Meet 3+1 dual degree nursing program senior Tayley Streeks

Senior Tayley Streeks of Bayard, Nebraska, is studying biology at Concordia University, Nebraska and is part of the university’s 3 + 1 Dual Degree nursing program with Creighton University. The program allows students to earn both an accelerated bachelor of science in nursing from Creighton and a bachelor of arts degree in biology from Concordia in just four years.   

“I chose to study at Concordia because I am an LCMS Lutheran, and I appreciate the Lutheran doctrine preached, but I also felt so welcomed and accepted on my visit day that I knew God was calling me to go to Concordia,” she said. “Concordia is unlike any other university because of how small and involved everyone is in your success. The small class sizes make the classes more personable and feel like you are actually heard, rather than a huge classroom with hundreds of other students. You are actually a student and friend at Concordia, rather than just another number. I was close with all of my professors and felt that I could go to each and everyone of them because of how involved they were in my success and learning journey.” 

Streeks said she really appreciates the uniqueness of Concordia’s 3+1 program and the fast-track timeline that it offers.  

“The professors help you discover your purpose by having personable relationships with all students and really encouraging and challenging you to be your best self, and how you can discover that throughout your time at Concordia and also turning you to the word for encouragement.”

“From the students, to the professors, to even the staff, I have made lifelong friends there and am so grateful for the loving and supporting community that Concordia has to offer,” she said. “The professors help you discover your purpose by having personable relationships with all students and really encouraging and challenging you to be your best self, and how you can discover that throughout your time at Concordia and also turning you to the word for encouragement.” 

Streeks said she is looking forward to continuing nursing school following graduation and eagerly anticipates her wedding to Ethan Reynolds in May 2027. When her nursing school studies are completed, she hopes to serve in an emergency room and work her way up to becoming a flight nurse. 

“Concordia has prepared me for becoming a nurse by giving me the confidence in myself and strengthening my faith with incorporating the Word into the studies and practice. They taught me to not just care for the body, but for the mind and soul as well,” she said. "And Concordia has helped me grow enormously in my faith, whether it be by validating my belief, or challenging some of my beliefs in an encouraging way, they have helped me grow closer to God.” 

The Concordia University, Nebraska and Creighton University 3 + 1 Dual Degree nursing program provides students with the knowledge, skills and abilities to function effectively in all areas of nursing practice through quality instruction and clinical experiences. The program equips students to be servants of Christ, able to apply their knowledge in a variety of hands-on and simulated clinical settings and to lay the groundwork for finding a career in nursing or continuing their professional education at the graduate level.