Candy Wilson’s path to nursing was not one she had meticulously planned, but rather a journey shaped by life’s unexpected turns. Nursing was not Wilson’s initial career ambition, but a childhood experience caring for her injured sister planted an early seed.

Now the interim associate dean of research and scholarship at the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing at Florida Atlantic University, Wilson’s career spans three decades of service in the U.S. Air Force, groundbreaking research on military women’s health, and a dedication to mentoring the next generation of healthcare professionals.

“I wish I could say my life was so purposeful and I had this plan from a young age, but I didn’t,” said Wilson. “One time, when I was babysitting my younger sister, she fell and hurt her arm. As a teenager taking care of her, I freaked out initially. Then I was like I’ve got to fix this. I went into nurse mode then without even realizing it.”

That realization solidified years later when complications during the birth of her first c child reignited her passion for health care. “I needed to go into nursing,” she recalled.  “Not just to provide for my family, but to help other women.”

Wilson returned to school and earned her BSN at Western Kentucky University.  

Wilson, a long time Air Force spouse, always found the field interesting. Her journey took a turn when her husband, then an active-duty Air Force member, left the service and challenged her: “You love it so much—why don’t you join?” And she did.

What began as a practical decision became a transformative experience, opening doors to a world of nursing beyond traditional hospital settings.

During her time overseas in Afghanistan, Wilson provided care to more than 3,000 women and children.

“The Air Force showed me the possibilities of nursing,” Wilson reflected.

Selected by the Air Force to earn her master’s degree at UT, she credits the university with providing the education and mentorship that shaped her career.

“I had the best educators and classmates,” she said. “Rocky Top still plays in my head, and I’m forever grateful for my time at UT.”

Following her time at UT, Wilson attended University of Colorado at Denver Health Sciences Center for her PhD.

“If you would have told 20-year-old me that I would earn a PhD, I would have laughed in your face,” added Wilson.

Wilson’s interest in symptom science research through an occupational health focus addressed military women’s health needs in three prominent areas that led to changing healthcare practice through policy and education.

Wilson’s research on genitourinary symptoms in deployed servicewomen, iron deficiency in female trainees, and alternative therapies for chronic pain directly influenced military policies. One of her most impactful contributions was her role in a 2015 report to Congress, which provided critical evidence supporting the decision to open all military occupations—including combat positions—to women.

Her studies on military medics’ preparedness to care for female service members led to tangible improvements in medical training and readiness.

“We discovered that medics wanted to do the right thing,” she explained. “But there were gaps in their training. Our research helped update training protocols, supply lists, and pre-deployment checklists to ensure better care for women in the field.”

Through her years of research and service, Wilson has remained committed to not only advancing knowledge but also ensuring that the next generation of healthcare professionals is well-equipped to make a difference.

Her advice to early-career nurse researchers? “Don’t be afraid of hard work. Be willing to put in the effort and stay passionate about your topic. And above all, read—read a lot. Understanding the broader landscape of research is key to making meaningful contributions.”

Whether mentoring students, collaborating with researchers, or shaping policies that improve care, she sees every challenge as an opportunity to drive meaningful change.

As she looks back on her journey—Wilson hopes to inspire others to embrace the unexpected paths that lead them forward.

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CONTACT:

Kara Clark Cardwell (865-974-9498, [email protected])

From the moment Lainey Briggs set her sights on a career in nursing, she knew it was more than a profession—it was a calling.

“I was inspired to become a nurse because I have always wanted to help others,” shared Briggs. She was accepted into the nursing program at UT in 2004.

“The rigorous academic curriculum and hands-on clinical training strengthened my patient care foundation,” said Briggs.

Following graduation, Briggs accepted a job as a nurse on the oncology unit at Vanderbilt.

“My time at the bedside was a wonderful beginning to my nursing journey where I developed profound relationships,” added Briggs. “Bedside nursing taught me that I am more than a caregiver, but a source of strength, comfort, and hope to patients during their most uncertain and difficult times.”

She decided to return to school in 2012 to receive her MSN and is currently enrolled in the Doctor of Nursing practice (DNP) program. She will graduate in May with her DNP.

“The DNP program has allowed me to expand my leadership role, implement innovative care models, and help bridge the gap between research and practice to improve cancer patients’ outcomes,” shared Briggs.

Briggs believes her experiences at UT have provided her with a strong foundation in patient care.

“My passion for working with cancer patients stems from a deep sense of purpose and commitment to making a difference in their lives,” said Briggs. “Oncology is not just about treating a disease; it’s about walking alongside patients and their families during the darkest and most challenging times in their lives. The resilience, courage, and hope I witness daily inspires me to provide the highest level of care.”

As an advanced oncology certified nurse practitioner, Briggs finds the most rewarding aspect of her work to be the relationships she builds with her patients.

“Whether it’s celebrating remission, helping manage treatment side effects, or providing comfort at the end of life, I am honored to be part of their journey,” added Briggs.

Briggs commitment to service extends beyond the clinic walls—volunteering in her community reinforces her belief that compassionate care should be accessible to all. Her extensive volunteer work includes local school clinics, Lasagna Love, Girl Scouts of America, Remote Area Medical, and medical missions to Belize and Costa Rica.

“Engaging with underserved populations and participating in cancer awareness initiatives and education allow me to extend my impact beyond the bedside,” said Briggs. “Compassionate care should not be limited to nursing and should include all of society, ensuring everyone has the resources and support they need.”

Prioritizing what matters most, staying organized, and setting boundaries allows Briggs to dedicate time to her family, professional development, and community service. Her belief in making a meaningful impact in every facet of her life keeps her motivated.

Briggs also remains connected to UT, serving as a preceptor and adjunct faculty member at the college.

“It is a privilege to guide and mentor the next generation of healthcare professionals,” she added. “Watching students grow, develop their skills, and gain confidence in their clinical skills allows me to give back to the institution that supported me during my nursing journey.”

Briggs has many fond memories at UT, but one landmark holds a special place in her heart.

“I have many found memories at Neyland Stadium,” shared Briggs. “I met my husband, Brad there. Now we get to experience gamedays with our children. Each gameday reminds us of a celebration, not just our love sports, but the life we have built since meeting in Neyland.”

Being part of the Volunteer family means embracing a commitment to service, leadership, and positive change. Briggs has done this in every aspect of life.

“My favorite part of my involvement at UT is connecting and knowing I am part of a broader community of compassionate people who give back,” she said. “We all play a role in creating positive change, and that is represented in the mission of the Volunteer family.”

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CONTACT:

Kara Clark Cardwell (865-974-9498, [email protected])

With over 30 years of nursing experience and nearly 20 years as a practicing family nurse practitioner, Melissa Hessock brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to the College of Nursing.

Currently serving as the post-master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) concentration coordinator and interim director of international affairs, she is passionate about advancing nursing education, women’s health, and fostering global collaborations.

Throughout her career, Hessock has had the privilege of being part of countless impactful moments in patient care—both joyful and challenging.

“Over my years of practice and caring for women and families, I have had the honor of being invited to share impactful moments of great joy, grief, life-altering diagnoses, and health attainment,” shared Hessock. “But the impacts that mean the most to me in caring for patients are the small daily moments of providing a space where they feel seen and heard as an individual and empowered to make informed decisions about their care and health goals.”

As an educator, she strives to create that same environment with students, witnessing their “a-ha” moments and helping them build confidence to lead in health care.

Hessock’s journey to academia was led by a desire to create a broader impact beyond one-on-one patient interactions.

“After many years of practice as a nurse practitioner, I began to wonder how I could impact and improve care on a wider scale than one patient at a time,” said Hessock.

Observing gaps in evidence-based women’s health care, she pursued a DNP degree to drive change on a systemic level. This path led her to the College of Nursing.

“The foundation of what makes our college special is the genuine desire of faculty to connect with our students and support them in successfully achieving their academic and professional goals,” shared Hessock.

Beyond clinical skills, nursing requires empathy, resilience, and critical thinking. Hessock believes the best way to instill these qualities is by modeling them as educators.

“If we do not demonstrate these skills in our role as nurse educators, how can we expect our students to demonstrate this as nurses,” said Hessock. “We are lucky to be part of a large university community that is also committed to a holistic view of student success and wellness and provides numerous resources for academic success, social engagement, mental health, and physical health.”

In Hessock’s current interim role, she gets the opportunity to work on international collaboration and take those skills across the globe.

“Having the opportunity to participate in and foster global experiences has only strengthened my belief that it is critically essential for nurse educators to promote cultural competence, a broad lens through which we view health and health care, and self-reflection to ensure unbiased and non-judgmental care provision,” added Hessock.

In 2023, she traveled on a cross-disciplinary East Africa Exploratory Delegation alongside university leaders.

“This trip allowed us to explore, develop, and strengthen opportunities for collaboration in Rwanda and Kenya,” shared Hessock. “It was very impactful for me to not only be exposed to different health care systems and resources in Africa but also to have the opportunity to develop a relationship with international nursing colleagues.”

Hessock also serves as a faculty member for on campus organizations.

“One of my favorite ongoing activities is serving as the faculty mentor for Period @ UTK. This is a campus-based student organization that serves to address period poverty through advocacy, education, and service,” said Hessock.

With Hessock’s deep commitment to patient-centered care, education, and global health initiatives, she is shaping the future of nursing—one student, one patient, and one collaboration at a time.

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CONTACT:

Kara Clark Cardwell (865-974-9498, [email protected])

Joel Anderson, a professor at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, College of Nursing, has been awarded a $250,000 grant from the RRF Foundation for Aging to develop a culturally adapted version of the Savvy Caregiver® program, specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of LGBTQIA+ caregivers of individuals living with dementia.

The project aims to address the significant physical and emotional challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ caregivers, who often experience higher levels of stress, depression, and caregiver strain because of minority stressors such as discrimination, stigma, and limited access to community resources. Recent studies indicate that nearly half of LGBTQIA+ caregivers provide care to someone with dementia, yet fewer than half access support services due to these barriers. Given existing interventions do not account for the particular needs and experiences of LGBTQIA+ caregivers, there is a need for targeted interventions for these caregivers

The Savvy Caregiver® program, a nationally recognized evidence-based intervention, has been proven to reduce caregiver distress, burden, and depressive symptoms while improving confidence and caregiving skills. However, the program has not yet been culturally adapted to address the unique experiences of LGBTQIA+ caregivers.

“Caregivers play a critical role in supporting individuals living with dementia, yet LGBTQIA+ caregivers frequently face challenges that go unrecognized in traditional caregiver support programs,” Anderson said. “This project is a step toward providing the tailored resources they need to navigate these challenges effectively and support their well-being.”

Upon completion, the intervention will be ready for larger-scale testing in a randomized controlled trial, with the potential to significantly alleviate stress and improve quality of life for LGBTQIA+ caregivers.

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CONTACT:

Kara Clark Cardwell (865-974-9498, [email protected])

Since 1995, the Vine School Health Center has been providing comprehensive health care services to children and families, fostering their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The goal of VSHC, located at Knoxville’s Vine Middle Magnet School, is to make a difference in childrens’ lives.

A collaborative effort of Knox County Schools and the College of Nursing, VSHC is a great example of a university–community partnership. 

The center is supported by patient fees, donations, and private, state, and federal grants. It serves as a lifeline for students and families with varying financial, housing, and health circumstances.

“At the VSHC, our mission is to provide comprehensive care to improve the overall physical, mental, and educational health of children living in Knox County,” said Nan Gaylord, recently retired associate dean of practice and global affairs in the College of Nursing and the center’s founder. “Our mission is brought to life every day by our dedicated providers, staff, and students. Their commitment and passion for serving the community are at the heart of what we do.”

Catelyn Reynolds (’24) served as a nurse associate at the center from her sophomore through senior years at UT. 

Interviewed before her graduation, Reynolds said each day at Vine looked different, and her work there allowed her to fulfill her passion for caring for children. 

“In a day at Vine, I bring kids back to the triage room, conduct vital assessments and screenings,” she said. “Then in the exam room I engage both the child and guardian in meaningful conversations, addressing various aspects of their health and well-being.”

Reynolds said she believes VSHC is more than just a health care facility: it’s a place where relationships are nurtured and trust is built. 

“When establishing rapport with families and kids, the biggest thing is being an active listener,” she said. “We see families from all walks of life, and I believe that by giving them a voice and a platform to express their concerns, we empower them to take charge of their health.”

Communication is a crucial part of relationship building to Reynolds.

“I always start with ‘What brings you in today? Tell me more about that. What concerns do you want to address today?’” she said. “I think this way of communicating shows them the floor is theirs to bring up whatever they need to. I never offer answers or opinions; the main responses I give are affirming them being a good parent—‘You did the right thing, that’s a lot to have going on’—and reassure them that we will see what we can do for them.”

In 2011, recognizing that many students had unmet social, academic, and mental health care needs, VSHC initiated an interprofessional practice to meet those needs. The expansion of services enabled the center’s social workers to provide mental health evaluations, counseling and play therapy services to children and their families as well as assisting families with issues related to food, housing, clothing, and applying for health insurance.

“I work closely with all providers and educators,” explained Reynolds. “I often observe how they address health and social concerns. After I ask the family general questions at the beginning of the visit, I will go and summarize the responses to the provider. I have learned a lot through collaboration.”

Beyond the physical location, the center extends its reach through telehealth services to 11 Knox County Schools. This innovative approach ensures that children have access to quality health care regardless of their location.

Despite limitations in certain services, Vine’s commitment to families remains steady. 

“While we may not have all diagnostic tools, we provide families with resources and schedule ample time for thorough examinations,” said Reynolds. “We schedule 40 to 60 minutes for a well-child exam and 20 minutes for a sick visit. This time is blocked solely for the nurse practitioner to see them and address all needs.”

VSHC is training future nurses and nurse practitioners to look at the whole picture and provide a holistic approach to care. 

“The people I have worked with turned me from a doe-eyed nursing student to a confident pediatric nurse,” said Reynolds. 

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CONTACT:

Kara Clark (865-974-9498, [email protected])

Debra K. Moser, a professor at the University of Tennessee, has been named a Distinguished Scientist by the American Heart Association (AHA) for 2024. This prestigious recognition honors her extraordinary contributions to cardiovascular disease (CVD) research, particularly in improving outcomes for underserved populations.

Moser, who is the director of the Research and Interventions for Cardiovascular Health (RICH) Heart Program—an international collaborative dedicated to cardiovascular research and mentorship—has long been at the forefront of biobehavioral intervention research. Her work focuses on testing self-care interventions for individuals with cardiovascular disease and heart failure, with an emphasis on populations at high risk, including rural residents, caregivers, and other vulnerable groups.

The Distinguished Scientist title, which was established by the AHA in 2003, is given to members who have made significant contributions to advancing the understanding, management, and treatment of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and brain health. Moser is only the fifth nurse ever to receive this honor from the AHA.

In addition to her academic roles, Moser serves as the editor of the Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, where she continues to shape the field by publishing cutting-edge research.

Over the years, she has received more than 30 major awards, including the prestigious HFSA Lifetime Achievement Award and the Lembright, Dracup Mentorship, and Heart Failure Research Awards from the AHA. She has been recognized with the President’s Research Award from FNINR. She is also a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, the American Heart Association, and the Preventative Cardiovascular Nurses Association.

“It was an incredible honor for me to receive this award, both as a scientist and as a nurse. I am deeply grateful to the American Heart Association for recognizing me with this award. This is an award I share with all cardiovascular nurse scientists who have committed their careers to improving health outcomes among patients, families, communities and populations by working to prevent cardiovascular disease (CVD) and to reduce its burden once CVD develops. My work would not be possible without their work.”

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CONTACT:

Kara Clark (865-974-9498, [email protected])

CCNE Accreditation Review Third-Party Comment

Dear University of Tennessee, Knoxville, College of Nursing Constituents,
The College of Nursing BSN, Post-Graduate Certificate and Doctor of Nursing Practice Program are going through their 10-year Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accreditation review February 3-5, 2025. You are invited to submit third-party comments regarding each of the programs to CCNE. Third-party comments will be received by CCNE until January 13th, 2025, which is 21 days before the scheduled onsite evaluation. Please direct all comments to:
CCNE
Attn: Third party Comments
655 K Street NW Suite 750
Washington DC 20001

Or

[email protected]

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CONTACT:

Kara Clark (865-974-9498, [email protected])

As we look back on 2024, the College of Nursing celebrates a year of incredible milestones, achievements, and growth. Here are the key highlights that shaped an unforgettable year:

January

The year began on a high note with the reaccreditation of our simulation program, from the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSiH) in teaching/education and research. The HITS Program mission is to deliver excellent educational offerings and advance the science of health care simulation. This is carried out by ensuring experiential simulated learning opportunities and research and development of innovative simulation technologies for health care and health care education are guided by the best practices of healthcare simulation. Securing reaccreditation by SSiH ensures that the college remains at the forefront of simulation education and research in the United States and globally.

February

The BSN Scholars program was highlighted by local media as a program that will help meet the growing demands of the healthcare workforce. The United States saw the largest drop in nurses in 2021 than in four decades. This sparked the University of Tennessee and the University of Tennessee Medical Center to come up with a solution. This solution will address the nursing shortage which affects the entire healthcare system. The BSN Scholar Program allows 102 students, who get their tuition paid for and are guaranteed a job at UTMC once they graduate.

March

Our global opportunities for the academic year concluded during the month of March. College of Nursing students and faculty traveled to Kenya, Peru, and Belize to blend education with service to provide healthcare and learn from international communities.

April

The College of Nursing DNP program ranked among the top 25 public universities in the U.S. News & World Report’s 2024-2025 Best Graduate Schools ranks. In the new rankings, the college’s DNP program is ranked 24th among public DNP programs. That is the highest ranking that the DNP program has placed. The college has moved up significantly in rankings over the last three years. The program has climbed over 14 spots since 2021, when it was ranked 38th among publics.

May

Alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of the College of Nursing gathered on campus on May 6, to celebrate the halfway point of construction on the new Nursing Building. The celebration was marked by a beam signing for guests. Construction on the building began in August of 2022 when the former building was demolished. The new building will remain nestled between Volunteer Boulevard and Peyton Manning Pass. Over 150 people gathered to sign the beam that is slated to go at the entrance to the building off Peyton Manning Pass.

June

The College of Nursing achieved a record-breaking milestone in research funding, closing the fiscal year with an impressive $6,797,312 in awards. This accomplishment highlights the college’s growing impact in advancing health and wellness through innovative studies and strategic partnerships. Major grants included:

• Russell, U.S. Department of Labor (DOL): Bridging to Opportunity: Good Jobs for Nurses in the Delta Region ($500,000)
• Berg, CNS-DOE: Digital Twin Machine Learning ($984,000)
• Johnson, HRSA: Up&Up ($932,000)
• Niederhauser, TNODH: CRNN and SmartShots ($2.7 million)

July

Jonas Nursing, a leading supporter of doctoral nursing education in the U.S., and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), announced that PhD students Chelsea Horn and Sue H. Coltrain have been selected as Jonas Scholar’s for the program’s 2024-2026 cohort. This program aims to improve health care by expanding the pool of PhD and DNP-prepared nurses needed to educate the next generation of nurse leaders.

August

Construction of the new Nursing Building reached its halfway point, showcasing steady progress toward creating a cutting-edge space for learning, collaboration, and discovery. The new building is on track to open in fall 2025. Features include classrooms, simulation labs, research labs and offices. The new building will allow the college to increase enrollment significantly, which will help train more nurses and address the nationwide nursing shortage.

September

Seth Manor and Kathryn McGowen, seniors in the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s College of Nursing, served as volunteer escorts for more than 140 military veterans on HonorAir Knoxville’s Flight 35 to Washington D.C. on Sept. 25. It was the organization’s second flight dedicated to honoring women veterans and celebrating their service by visiting national monuments. Manor and McGowen, both cadets in UT’s Army ROTC program, played a significant role on the trip, ensuring that veterans had a safe and memorable experience — assisting them at the airport, during the flight and at the memorials. This marked the College of Nursing’s first collaboration with HonorAir, reflecting our dedication to community service.

October

The college ranked as the highest undergraduate nursing programs in the state of Tennessee. This ranking was a part of the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges report. The college climbed an impressive 32 spots to 19th among public universities nationwide and rose 41 spots to 26th among all nursing schools in the country.

November

The return of the beloved NightinGala brought together alumni, faculty, and supporters, raising over $100,000 for student scholarships. This event celebrated the transformative power of philanthropy in shaping the next generation of nurses. Attendees enjoyed an evening of auction items, dinner, dancing, and fellowship.

December

The year ended with a historic first for the College of Nursing as we held our first stand-alone pinning ceremony in years. Previously part of the university’s commencement, this special event celebrated the first cohort of BSN Scholars and RN to BSN students. It honored their achievements in a more intimate and meaningful setting. It was a proud moment that marked a renewed tradition for the college.

As we close the chapter on 2024, we are proud of all that we have accomplished together and look forward to continuing this momentum in the new year. Thank you to our students, faculty, alumni, and supporters for making 2024 a year to remember!

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CONTACT:

Kara Clark (865-974-9498, [email protected])

Perinatal mental health is a critical concern, with studies showing that up to 1 in 5 women suffer from maternal mental health disorders. Conditions like perinatal depression and anxiety can have severe consequences, affecting both mothers and their infants.

“A lot of my family and friends really struggled with postpartum depression,” shard Breslin Gillis, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner student at the college. “I also struggled, and I quickly realized there wasn’t a lot of help out there.”

Gillis recalls sitting in her providers office while she was stationed overseas for her and her husband’s job. She was freshly postpartum and in the trenches of newborn life. As she was crying her provider told her she was doing fine and dismissed her.

Despite the prevalence of these disorders, only 8.6 percent of perinatal individuals receive adequate treatment, contributing to high rates of pregnancy-related deaths. In Tennessee, maternal mental health disorders accounted for 32 percent of pregnancy-related or associated deaths in 2021, underscoring the need for better screening and intervention strategies.

Recognizing this issue, Gillis, sought out to find a solution. In partnership with The University of Tennessee Medical Center (UTMC) and local healthcare providers, she launched a phased project aimed at addressing perinatal depression and anxiety disorders (PMADs). The project, running from 2024 to 2026, focuses on improving mental health screening, diagnosis, and treatment for perinatal patients in the Knoxville area.

“When I returned to the states after our assignment ended, I began my DNP program,” shared Gillis. “As I began working in the clinical setting and talking with providers it became evident to us all that we needed more maternal mental health resources. That is what inspired this project.”

This five-phase initiative is a collaborative effort between DNP students from the college, the UT Medical Center for Women & Infants, UT Medical Center’s Women’s Care Group, and the UT Resident OB/GYN Clinic. Led by faculty members Tracy Brewer and Melissa Hessock, alongside Women’s Care Group PMAD OB/GYN expert, Dr. Heather Moss and Manager of Quality Review for the Center for Women & Infants, Megan Lacy Young, the project aims to improve the screening process for perinatal depression and anxiety at multiple stages of prenatal and postnatal care.

The first phase of the project was implemented in 2023 by Gillis.

In this phase, patients at 28 weeks of pregnancy were screened for depression and anxiety using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). The results revealed that over 80 percent of patients completed the EPDS screen, with 14 percent screening positive for depression and 26 percent for anxiety. Notably, 39 percent of those who screened positive had concurrent depression and anxiety diagnoses.

Despite these numbers, only 55.4 percent of patients with positive screens received behavioral health resources, highlighting the need for improved follow-up and provider documentation.

Building on the findings from Phase 1, the second phase, will expand the EPDS screening to the initial prenatal visit in addition to the 28-week visit. This phase will run until April 2025 and aims to increase early identification of mental health issues.

Additionally, Phase 2 will introduce screening for bipolar disorder at the initial prenatal visit using the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ), with plans to monitor screening rates and referrals for positive screens.

Starting in October 2024, the third phase, will focus on postpartum depression and anxiety screening. This phase will implement a standardized process for screening mothers before hospital discharge, ensuring those with positive screens are connected to behavioral health resources. Nursing staff will receive specialized training to enhance adherence to screening practices and ensure timely provider intervention for those who screen positive.

The later phases of the project will focus on expanding screening practices to more vulnerable populations. Phase 4, beginning in Spring 2025, will involve screening mothers whose infants are admitted to the NICU, while Phase 5 will implement mental health screening in the UT OB/GYN Resident Clinic starting in Fall 2025.

At the end of the project Gillis hopes that more resources become available and that there is a better integration of mental health providers in OB settings.

“The most rewarding aspect of this project is seeing the number of women we have already helped,” said Gillis. “Out of 366 patients eligible, 293 got screened. It is really rewarding because we helped people who needed it.”

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CONTACT:

Kara Clark (865-974-9498, [email protected])

Grace Gardner’s path to becoming a nurse has been shaped by one thing in particular, resilience.

Gardner recalls the first time she surrounded by nurses. She was seven years old, in the hospital, waiting on her baby brother to be born.

“After witnessing the nurses in that setting, and again when my grandmother got sick in 2014, I decided I wanted to provide care to people like they did,” shared Gardner.

It was never a doubt in Gardner’s mind where she wanted to go to school. Her dream was to become a Vol Nurse, just like her aunt Lisa Reed. Reed serves as chair of the college’s Advisory Board, and President of the Alumni Board of Directors.

“Tennessee has always been in the family,” added Gardner. “Our whole family bleeds orange, so it was never a question in my mind.”

Gardner was ecstatic when she received her acceptance letter into the college. She began her journey on Rocky Top in the fall of 2018.  She joined Zeta Tau Alpha and enjoyed spending her free time doing community service and attending chapter events.

As Gardner approached her junior year, the COVID-19 pandemic hit. This was also the start of nursing courses for Gardner, and due to the change in class format, she missed the required grade for her pharmacology course. This caused her to need a fifth year to complete her studies.

“It was hard to accept that I wasn’t graduating on time, but now I realize that it was a blessing,” she adds.

In the summer 2022, Gardner’s life changed forever. Her father, who had been battling a rare condition called Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) that worsened rapidly, passed away. Just five weeks later, her grandfather died.

It was a double loss that sent shockwaves through her family, and Gardner, in the middle of her nursing studies, was suddenly forced to navigate grief while finishing one of the most challenging academic programs in the country.

“It was one of the hardest times of my life,” Gardner remembers. “He was always the one who believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself.”

Her father’s illness had been a long and painful journey for the family. His condition worsened quickly after his initial diagnosis in 2018.  

“I remember thinking that we still had time with him,” Grace recalls.

Her father’s death hit Gardner hard. She remembers the moments when he would encourage her to keep going, even when she doubted her ability to succeed. “He always told me, ‘You’re going to be a great nurse, Grace. You’ve got this,’” she says. “Whenever I felt like I couldn’t handle the workload, he would remind me of my passion for nursing and push me to keep going.”

Throughout this incredibly difficult period, Gardner leaned on the support of her family, friends, sorority sisters and her nursing faculty.

“I knew my dad would’ve wanted me to finish strong,” she reflects. “He was so proud of me, and I wanted to honor that pride by giving my best, even though it was one of the hardest years of my life.”

Her father’s passing deepened her sense of empathy and understanding as a nurse.

Now a graduate working at Tristar Centennial Women’s Hospital in Nashville, Gardner has faced challenges that would have derailed many. But through loss, she found strength—and a purpose in the nursing field.

Working in women’s health has deepened Gardner’s passion for patient care, particularly in fertility, which holds personal significance for her family. Gardner hopes to one day become a fertility nurse practitioner, specializing in genetic screening and fertility treatments.

“My family’s experience with genetic health issues has really opened my eyes to how important fertility care can be,” she says. “My dream is to help families like mine, who are navigating tough decisions and trying to stop genetic conditions from being passed on to future generations.”

To future nursing students, Gardner offers a piece of advice born from her own experience: “Don’t be afraid to take your time. Life doesn’t always go according to plan, and that’s okay. Lean on the people who love you and remember why you started. Nursing is about caring for others, but it’s also about caring for yourself. And sometimes, that means giving yourself grace.”

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CONTACT:

Kara Clark (865-974-9498, [email protected])