ASU nursing alumni spotlight: Q&A with Chase Charley

Even before she set off to college, Chase Charley knew she wanted to return home to the Navajo Nation post-graduation to help her community. 

Charley followed in her older sister’s footsteps and decided to attend Arizona State University, making her the second Sun Devil in the family.

Her desire to serve and give back to the community that raised her led her to the Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation's community health program. She graduated with her bachelor’s degree in 2020 during the pandemic and found a job soon after with Navajo Area Indian Health Services in St. Michaels, Arizona.

In her role as a health technician and contact tracer, Charley works to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 on the Navajo reservation through a multi-organization partnership between Indian Health Services, the Community Outreach and Patient Empowerment Program, and the Navajo Epidemiology Center.

“I have provided patient education, prevention and outreach to those affected by COVID-19. Working with the organization has enabled me to serve as a leader, work with a multitude of front-line workers and apply my knowledge gained at ASU Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation,” Charley said.

Here, Charley shares how her education prepared her to pursue her career goals and reflects on her time at ASU.

Question: How did your degree program help you in achieving and maintaining the position you have now? 

Answer: My degree program prepared me with the knowledge and tools to be able to provide tailored health education and promotion to my community through the application of skills I learned in my classes. 

The courses in the community health program were diverse enough that students become knowledgeable on all aspects of health from basic human structure and development to health education and social determinants of health. The program also implements public speaking, leadership and teamwork.

Q: What is a favorite memory from your time in your program? 

A: My favorite memory from my time in the community health program was working on the many group projects with students I had in other classes. The program courses are smaller in size, and you always see a familiar face in one of your classes.

Q: What advice would you give to students who are currently enrolled in the program?

A: I would encourage students to seek out opportunities to practice what they are learning in class through internships, volunteer work or summer programs. Having the experience and the education creates a strong foundation for your future career.

Edson College values its graduates and wants to stay connected. To learn more about alumni activities, events and programming, visit the alumni section of the Edson College website.