Senior nursing student Elizabeth Martin of Reinholds, Pennsylvania swapped places with Widener University President Stacey Robertson this week and held the position of President for a Day. 

The presidential switch took place all day Wednesday, April 2.

Dr. Robertson likewise followed followed Martin’s schedule – which included nursing classes, a work shift in the admissions office giving tours as a student ambassador, and time in a nursing simulation lab caring for an ill patient.

Martin managed the weighty calendar of a university president, including conducting meetings about enrollment and building relationships that strengthen bonds between the university and the city of Chester.

President for a Day is an annual tradition at Widener and an innovative example of the university’s commitment to experiential learning and leadership development. The process requires students to go through a competitive application and interview process before being selected as the university’s top leader for a day.

“I am delighted to swap places with Lizzy,” Robertson said. “Spending the day as a nursing student and student ambassador will provide tremendous insight into what it means to belong to the Widener community as a student. Lizzy is an incredibly active young woman who is dedicated to her studies and to our community. I hope the experience of walking in her footsteps will make me a better president.”

Martin said she is excited to lead the university she has called home for four years.

“It is an honor to be selected for this position,” she said. “President Robertson is a leader who is visible and accessible. I anticipate an ambitious day where I will get to meet with interesting people, contemplate creative ideas and solutions, and promote and celebrate the community of belonging we share at Widener. She is an inspiring role model for how I want to conduct myself on this day!” 

Martin will graduate in May with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a minor in history.

She will return home to the Lancaster region after commencement, where she has accepted a nursing position at Lancaster General Hospital.

She has already completed multiple student nurse externships at the hospital during her years as a Widener student.

In addition to her studies, she serves as vice president of the Widener University Honors Program and has assisted fellow nurses and medical practitioners in forming meaningful relationships with members of the Widener and Chester communities through volunteer work with the university’s Student Nurses Association Clinic.

Widener University is a private institution known for its commitment to the personal and professional success of every student, where academic experiences are distinguished by excellence and students develop the leadership qualities employers seek.

Core values of respect, integrity and excellence are reflected in an outstanding student experience provided through an agile, innovative and inclusive approach to learning.

Industry-shaping faculty provide close, personal mentorship and share powerful connections that help students build professional networks.

Recognized as one of the Philadelphia region’s leading universities, Widener offers programs and experiences that empower our community of learners to discover and create better futures as scholars, leaders and globally engaged citizens.