trying to help students be critical thinkers and also to have that critical
judgment, not just to read the books. You have to be able to apply what you
learn,” she explains. “The work is dynamic, the being connected to each other at
the college, and the campus atmosphere is thriving.”

Currently, she imparts her expertise by teaching Mental Health Nursing, Ethics
and Legal Aspects of Nursing, and Leadership in Nursing.

## Embracing Growth and Innovation in Nursing Education

The
[campus atmosphere at Arizona College of Nursing](https://arizonacollege.edu/accredited-bsn-program/)
is vibrant, and Mpawenimana is excited about its continued evolution. She notes
the increasing student population means a greater need for clinical instructors,
which in turn brings more diverse knowledge into the classroom.

“What I teach in the class, those clinical instructors will be able to enhance
it,” she explains.

Professor Mpawenimana’s journey, marked by adaptability, deep empathy, and an
unwavering commitment to her students, makes her an invaluable asset to the
Arizona College of Nursing community. Her story is a true inspiration for
aspiring and current nurses alike.

**Categories:** Nursing Careers, Nursing School