Wright State recognizes Nursing Professor Kim Ringo for advancing international student success

Wright State nursing professor and alumna Kim Ringo received the 2025 International Education Award for her leadership and mentorship in supporting international nursing students.

Early in her career as a clinical assistant professor of nursing at Wright State University, Kim Ringo encountered an international student who worked diligently but struggled with exams, charting and clinical paperwork.

As she learned more about his study habits, Ringo discovered he learned best by translating course material into his native language, then back into English and finally into medical terminology.

The experience inspired Ringo to rethink how international nursing students access support. She explored new ways to reduce communication barriers and encourage students to seek help early — work that continues to shape her teaching.

“During my time at Wright State, I have tried to expand on what I learned to help that student, how to get our international nursing students to approach faculty for help and how to break down communication barriers,” she said.

For these efforts, Ringo recently received Wright State’s 2025 International Education Award, which recognizes university community members who advance global awareness, develop internationally focused curriculum, supervise education abroad initiatives and support international students and scholars.

Ringo said being nominated was an honor, and winning reaffirmed her commitment to supporting her students.

“It gives strength and motivation to keep moving our goals forward and will hopefully help guide other faculty into working with us in our student success journey,” she said.

Ringo is a key leader in the E Pluribus Pre-Health initiative, supported by a Wright State University Foundation Students First Fund grant. A collaboration of the Center for Health Professions, the University Center for International Education and the School of Nursing, the project helps international students navigate barriers they often face while pursuing health-related degrees.

As a faculty member in the School of Nursing, Ringo helps international students better understand U.S. health care practices, licensure pathways and culturally nuanced communication.

Nursing Professor Yi-Hui Lee, Ph.D., who nominated her for the award, said Ringo’s mentorship has helped international nursing students feel supported and confident as they adjust to the U.S. health care system.

“Her mentorship and guidance have been pivotal in fostering an environment where international students feel valued, supported and empowered to reach their academic and professional goals,” Lee said.

Ringo’s path to nursing began in her hometown of Huber Heights. She grew up interested in both teaching and health care, and after helping care for her mother following a complicated surgery, her interest deepened. She participated in Miami Valley Hospital’s explorers program, began college studying physical therapy at Ohio University and ultimately discovered her passion for nursing. She transferred to Wright State, earning both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing.

“I am a firm believer that our paths may take winding roads, but it leads us to where we are supposed to be. For me, that was Wright State,” said Ringo. “For me, it was the best decision of my life. It led me into my passion of being a nurse but also an educator. I always state that I have the best of both worlds — I still get to be a nurse giving back to my patients, but I also get to mentor and develop the next generation of nurses.”

After 21 years at Wright State, Ringo is now pursuing her Ed.D. in organizational studies with a goal of strengthening student success efforts across the university.

Nursing continues to energize her, and teaching fuels her commitment to shaping strong, capable graduates.

Ringo said one of the most rewarding moments of the past year was receiving care from several former students during her own hospital stay. She often tells students she wants them to be excellent nurses because “someday they may take care of me.”

Seeing students gain confidence and hearing patients praise their compassion and care, she said, reinforces her commitment to teaching.

“Being a Wright State nurse alumnus gives me the ability to lead and change the way for our community,” Ringo said.