8 earn Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees from WSSU
Bottom row (from left): Francisca Odemelam, Rodrike Roberts and Trishonda Shackleford. (Not pictured: Adolf Malik)
Meet the Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) Division of Nursing’s newest doctors.
Eight nurse scholars have earned their Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and will receive their hoods during the 2019 Commencement Ceremony on May 10.
Of the graduates, six earned a previous nursing degree from WSSU. Each of the graduate’s final project focused on areas of healthcare disparities, a focus of WSSU’s School of Health Sciences and in alignment with the university’s strategic plan.
- Komlanvi Avegno, a native of Togo who now lives in Greensboro, earned a BSN from Queen’s University. Final project: “Evaluating a Telephone and Home Blood Pressure Monitoring Intervention to Improve Blood Pressure Control and Self-Care Behaviors in Adults with Low- Socioeconomics Status.”
- Kassidy Burr, of Benson, earned a BSN from UNC Pembroke. Final Project: “Evaluating Ten Top Tips Brief Dietary and Physical Activity Counseling in Rural Overweight and Obese Adults”.
- Alexis Chicas Hamilton, of Forest City, earned a BSN from University of North Carolina at Charlotte and MSN from WSSU. Final project: “An Evaluation of Parent's Self-Efficacy and Healthy Habits in Prevention of Childhood Obesity at a Rural Pediatric Clinic
- Adolf Vee Malik, a native of Liberia who now lives in Durham, earned a master of nursing (MSN-DNP) and post-master’s FNP from WSSU. Final project: “Impact of Group Visits on Hypertension Management and Self-Efficacy in a Primary Care Clinic.”
- Janece Moore, of Fayetteville, earned a BSN and MSN from WSSU. Final project: “Implementation of the Five A’s Model of Weight Loss to Primary Care.”
- Francisca Odemelam, a native of Nigeria who now lives in Greensboro, earned a BSN from WSSU. Final project: “The Effects of Phone Coaching on Self-Blood Pressure Management among African-American Adults.”
- Rodrike Q. Roberts, of Laurinburg, earned a BSN from WSSU. Final project: “Evaluating the Impact of using Social Media Support Groups and Pedometer Based Smartphone Application on Physical Activity and BMI in Overweight College Students.”
- Trishonda Butts Shackleford, of Charlotte, earned a BSN from WSSU. Final project: “Implementation of an Interactive Group Session and Telephone Counseling to Reduce Risky Sexual Behaviors among Young Adults Ages 18 to 24 Years.”
The DNP program, one of two doctoral programs at WSSU, launched in 2013. It prepares nurses to become clinical leaders in healthcare and academic settings and to implement evidence-based healthcare practice.
WSSU offers one of the largest and most comprehensive nursing programs in North Carolina. For more information, please visit the Division of Nursing website.
This is one of a series of articles highlighting WSSU's Class of 2019.
About Winston-Salem State University
Winston-Salem State University fosters the creative thinking, analytical problem-solving, and depth of character needed to transform the world. Rooted in liberal education, WSSU’s curriculum prepares students to be thought leaders who have the skills and knowledge needed to develop innovative solutions to complex problems. Founded in 1892, WSSU is a historically Black constituent institution of the University of North Carolina with a rich tradition of contributing to the social, cultural, intellectual, and economic growth of North Carolina, the region and beyond. Guided by the motto, “Enter to Learn, Depart to Serve,” WSSU develops leaders who advance social justice by serving the world with compassion and commitment.
