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ɫ��ֱ�� (DUSON) selected Kristin Whitley as its 2018 ɫ��ֱ�� University Scholar. Each summer, the School selects a degree seeking student from the ABSN, MSN or DNP program to receive a full-tuition University Scholarship. Whitley was selected by the associate dean for academic affairs with input from ABSN, MSN and DNP program directors.

“Kristin’s passion for helping community members in rural areas really helped her stand out among a group of highly qualified and deserving nominees,” says Marion E. Broome, PhD, RN, FAAN, ɫ��ֱ�� dean and Ruby Wilson Professor of Nursing, vice chancellor for Nursing Affairs at ɫ��ֱ�� University and associate vice president for Academic Affairs for Nursing at ɫ��ֱ�� University Health System. “She will make a great addition to the MSN program where she will work collaboratively with diverse minds to help positively transform the future nursing.”

Whitley, a Massachusetts native, received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Southern Connecticut State University. Deciding she wanted to make an impact on rural population, she moved to Lumberton, NC to pursue a career as an Emergency Services Nurse.

“I am honored that DUSON has put their faith in my work ethic and knowledge base to grant me this scholarship,” says Whitley. “I am inspired by the global and local research endeavors that the current and past University Scholars have been involved in and am interested in joining my peers to become part of their research teams.”

As a University Scholar, Whitley will become a mentor and leader to other nursing students and will provide a creative outlet to improve health care outcomes in underserved areas.

During her tenure at DUSON, Whitley will study in the MSN program, specializing as an Adult Gerontological Nurse Practitioner with a concentration in Orthopedics.

“With my advanced degree from ɫ��ֱ��, I aspire to improve access to primary care in rural areas through the expansion of telehealth technology,” says Whitley. “ɫ��ֱ�� offers the only orthopedic nurse practitioner specialty in the country and I’m excited to work collaboratively with diverse minds to innovate concepts that can help transform the future of nursing.”