Commencement Spotlight: Kaitlyn Pauldo

Commencement Spotlight: Kaitlyn Pauldo, Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Future Plans: ICU Nurse, Emory Healthcare Network

Kaitlyn Pauldo, a 22-year-old native of Macon, Georgia, will graduate on May 9 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the Albany State University Darton College of Health Professions. 

Pauldo’s time at Albany State has been defined by academic excellence, leadership, and a strong commitment to service. She served as President of Women in Pre-Med and was actively involved in several organizations, including DIVAS, HOSA, the Nursing Student Organization, the Honors Program, and the Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students. She also worked as a STEM tutor, supporting fellow students in their academic success.

Her dedication extended beyond campus through volunteer work with her local church, the Middle Georgia Food Bank, Feeding the Valley, and Habitat for Humanity. She also mentored students through the Women in Pre-Med Empower Her Program, helping guide and inspire future healthcare professionals.

Pauldo earned multiple prestigious scholarships, including the UnitedHealthcare Foundation Scholarship, Luther Vandross Scholarship, Thurgood Marshall Scholarship, and the Executive Leadership Council Scholarship. She was also named to the Dean’s List for three consecutive years.

She gained valuable clinical experience as an ICU Nurse Extern with Emory Healthcare and conducted a research study titled “Neurochemical Imbalances and Their Role in Depression,” examining the relationship between neurotransmitters and mental health outcomes.

Following graduation, Pauldo plans to begin her career as a registered nurse, with a focus on critical care in the ICU or Emergency Department. She is currently planning to work within the Emory Healthcare Network in Atlanta, where she aims to continue growing professionally while making a meaningful impact on patient care.

What motivated you to learn more about your field?
What really motivated me is my love for understanding the why behind the science. I’ve always been curious about how the body works and what’s happening beneath the surface when someone is sick. But that curiosity became personal when I helped care for my mother after she became paralyzed from multiple sclerosis. That experience made me want to go deeper to not just know what to do, but to truly understand why I’m doing it and how it impacts my patients. It gave my passion purpose.

 

Why did you choose ASU?
I chose Albany State University because from the moment I stepped on campus, it felt like home. It wasn’t just about academics - it was the sense of community, the support, and the genuine care from faculty and students. ASU gave me a space where I could grow, be myself, and step into leadership while being surrounded by people who want to see me win.

 

What do you love most about your chosen profession?
What I love most about nursing is the connection. You’re not just treating a condition—you’re caring for a person during some of the hardest moments of their life. I love being able to combine knowledge, skill, and compassion to make someone feel seen, heard, and safe. That impact is something I don’t take lightly.

What are you passionate about outside of your education?
Outside of school, I’m really passionate about mentorship and giving back. Being able to pour into other young women through Women in Pre-Med means a lot to me because I know how important guidance and support are. I also love traveling, being in nature, and doing things that help me reset and stay grounded it keeps me balanced through everything.

What advice would you give to other ASU students?
Don’t just go through college grow through it. Take risks, step outside your comfort zone, and go after opportunities even if you feel unsure. Get involved, build genuine relationships, and stay focused on your goals. The journey won’t always be easy, but it will be worth it.

What would you say to a high school student about choosing ASU to further their education?
I would tell them that ASU is a place where you’re not just another student you’re part of a family. You’ll be supported, challenged, and given opportunities to grow into who you’re meant to be. If you want a school that feels like home and truly invests in you, ASU is that place. I would choose ASU in every lifetime.