REDDING, Calif.–Arianna Kampton, a senior from Napa, Calif., is using what she’s learned during her time as a student in Simpson University’s Betty M. Dean School of Nursing to help people during the COVID-19 crisis.

Last summer, Arianna spent two months working as an emergency medical technician in Orange County at a makeshift hospital, spending 13-15 hours a day with COVID-19 patients. She also served on strike teams that went to nursing homes throughout California that had been impacted by coronavirus cases.

“The education I have been receiving through Simpson helped me become a leader who was able to recognize when a patient was declining and get them rapid help that often saved lives,” she said. “The amount of help I have been able to give to those who need it is at a level I never could’ve imagined a few years ago.”

Arianna, who is also a professional firefighter, was called away from her COVID-19 mission to help fight the LNU Lightning Complex fires, North Complex Fire, and Glass Fire, which raged through Northern California.

“My medical experience was utilized almost daily with both civilians and firefighters alike,” she said.

She spent her Christmas break serving on another COVID-19 mission.

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Arianna’s hard work and dedication to helping others has not gone unnoticed. She is a two-time recipient of The George “Lory” Bennetts Nursing Scholarship through Simpson University.

“I am so incredibly thankful for this scholarship opportunity,” she said. “Knowing that I have someone out there investing in my future was a huge driving force to maintaining my grades and ultimately passing another semester in the nursing program.”

After graduating from the Betty M. Dean School of Nursing and obtaining her nursing license, Arianna’s career goals include working in the ER and becoming a flight nurse.

Learn more about Simpson University’s nursing program at simpsonu.edu/nursing. Learn about scholarship giving opportunities by emailing giving@simpsonu.edu.

-Article by Elise Wilson / Photos courtesy Arianna Kampton

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Simpson University, a Christian university founded in 1921, moved to Redding in 1989 and will celebrate its centennial in 2021. In addition to offering 20 traditional undergraduate programs, the university has graduated more than 4,000 North State adults from its degree-completion program, and nearly 3,000 from its School of Education. It has a No. 7-ranked School of Nursing, a seminary, and master’s programs in counseling psychology and organizational leadership. The university has a highly ranked Veterans Success Center and partnership with the Army National Guard. Simpson has launched new programs in digital media, computer information systems, and engineering, and recently added athletics programs in track and field, swimming and diving, women’s wrestling, and men’s volleyball, as well as a bass fishing team ranked No. 1 in California and No. 52 in the nation. Simpson University contributes an estimated $50 million annually to Redding’s economy. It offers aggressive scholarships and is working to better serve transfer students from community colleges through its commitment to Associate Degree for Transfer agreements. Learn more about Simpson University at simpsonu.edu.