Fitch, a former mentee, steps up to mentor future nurses

As an undergraduate student, Madison Fitch ’23 was part of the first cohort of South Dakota State University’s Alumni Mentor Program.

Now, as a Doctor of Nursing Practice student, she’s the first mentee to finish the program and become a mentor herself.

Program surpassed all her expectations

Fitch’s alumni mentor was Erica DeBoer ’97. She’s the chief nursing officer at Sanford Health in Sioux Falls, where Fitch would work after college.

Teachings imparted, lessons learned

Fitch said she found the mentorship a good complement to her coursework and clinicals as an undergraduate.

“As students, we look to our professors for advice with classes and basic professional advice, but talking to someone who’s a professional in their career and is an alum is something else.

“You don’t realize how influential that can be on your career,” she said.

The experienced DeBoer imparted several lessons to Fitch that became cornerstones of Fitch’s professional practice. Fitch found DeBoer’s passion for helping people and for the nursing profession inspirational, especially since that can be a guiding force during nursing’s challenging days.

She also learned about having grace for coworkers and the power of asking, “How can I help?”

DeBoer also inspired Fitch to go back to school. Fitch is now a doctoral student in the university’s nursing program.

Now, back in academia, Fitch is still asking, “How can I help?”

Becoming a mentor

It started with a message that wasn’t a text from DeBoer but an email from Travis Jensen '04/M.Ed. '12, vice president for strategic initiatives at the SDSU Alumni & Foundation.

“He emailed me about becoming a mentor, and I was like, ‘Gosh, am I old enough to do that?’” she said.

Fitch, now a critical care registered nurse with Monument Health in the Black Hills, soon realized just how impactful it is to be a mentor who’s a couple years out of undergraduate studies. 

“I can say I was just in your shoes. I completely understand what you’re going through.” 

She quickly signed up through an application process she said was “pretty easy.” She met her mentee in early November and will be her mentor through the student’s graduation in December 2026 — and, most likely, beyond that. 

As a mentor, Fitch said her goal is to be honest, be a good role model and be a good sounding board for her mentee.

“And I’m going to teach nursing students to have the mindset that everything you learn could save a life someday. It’s not just about passing a test,” she said.

Plus, she hopes to learn a thing or two from her mentee. She said no matter who you are or how experienced you are, you can always learn something new.

Written by Ellen Koester, University Marketing & Communications