EKU Student Finds a Path Forward Through Nursing

When Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) student Whitney Brown was growing up in Lexington, Kentucky, her future seemed set. She attended an agricultural school and planned to pursue veterinary medicine, a goal she had held since childhood. During her freshman year of high school, however, her path changed.

Whitney’s mother was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor known as glioblastoma. As a teenager from age 15-17, Whitney became her mother’s full-time caretaker until she passed away, all the while balancing school, family responsibilities and emotional weight. 

“After taking care of her, I learned that I really do enjoy taking care of people,” Whitney said. “I learned how much comfort matters, even when you can’t fix everything.”

This experience reshaped Whitney’s educational journey, as she realized that nursing aligned closely with her lived experience and her desire to care for others. Nursing was also personal. Her mother had been a nurse, too, in emergency care.

Whitney enrolled at EKU as a nursing major with a minor in psychology, a choice shaped by both opportunity and accessibility. Coming from a low-income household, she knew she would be paying for college largely on her own. EKU’s financial support made higher education possible without long-term debt.

“EKU gave me my own college experience,” she said.

Beyond affordability, Whitney was drawn to the reputation of EKU’s Nursing program. She quickly discovered that the program matched its reputation. While challenging, the nursing courses laid the groundwork for real-world application.

At EKU, Whitney was able to get hands-on experience with the variety of clinical placements offered through the nursing program. Rather than training within a single hospital system, she rotated through multiple facilities, including Baptist Health, Eastern State Hospital and UK Healthcare.

“That exposure made a huge difference,” Whitney said. “It helped me understand different hospital environments and where I might want to work in the future.”

That preparation has already paid off. Whitney currently works in the emergency department at UK Healthcare, where she applies both her classroom knowledge and her lived experience. She credits EKU for helping her develop the clinical judgment and cultural awareness needed to care for the unique needs of each individual patient.

Her education at EKU also extended far beyond Kentucky through two study abroad programs. One focused on nursing in Tanzania and another in London, England, centered on the psychology of literature. These experiences broadened her worldview and strengthened her ability to connect with patients from different backgrounds. 

“Being able to step outside of what’s familiar changes how you see people,” she said. “It made me a better caregiver.”

Throughout her time at EKU, Whitney found consistent support from faculty and advisors who recognized both the demands of nursing school and the realities of her life outside the classroom. Professors would meet with her at any time, helping her navigate difficult coursework and providing encouragement during overwhelming semesters.

“That support is something I don’t think you find everywhere,” she said. “The professors genuinely want you to succeed, not just academically, but as a person.”

As she prepares to graduate this May, Whitney reflects on her time at EKU with pride. For her, representing EKU in healthcare means representing a university that values community, resilience and opportunity.

By A’Mya Kendrick