At College of Saint Mary (CSM), Mindy Barna ’04, 05′, ‘20 learned how to become an action-based leader. Now, she’s using the skills she learned in her new role as executive vice president at Nebraska Methodist College (NMC).
Learning and Working at CSM
Attending CSM was an easy choice for Barna. Her mom graduated from the nursing program and always spoke highly about her experience.
“I also wanted to be at a school that I knew would provide a genuine sense of community,” she said.
As a Bachelor of Science in Nursing student, Barna learned to be a forward-thinking leader.
“As an undergraduate at an all-women’s school, I learned what it meant to be empowered, and just as importantly, what it means to empower others,” she said. “That distinction has shaped how I lead today. I want to help the people around me find their own confidence and voice.”
Her time at CSM also instilled in her the courage to say yes to things she might not have said yes to otherwise, a habit that, she says, has quietly shaped her career.
After graduating from CSM, Barna soon began a career in higher education. While serving as the dean of nursing at Kaplan University, she earned her Master of Science in Nursing in Nursing Education from NMC.
In 2012, she returned to CSM to take on the role of director of the practical nursing program. She later became the associate dean of health professions.
While working at CSM, she pursued her Doctor of Education in Health Professions Education.
“I had young kids at home and wasn’t at all convinced it was the ‘right’ time for me to go back to school. Luckily, one of my colleagues got me to say yes,” she said.
Her doctoral dissertation was titled, “Nursing Students’ Perceptions of Spiritual Well-Being, Academic Persistence and Academic Success.” Barna chose this topic because of her passion for student success. During her time working at CSM, she discovered spiritual well-being and positivity directly related to a student’s experience.
Barna has a certification in College Student Well-being, Trauma and Resilience from Florida State University.
A New Chapter in Higher Education
In 2023, Barna left CSM to serve as director of nursing at NMC. She soon took on the role of dean of nursing then vice president of operations.
Now, as the executive vice president, Barna is helping shape the success of an entire college.
“It’s my responsibility to ensure the successful advancement of the college’s mission and goals in accordance with our strategic plan and vision for the institution,” she said.
Barna also plays an active role in the budgeting process, continuous quality improvement and the day-to-day operational leadership that allows faculty and staff to do their best work on behalf of students.
“What excites me most about this role is the opportunity to serve Methodist Health System and to see how every decision, from curriculum to campus culture, ultimately connects back to the students we serve and the communities they will go on to care for,” she said.