LMU Caylor School of Nursing

05/29/2026

Each year, LMU recognizes outstanding alumni through its 40 Under 40 program, honoring graduates who have made a strong impact in their careers and communities before the age of 40. This year, five LMU-CSON graduates earned a place on that list, highlighting the strength, leadership, and impact of our nursing alumni in healthcare and beyond.

Trevina Sinard earned her Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) from LMU-CSON in 2016 and now shapes future nurses through teaching. She serves as an assistant professor of nursing at Carson-Newman University and an adjunct nursing clinical instructor at Walters State Community College. Sinard brings 14 years of experience in medical-surgical nursing and long-term care and holds board certification in medical-surgical nursing. She also leads and serves across her community, strengthening both healthcare and education in the region. Way to go, Trevina!

05/28/2026

Each year, LMU recognizes outstanding alumni through its 40 Under 40 program, honoring graduates who have made a strong impact in their careers and communities before the age of 40. This year, five LMU-CSON graduates earned a place on that list, highlighting the strength, leadership, and impact of our nursing alumni in healthcare and beyond.

Savannah Maples earned her Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) from LMU-CSON in 2015 and has built a strong career in both healthcare and education. She now serves as an associate professor at South College, where she prepares future nurses and supports student success. Maples earned recognition as “Best Case Manager” by the UT Hospice team and received two 5-Star Awards based on student reviews. She brings leadership experience across emergency care, hospice, behavioral health, and academic settings, strengthening the next generation of nurses through her work. We’re proud of your impact, Savannah!

05/27/2026

Each year, LMU recognizes outstanding alumni through its 40 Under 40 program, honoring graduates who have made a strong impact in their careers and communities before the age of 40. This year, five LMU-CSON graduates earned a place on that list, highlighting the strength, leadership, and impact of our nursing alumni in healthcare and beyond.

Kimberley Breeding earned her Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) in 2014 and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in 2015 from LMU-CSON and continues to lead in her community. She serves as director of Med/Surg and Pediatrics at Middlesboro Appalachian Regional Hospital, where she brings 14 years of nursing experience to her role. Breeding has also supported future nurses as a former recruiter and advisor at CSON and remains actively engaged with LMU through alumni events and service initiatives. We’re proud to celebrate you, Kimberley!

05/26/2026

Each year, LMU recognizes outstanding alumni through its 40 Under 40 program, honoring graduates who make a strong impact in their careers and communities before the age of 40. This year, five LMU-CSON graduates earned a place on that list.

LMU’s Family Nurse Practitioner program prepares nurses to lead, diagnose, and deliver care with confidence across diverse settings.

Cara Robinson Stewart earned her Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) from LMU-CSON in 2018 and continues to lead in advancing rural healthcare. She serves as associate chief clinical officer at The Health Wagon, where she delivers patient-centered care and expands access for underserved communities. Stewart has earned 40 Under 40 recognition from Virginia Business Journal (2026) and The Business Journal of Tri-Cities TN/VA (2025) and secured grant funding to improve colon cancer screening in Southwest Virginia. As a double board-certified FNP, she leads innovative care initiatives, including medication-assisted treatment programs and expanded diagnostic services in rural areas. Keep leading the way, Cara!

05/25/2026

Each year, LMU recognizes outstanding alumni through its 40 Under 40 program, honoring graduates who make a strong impact in their careers and communities before the age of 40. This year, five LMU-CSON graduates earned a place on that list.

LMU’s Family Nurse Practitioner program prepares nurses to lead, diagnose, and deliver care with confidence across diverse settings.

Abigail Bunch earned her Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) in 2014, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in 2015, and Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) in 2016 from LMU-CSON and continues to lead in patient-centered care. She serves as a family nurse practitioner at Norwood Family Medicine with Summit Medical, bringing nearly 10 years of experience across primary care, aesthetics, and integrative wellness. Bunch has served as clinical director and lead nurse practitioner at Beautique Medical and Anti-Aging and is co-founding a direct primary care practice set to launch in 2027. She combines evidence-based care with a holistic approach to improve long-term health and well-being for her patients. Cheers to your success, Abigail!

05/22/2026

Congratulations to Kylee Owensby on graduating from LMU’s ABSN program! Kylee is heading into the operating room at Parkwest, where she will put her skills into action and support patients through critical moments. Her calm focus and commitment to care set her up for a strong start in the OR. We are proud to be part of her journey!

05/21/2026

Congratulations to Blake Craven on graduating from LMU’s ABSN program in May 2026. Blake is taking her skills to UT Emergency and Trauma. As a retired member of the military, she brings strength, focus, and real-world experience to every patient she serves. We are proud to be part of her journey as she steps into this next mission!

05/21/2026

Important reading on the future of nursing education and workforce trends. We’re proud to prepare compassionate, highly skilled nurses ready to meet evolving healthcare needs. 🩺

Becky Peterson graduated this month with a degree that paves the way for her to examine patients, prescribe medication and make diagnoses, just like a physician. But she won’t be Dr. Peterson, and her graduate program took just two years.

Instead, she is becoming a nurse practitioner, a good-paying job that is also the fastest-growing field in healthcare.

“There is a place for medical-school doctors, and a place for nurse practitioners. And all of us are trying to do the same thing, which is meet the needs of people who need help,” said Peterson, who graduated from a University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill program and lives in Morrisville, N.C.

These days, heading to the doctor’s office often doesn’t involve a doctor. At least not directly. Instead, nurse practitioners have become major gap fillers, growing their ranks by 60% to 461,000 between 2019 and 2025, data from the American Association of Nurse Practitioners show.

Physician assistants who can fill similar roles are also in high demand, as are other non-MD health providers. They are all part of a broader trend to push basic care beyond the doctor’s office.

🔗 Read more: https://on.wsj.com/4uPboR4

05/20/2026

May is Older Americans Month: a time to celebrate the wisdom and impact of older adults in our communities. 💙
We’re proud to honor Dr. Sandra McGuire, former Assistant Dean and professor in LMU’s Caylor School of Nursing, whose generous gift establishes a permanent endowment for the Growing Up and Growing Older: Books for Young Readers program. Her legacy continues to inspire across generations. 📚
https://www.lmunet.edu/news/2026/05/bookendowment

05/20/2026

Congratulations to Dee McCroskey, and instructor at our Knoxville campus, on receiving a DAISY award! We're so proud to have exemplary nurses like Dee shaping the next generation of healthcare providers.

The DAISY Award recognizes nurses who go above and beyond to provide compassionate, patient-centered care. Patients, families, and colleagues submit nominations to honor nurses who make a lasting impact during some of life’s most challenging moments.