From a young age, Katie Passmore knew her future was in the field of education. Her original goal was to become a college professor. But while attending graduate school at Rutgers University, her career took an unexpected turn.

Concurrent with pursuing her graduate degree in English Language, Katie also worked as a graduate teaching assistant, where she taught an expository writing course designed for first-year students. She developed a close relationship with one particular student who was struggling both academically and with the transition to college.

“We met weekly, and over time, I not only saw huge improvements in her writing but also had the chance to mentor her in a broader sense—helping her navigate university resources and encouraging her to think about her long-term goals,” Katie recalls.

Through these conversations, the student discovered a passion for biochemistry and eventually pursued it as a career path. “That kind of one-on-one support and guidance is what made me realize I wanted to dedicate my own career to helping students achieve their educational goals," Katie says.

At Boundless Learning, she gets to do just that. As a Senior Enrollment Advisor serving the Maryville University partnership, she assists nurses who want to further their careers by earning an advanced degree or certificate.

“I work with students from their first stage of researching and trying to find programs that are the best fit for them,” she explains. “We'll have a couple initial conversations digging a little bit deeper into what they’re looking for, what they're passionate about, and where they would like to see themselves in a few years.”

Once they’ve found the right fit, she then helps them navigate the application process, and continues supporting them through the beginning of their first term. This includes teaching them how to use the student portal, explore the online library resources, and ensuring that their computer has the right applications on it.

“I’m here to help students feel confident about getting started,” she says.

Katie says many of the students she speaks to know they want to further their education, but are initially unsure about what specific path they want to take. Helping them figure it out is the most rewarding part of her job.

“I’ve had students who thought they were headed in one direction, only to discover through our conversations that their real passions and goals lay elsewhere,” Katie shares.

She recalls one particularly meaningful experience with a student who was preparing to start a post-master’s certificate program. After months of working together, the student reached out to Katie to say that she’d realized her true goal was to earn a doctoral degree instead. With Katie’s help, the student shifted gears and began pursuing her ultimate dream.

“It's moments like this that make my job so fulfilling,” she says.

Now in her third year at Boundless Learning, Katie prides herself on maintaining relationships with many of the students she’s supported as they work toward their degrees, and even after they graduate.

One story close to her heart is a student she first worked with two years ago when she applied to Maryville’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program.

“Six months before she graduated, she reached out to me and said, ‘Hey, I've been thinking about getting dual certified.’ Because we had kept in touch, she knew she could come to me. I was able to answer her questions and help paint a picture of how she could transition from earning her MSN to jumping right into a post-master's certificate program.”

She also takes great pride in hearing how her students’ goals turn into realities. One learner shared how her research for a nursing project was already making an impact in her local community through partnerships with her church and other organizations.

“In our first conversation, a year and a half earlier, she told me this was something she hoped to do. So it was incredible to see it come to fruition.”

Katie’s contributions extend beyond her work with students. As a Senior Enrollment Advisor, she also mentors and supports her colleagues at Boundless Learning. She develops and leads team training sessions and is also actively involved in one-on-one coaching.

She adds that this collaborative environment has played a huge role in her own professional growth and development, especially given the intricate nature of nursing education.

"Nursing education is incredibly complex, with so many moving pieces—board certifying bodies, licensing requirements, clinical placement processes—things that make this field uniquely challenging. I learn just as much from my peers as I hope they learn from me,” Katie says. “Everyone has their unique way of supporting students, and I like to think I’m a sponge, soaking up the best practices from the team and making them my own.”

“When asked what advice she would offer to prospective students unsure about applying, Katie emphasizes the value of having meaningful conversations and writing down goals.

“Talk to your colleagues or mentors,” she advises. “Many nursing professionals are either enrolled in or have completed programs themselves. They’re an invaluable resource for insights and encouragement.”

Katie also recommends jotting down aspirations and questions.

“Write down the conversations you have with your peers,” she says. “Write down your own goals where you would like to see yourself in five years. And write down your concerns. Sometimes, seeing everything written out can make it feel less overwhelming. Bring those notes to your enrollment advisor—we’re here to help you create a clear, personalized plan.”

Outside of work, Katie loves taking part in outdoor activities, particularly kayaking and snowboarding, and book clubbing with her sister and niece. She also dreams of one day living abroad for a year, inspired by her best friend’s international journeys. “I’ve always had this deep-seated goal to explore and live in another country,” she shares.

For now, Katie remains committed to thriving in her role at Boundless Learning.

“I'm grateful to work in a place where I can make a difference, whether that’s helping students find their path, supporting my own team, or even just sending out an encouraging message when someone needs it. I get to do what I really love, so I'm really happy to be here.”