As Florida faces a projected shortage of 60,000 nurses by 2035, higher education leaders are rethinking how to prepare and retain the next generation of healthcare professionals. That was the focus of our recent webinar, which spotlighted innovative approaches to student success in nursing education, particularly the power of peer learning.
One of the most insightful voices in the conversation was Elizabeth Jordan, Senior Associate Dean of Student Success at the University of South Florida (USF) College of Nursing. Dr. Jordan shared how USF’s partnership with Knack has redefined academic support for nursing students through a scalable, student-centered peer tutoring model.
Turning Peer Support Into a Strategic Advantage
Dr. Jordan discussed how USF leveraged Knack’s peer learning strategy to expand access to tutoring for more than 960 nursing students over the past year. The results have been remarkable: a 354% increase in tutoring sessions and an NCLEX pass rate exceeding 95%.
For USF’s nursing students—many of whom balance demanding coursework, clinical hours, and personal responsibilities—flexible, on-demand access to peer tutors has been transformative. These tutors, often high-achieving nursing students themselves, not only provide academic guidance but also serve as mentors who understand the rigor and emotional demands of the program.
Peer Learning as a Holistic Model
As Dr. Jordan explained, the USF–Knack partnership is “more than just a tutoring initiative. It’s a comprehensive strategy that aligns academic and industry goals to create lasting impacts.” This model doesn’t just help students pass exams. It fosters confidence, belonging, and persistence—qualities essential for a thriving nursing workforce.
One of the most inspiring takeaways came from the story of Tiffany, a USF nursing student who served as a peer tutor. Through her work supporting others, she strengthened her own clinical knowledge and developed soft skills, like communication, empathy, leadership, that have become cornerstones of her professional practice.
The Broader Implication: Partnerships That Work
The conversation made one thing clear: addressing the nursing shortage requires more than recruitment. It requires retention: keeping students engaged, supported, and confident throughout their educational journey.
Holistic, partnership-driven strategies like USF’s not only help students persist but also ensure that graduates enter the workforce prepared to deliver exceptional care.
The Takeaway
As Dr. Jordan and others emphasized, peer learning offers an equitable, scalable path to student success—one that supports both academic excellence and workforce readiness. For institutions navigating similar challenges, the USF–Knack model stands as a powerful example of what’s possible when collaboration meets innovation.
Ready to strengthen student success on your campus?
Knack partners with colleges and universities nationwide to build scalable, high-impact peer learning programs that drive retention and belonging.
👉 Learn more at joinknack.com.
