Jacki Dickson: A Nurse Committed to Compassion and Community
SBCC alumna Jacki Dickson earned her Associate Degree in Nursing at the end of 2024 and was named Nursing Student of the Year in recognition of her exceptional leadership, mentorship, and commitment to the field. Today, she’s launched her professional career as an acute critical care nurse—while continuing to give back as a tutor in the program that helped shape her.
Jacki credits her success to the remarkable support she received at SBCC.
“The SBCC Nursing Program is truly special,” she said. “I felt cared for every step of the way. My instructors had an open-door policy and were always encouraging and available. Their support helped me build confidence and master incredibly challenging material.”
Throughout her time at SBCC, Jacki received several scholarships through the SBCC Foundation, most recently from the Rotary Club of Montecito in partnership with the Foundation.
“These scholarships had a major impact on my ability to focus on school,” she said. “The nursing program is extremely demanding and leaves very little time for outside work. Without financial support, I wouldn’t have been able to succeed the way I did. These scholarships helped cover tuition, books, and supplies—and eased a huge burden.”
Jacki says being recognized as Nursing Student of the Year and receiving the Rotary Club scholarship were deeply meaningful honors.
“From the beginning, I promised myself I would lead with authenticity and stay true to my values. To be recognized for that, and for my commitment to making a difference, means the world to me.”
She was nominated by Mary Sullivan, Director of the Registered Nursing Program, and Linda Macias, Assistant Director—both of whom she credits with having a profound impact on her journey.
“Their trust, guidance, and belief in me have helped shape who I am as a nurse.”
When asked about highlights from her time at SBCC, Jacki pointed to pivotal classes and instructors—especially Medical Surgical II with Kim Jordan, and Maternal Newborn Nursing with Mary Sullivan.
“The class with Kim Jordan was a turning point, when everything started to click. The hands-on lab experience and clinical rotations at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital helped me connect theory to practice. That experience was incredibly memorable and meaningful.”
Jacki was especially drawn to the Maternal Newborn course, as women’s health has always been a personal passion. “Mary’s lectures were inspiring,” she says. “The chance to work in labor and delivery during clinicals was a unique and memorable experience that not all students get.”
Beyond academics, Jacki made her mark on the SBCC nursing community. She founded a Run Club to promote wellness and movement, creating a fun tradition for students to connect outdoors through walks and jogs. She also served as President of the Student Nurse Association for two semesters, helping organize events and fundraisers. Her work as a student tutor and mentor gave her the chance to lift others up just as she had been supported.
“We built a strong, collaborative community,” she said. “My peers and I studied together in the library, practiced in the lab, and pushed each other to succeed.”
Jacki is continuing to pay it forward. She remains passionate about education, mentorship, and making a lasting impact through kindness, compassion, and leadership. “My long-term goal is to give back to the community that supported me,” Jacki said. “And to help create a stronger, more inclusive future for nursing.”
