Growing up in Houston, Texas, I always knew I wanted to work in the healthcare field. I once imagined becoming a doctor, but as I entered college, my vision shifted toward nursing, a change that felt natural. During my nursing coursework, one class in particular—Obstetrics and Pediatrics, ignited a passion I did not yet know would shape my entire career. That passion carried me through earning my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from PVAMU and my Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Maryville University. What I could not foresee was that this journey, anchored in perseverance, motherhood, and a deep commitment to equity and equality, would ultimately lead me to complete my Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree at Prairie View A&M, becoming the first in my family to achieve this level of accomplishment.
Being a first-generation college graduate with a doctorate means breaking generational barriers. Earning my DNP is more than a personal milestone; it reflects the power of resilience, purpose, and higher education, values that my children witnessed firsthand. Although I am not a PVAMU legacy, I can proudly say I have created my own, rooted in the mission and spirit of my HBCU.
As a mother, wife, and women’s health provider, I am grounded daily in the realities women face, especially those navigating pregnancy under challenging circumstances. Working in a Maternal-Fetal Medicine clinic revealed significant inconsistencies in substance use screening and the missed opportunities that followed. I noticed gaps affecting mothers and babies, and I recognized areas for improvement.
These experiences shaped the foundation of my DNP project, which examined provider perceptions of standardized substance use screening in pregnancy. In a maternal health landscape marked by disparities, consistent, judgment-free screening is not just beneficial; it is essential. Every mother deserves compassionate, evidence-based care that prioritizes her well-being and her baby’s health. Through my DNP project, I learned that while providers value screening, many face barriers, including limited time, discomfort with sensitive conversations, and a fear of damaging patient relationships. My goal is to make screening easier, more supportive, and fully standardized, so that no patients are overlooked.
Throughout my doctoral journey, I completed extensive internships with the Quality Improvement Department of my organization and higher-level administration. These experiences expanded my understanding of practice improvement and operations, strengthened my foundation in evidence-based care, and reinforced my commitment to what is ethically and medically safe for patients. PVAMU’s rigorous curriculum, dedicated faculty, and commitment to minority excellence kept me accountable, motivated, and deeply supported.
Some of my proudest accomplishments at PVAMU include completing my dissertation, joining professional organizations, and finding the confidence to use my voice to influence change. I look forward to stepping into leadership roles that enable me to positively impact healthcare on a broader level, ultimately aspiring to become a Chief Nursing Officer.
My commitment to equitable maternal care extends far beyond graduation. I am committed to advocating for the use of standardized screening tools across clinical practices, expanding access to mental health resources, enhancing cultural competency among healthcare providers, and increasing political engagement at the state level to advance maternal health policy. I also hope to build stronger community-based support systems for expecting mothers, a critical step in reducing maternal morbidity and mortality. My purpose has only deepened. I am here to advocate, educate, and uplift women during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives.
Balancing family, work, and a demanding doctoral program was not easy, but faith, my husband, my children, and my determination to shift generational outcomes kept me going. Looking back, I am most proud of my resilience. I proved to myself and to my children that perseverance creates lasting impact.
To PVAMU students who are still on their journey: Keep pushing. Just start. Lean on your support system. Challenges are temporary, but overcoming them strengthens you for life.
My journey is a testament to PVAMU’s spirit of excellence, resilience, and service. I believe my work is already contributing to a healthier future for mothers and babies, and my legacy is only just beginning.
Terri Taylor ‘13, APRN, FNP-C, graduates from Prairie View A&M University this fall with a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree.
Click here to view a complete listing of this semester’s notable graduates.
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