David Staal and Dean McCurren talking with Traditional BSN student, Anthony Thompson
David Staal is no stranger to healthcare. He fought a battle with cancer that nearly took his life fifteen years ago. He emerged with a new appreciation for life, one that sprouted from a firmer understanding of what it means to live intentionally. “When you believe your days are numbered, you commit to making each one count. And you go ahead and eat chips and salsa whenever you can”, he shared.
Starting a second three-year term this fall, Staal has served as chair of the Kirkhof College of Nursing’s Advisory Board since 2013. The 12 member board is made up diverse and influential leaders from the Grand Rapids and West Michigan communities and serves in an advisory capacity to the dean and College by providing counsel on strategic and policy-related matters to enhance the work and reputation of the College.
“At first I wondered how I could contribute as a board member. My direct experience with higher education was limited, but I’m not one to sit back. To find the answers I needed, I spent time with KCON students. Their journeys were bursting with resilience and self-belief. It clicked for me. I knew why I was here”, Staal explained.
David Staal speaking with Traditional BSN student, Kyla Bolden, about her poster.
As president of Kids Hope USA, a national network of church/school partnerships focused on building one-on-one mentoring relationships with at-risk elementary students, he is very familiar with the importance of academics and self-confidence.
“The academic expectations at KCON start high and remain high, as do the number of opportunities for students to be involved in professional development and community service. KCON students really set themselves apart and develop habits of excellence to help them succeed early and often”, said Staal.
“David is an invaluable member of our advisory board. As chair, he leads with a distinct ability to identify and embrace opportunities to advance our work,” said Cynthia McCurren, dean and professor at the Kirkhof College of Nursing. “He believes students should receive more than a textbook education and that our communities deserve more than textbook prepared nurses. This is directly in line with the philosophy of KCON, and we are grateful for his leadership.”
In addition to serving on KCON’s advisory board and leading Kids Hope USA, Staal is an accomplished author and recently taught his first college-level class in marketing.
David Staal with Traditional BSN student Taylor Marsh
“It’s great to see board members involved at KCON because it shows they aren’t just a name on a list. They really are interested in what we are doing and how they can help us succeed”, said Taylor Marsh. Marsh is a Traditional BSN student at KCON and part of the recent Professional Nursing poster presentations Staal attended.
Staal shared, “As the nursing education market continues to crowd with options, KCON remains several steps ahead. Instead of having thick walls, the College focuses on doors. Doors to the community. And whenever a KCON nurse goes through those doors to change a life, it’s no small change."
For more information on KCON nursing education programs, please visit www.gvsu.edu/kcon.
For more information on David Staal and Kids Hope USA, please visit www.kidshopeusa.org.
For more information on David’s written works, please visit www.davidstaal.net.