PRESS RELEASE

Twin sisters pioneer honors program for online RN to BSN students

KOKOMO, Ind. — Twin sisters Ashley Derf and Heather Grandstaff love a challenge.

So, when they were invited to join Indiana University Kokomo’s honors program as students in the online RN to BSN program, the siblings were determined to take the opportunity.

Grandstaff, from Walton, reached out to honors program director Nick Baxter, assistant professor of sociology, who told her no student in her program had ever completed the program, and it would take extra effort to do so.

“If something comes your way, you shouldn’t say no because nobody else has done it,” said Derf, an Akron resident. “You never know what door it may open to you. We really like a challenge. Being twins, we’re a little competitive. The only stipulation was that we couldn’t take an on-campus class. Beyond that, challenge accepted.”

Together with Baxter and Stephanie Pratt, clinical associate professor of nursing, they worked out how they could add requirements to their first classes to convert them to honors classes. Pratt had previously worked with the honors program and had expertise in that area. She helped other faculty members adjust their courses to add additional rigor for the sisters as well. For example, in a class about global trends in nursing, students compared nursing practices in two countries, but Grandstaff and Derf compared four.

“Nick and Stephanie have been great advocates for us,” Grandstaff said. “We’re proud to graduate with the distinction of being the first online RN to BSN graduate from the honors program. Hopefully, we can both come back for the Master of Science in Nursing program in the future.”

Being able to attend online classes made it possible for them to earn their bachelor’s degrees while working full time and with busy families at home. Derf is clinical informatics coordinator at Woodlawn Health in Rochester, and a mother of children ages 18, 17, and 13. Her oldest son is also a full-time online college student, which has allowed them to bond over their shared experience.

Grandstaff works night shift part-time at IU Health White Memorial Hospital and PRN (as needed) at Woodlawn Health. A mother of children ages 10 and 7, she’s also PTA president at Lewis Cass Elementary and executive board president for Lewis Cass Buddy Bags.

As twins, they’ve appreciated having each other as study partners in the same program. They also completed the Registered Nurse program at Ivy Tech Community College before enrolling at IU Kokomo.

“When we’re reading something, she may understand one part, I may understand another, and it helps,” Grandstaff said, adding that they also reminded each other of assignment due dates.

“It was really helpful to have each other.”

Both plan to participate in Commencement in May, to celebrate earning their bachelor’s degrees with their families. After that, they plan to continue to master’s degree programs, with Grandstaff interested in nurse education and Derf in organizational leadership.

“I don’t think we could have gotten through our degrees without them,” Derf said. “It takes a huge commitment when you are working full time. Without our families, I don’t know that we could have pulled off what we’ve done.”

Grandstaff is proud to set a positive example for their children.

“I love that my kids see us working and going to school and reaching our goals,” she said, while Derf agreed.

“Our kids are seeing that you can do hard things and succeed at them.”

Education is KEY at Indiana University Kokomo.