Retired Program Co-Director Kate Tredway Brought a Wealth of Knowledge to UIC’s Online RN to BSN Program

Kate Tredway, MBA, MSN, RN, brought a wealth of experience and dedication to her role as Co-Director of the University of Illinois Chicago’s Online Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. Her diverse clinical, educational, and business background positioned her to lead the program effectively. 

With a 25-year career at the UIC College of Nursing, Kate’s journey from an associate’s degree in nursing to a significant academic role highlights her steadfast commitment to nursing education. Her initial nursing education at Blackhawk Community College in Moline, IL, provided her with invaluable insight into the challenges faced by nurses with associate degrees which helped shape her approach to education. She then went on to earn her master’s degree from the UIC College of Nursing at the Quad Cities Regional Campus. 

During her time as Co-Director alongside Gloria E. Barrera, Kate helped ensure that the program surpassed modern nursing education standards. Under her leadership, the program fostered a transformative learning environment that empowered nurses to excel in their careers. Kate received the Faculty Award for Teaching Excellence 11 times and the UIC Silver Circle Award three times. 

Explore Kate’s background and her goals during her time as Co-Director of the online RN to BSN program. 

What Is Your Background in Nursing? 

I’ve been with UIC for 25 years in the College of Nursing, always in the RN to BSN program. I live in the Quad Cities, and I have an associate’s degree in nursing from Blackhawk Community College in Moline, Illinois. All our students are associate degree or diploma nurses. So, I know their experience, and I think I connect with them well because of that. 

Nursing is my second career. I have a bachelor’s in political science and communication and a master’s in business administration. I initially worked in human relations, supervising people, and later went into nursing in part to adapt my schedule to support my husband’s role as a college president. I enrolled directly in UIC’s graduate program. I earned a master’s in nursing, graduating as a Community Nurse Specialist. 

Shortly after completing my masters, the Quad City campus faculty invited me to teach, which ultimately led to a full-time academic career. Over the years, I transitioned from community health project design to primarily teaching. The online RN-BSN program is unique because it was UIC’s first fully online degree in the College of Nursing. Over the past 15 years, my role evolved to focus more on administration than teaching. 

What Sets UIC’s Online RN to BSN Degree Apart? 

Our online courses are well-designed by content experts and instructional designers. This helps us ensure authenticity especially for working adult professionals. We prioritize practical application in every assignment by challenging students to apply content to practice. Experienced nurses often discover gaps in their knowledge, and our high-quality curriculum leads them to a deeper understanding of their profession. Our graduates often take on leadership roles or end up furthering their education, which highlights the program’s impact. Ultimately, our goal is to transform nurses and, in turn, improve the health of communities. 

Achievements and Goals for UIC’s Online RN to BSN Program 

Gloria and I worked with faculty members to revise the RN BSN curriculum to align with the latest baccalaureate education parameters set by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. This revised curriculum was implemented in Fall of 2024. Because we were already assigning integrative practice experiences and utilizing competency-based education, the curriculum revision was an efficient and high-quality undertaking. This proactive approach positioned us as leaders and enabled us to easily adapt to evolving educational requirements while maintaining our commitment to excellence. 

Another goal we always prioritized was supporting our faculty. We recognized their pivotal role as experts and supporters of our program. We believed that by fostering an environment for our faculty to thrive, we ultimately ensured the continued success of our students and the program. 

Advice for Nurses Considering UIC’s Online RN to BSN Program 

‘You don’t know how much you don’t know.’ Working in nursing, whether in a hospital, community setting, school, or elsewhere, provides valuable experience and knowledge. However, there’s always more to learn, and furthering your education can elevate you from being a competent nurse to an extraordinary one. It opens your mind to new perspectives and introduces you to unfamiliar specialties. Many nurses are surprised to discover the breadth of opportunities available, such as in public health, community nursing, informatics, management, and more. Understanding these roles not only expands your career options but also enhances your effectiveness as a nurse. 

Lessons Learned from a Successful Nursing Career 

Probably the most important thing I experienced is fulfillment. My role hasn’t been the typical nursing role, but nursing education is certainly a setting for nursing practice. My approach is that the faculty and students are my patients. 

As Co-Directors of the UIC RN to BSN program, Gloria and I were often faced with challenges. We automatically applied the nursing process: assess the issue, define the problem, make a plan, implement it, and evaluate. My message to the next generation of educators and practicing nurses is that even if you’re not working in a hospital, you’re still a nurse. You apply the nursing process, remain patient-centered, follow our ethical code, and stay current with evidence-based practices. I became a nurse because I thought I would be good at it, and I was right. The qualities that made me a good nurse also made me a good educator. So, my greatest lesson learned is to: Approach everything the way a nurse would. 

Note: Kate Tredway has since retired from her role as Co-Director of UIC’s RN to BSN program. Today, the program is led by Gloria E. Barrera as the sole Program Director.