EKU Rural Health Family Nurse Practitioner Program

Congratulations to Cassidy Wheatley, MSN, FNP-C, Class of 2026, for passing the national certification exam! We are proud of you, Cassidy!

Please join me in congratulating, Catrina Ray, Class of 2026!

My name is Catrina Ray and I am from Pikeville, KY. I am so excited to be graduating from the EKU FNP program, and I plan to practice close to home.

The last 2.5 years have been challenging to say the least, but I could not have done it without my family and friends. A special thank you to my husband, Virgil, who has pushed me when I wanted to give up and supported me every step of the way. To my boys and their wives, Jonathan, Lauren, Luke, and Kassidy, thank you for believing in me. Also, thank you to my parents who have always encouraged and supported me.

This program has been challenging and rewarding at the same time. It has pushed me past all my expectations. I am thankful for the experience and the professors who have guided us along the way.

Finally, thank you to my Heavenly Father. Without him none of this would be possible.

Please join me in congratulating, Meghanne Lee, Class of 2026!

Living and working in North Mississippi, I chose EKU for its flexibility and focus on rural healthcare—and it truly exceeded every expectation. It was a rigorous and rewarding program that perfectly fit my learning and work style. This program was phenomenal!

To all of my instructors- thank you for pouring your time, knowledge, and patience into me. I leave this program not just with a degree, but with confidence.

Moving forward, I plan to stay in North Mississippi and serve the people in the community through patient-centered, high-quality care.

To everyone who walked this journey with me—thank you. I am so grateful for each of you and for the ways God worked through you to help me succeed. I will carry this with me always. May God bless you richly.

My Preceptors: Each one of you challenged me, refined me and prepared me for real practice!
Dr. Brown – Thank you for sharing your vast knowledge and excellence in family medicine.
Linda Garrett, FNP – Your kindness and love for patients left a lasting impact on me.
Alan Easter, FNP – Your practical approach to impossible situations taught me a lot!

My Support System
Amy J – Thank you for a schedule that made this possible and for teaching me so much about leadership.
Candice – Your encouragement in both work and school meant so much.
Ashley P – Thank you for your dependability and for always stepping in when I needed it most.
Marthe – Thank you for your generosity—you always seem to know exactly what someone needs.
Marsie & Daniel – Your support and encouragement meant everything.
Barbara – Thank you for all the delicious meals that carried me through long days.
Lita & Miss Sylvia – Your prayers have been powerful and deeply felt.
David Lee – I couldn’t have done this without you. Every sacrifice, every meal, every moment—thank you for being my greatest support.
And most importantly, Jesus—may Your name receive all the glory.

Please join me in congratulating, Destini Watts, Class of 2026!

Destini lives in Georgetown, Kentucky.

Her practice site after graduation: Lexington VA Primary Care - FNP resident.

I have been an RN for eight years, having worked in the hospital setting (primarily med-surg tele/step-down units), and have also worked in occupational health at Toyota Manufacturing of Kentucky.

I am married to my wonderful husband, David, and together we have two sons, Owen (11) and Lucas (6). I would like to thank my husband for helping me achieve my goals. Without his love and support, I do not think I would have made it this far.

I would also like to take the time out to thank all of our professors at EKU for their hard work in ensuring that we receive a quality education. I primarily chose EKU due to its focus on Rural Health as I grew up in Eastern Kentucky (Hyden). EKU has adequately prepared me to become a successful Family Nurse Practitioner, and I am very thankful to have received such a great education while staying close to home.

Congratulations to Ally Kirk, MSN, FNP-C, Class of 2025, for passing the national certification exam!
We are proud of you, Ally!

Congratulations to Joana Ramirez, MSN, FNP-BC, Class of 2025, for passing the national certification exam! We are proud of you, Joana! 🥳

Congratulations to Whitni Boggs, MSN, FNP-C, Class of 2025, for passing the national certification exam! 🎉
We are proud of you, Whitni!