Mary Ellen McKnight

Q: What is your favorite thing about working at Delaware Tech?

“Being given the opportunity to work with students who have dreams of becoming a nurse and having a small part in making that their reality.”

Q: What did you do before working at Delaware Tech?

“When I graduated from Delaware Tech (Stanton Campus) in 1997, my first job was as a staff RN on the hematology/oncology floor at Christiana. I then progressed to charge nurse and PI committee chair. I obtained my oncology certification in 2000 and my BSN in 2005. Concurrently while working as an adjunct for the Terry Campus, I worked for Compassionate Care Hospice for over 10 years.”

Q: Describe your first day at Delaware Tech. What was that experience like?

“Much different from being a clinical adjunct. My first thoughts were; this is the behind-the-scenes view of what my students experience before they come to me at the hospital for the clinical experience. The most memorable moment was when Dr. Susan Lewis (the instructor I worked with as an adjunct) welcomed me and took me to my office and ensured I had everything I needed. She is Amazing!!!! Everyone on the nursing faculty was so warm and welcoming - I felt like this is where I belong.”

Q: What changes have you seen in yourself since you started working here?

“I have gained confidence in my teaching skills and abilities. I have learned that I can handle schedule changes, topic changes and can still be successful. Overall, my passion to teach continues to grow and that is what makes me strive to be the best I can be.”

Q: What hobbies or interests do you have outside of the College?

“I am pursuing my Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree so that occupies a lot of my time away from campus. My volunteer job is Kay’s Kamp. I am one of the co-founders of Kay’s Kamp, which is Delaware’s only camp for kids with cancer. We will be celebrating our 10th year of existence in July 2018 and I am so proud and blessed to be a part of the camp family.”

Q: Do you have a favorite memory from your time at Delaware Tech thus far?

“My office was changed within the first two weeks of being full time. I was nervous as to where I was moving; however, my office mate is someone I would consider a good friend. We do more than just share office space. She is an encouragement, sounding board, and we laugh a lot. Oh, and our likes are very parallel. I am blessed to be next to Dr. Susan Lewis and share my office with Jennifer Adams.”

Q: What’s something people may not know about you?

“I grew up in a loving home; everything I am today is because of the love my mom and dad gave me. I have two daughters and they are the soul of my heart! On a lighter note, I am a devoted Indy race car fan and have been attending the Indy 500 annually since 2009. The sound the Indy car makes as it goes around the track is exhilarating. It is also my ring tone!”

Q: Do you have any future goals?

“First is to attain my DNP. I would like to teach online in addition to classroom teaching. I want to see Kay’s Kamp grow and someday own property so we can hold camp events all year long. I am also thinking about obtaining my educational certification or an additional educational degree.”