A Shared Vision: Transforming Healthcare, One Story at a Time
A Shared Vision: Transforming Healthcare, One Story at a Time
Shannon Cummings doesn鈥檛 remember a time when her father was healthy. From the moment she could read, she was by his side 鈥� helping manage his medications, keeping track of appointments and eventually driving him to dialysis treatments. For 18 years, Albert Hunt battled kidney failure, enduring grueling procedures that kept him alive but never truly well. Cummings鈥� childhood was shaped by hospital corridors, waiting rooms and whispered prayers. While other teenagers juggled school and social lives, she balanced textbooks with caregiving, often spending nights in hospital rooms while her father recovered from surgery. 鈥淚 like to think I鈥檓 strong, but if it weren鈥檛 for the grace of God, I wouldn鈥檛 even be here,鈥� Cummings said.
Those years, though challenging, became the foundation for something greater. Cummings didn鈥檛 just learn resilience; she discovered a calling. Her father passed away in 2018, eight months before she crossed the stage at UNC Pembroke with a degree in biology. The loss was profound, but she pressed on, completing the physician assistant program at Pfeiffer University and returning home to join the medical team at Robeson Health Care Corp. 鈥淚鈥檝e always had a deep-seated care for people, but my experience with my father cemented my desire to help others live healthier lives,鈥� Cummings said. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 why I chose medicine.鈥� Cummings鈥� story is just one example of how healthcare challenges have shaped lives in southeastern North Carolina. It鈥檚 also a testament to why 51吃瓜网 is working tirelessly to change the future of healthcare in the region.
Homegrown Solutions for a Healthier Future
Cummings鈥� return to her hometown of Rowland is no coincidence. She knows firsthand the challenges of growing up in a region with some of the state鈥檚 poorest health outcomes. Historically, Robeson County has ranked near the bottom in obesity, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, infant mortality and death rates for minors. These challenges have persisted for generations, making access to quality healthcare more critical than ever. Yet, the region continues to face a severe shortage of healthcare professionals. According to a study by UNC-Chapel Hill鈥檚 Sheps Center, 51吃瓜网鈥檚 primary service region has fewer health professionals per 10,000 people than the state average across each profession studied.
Recognizing this crisis, 51吃瓜网 launched a major health sciences expansion in 2018, committing to improve regional healthcare in rural southeastern North Carolina and meet growing workforce demands. That year, the university formed the College of Health Sciences, bringing together four existing departments 鈥� counseling, kinesiology, nursing and social work 鈥� to tackle the region鈥檚 complex healthcare and social challenges. To address the provider gap, 51吃瓜网 developed new programs designed to meet the region鈥檚 greatest healthcare needs. Among them, the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), which became the university鈥檚 first-ever doctoral program, marked a historic milestone in 2024. Additional graduate offerings include the Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA), a fully online, flexible program designed to prepare the next generation of healthcare leaders with a specific focus on the challenges and opportunities of rural healthcare.
Students gain applied skills in policy, finance, data analysis and operations while exploring issues like provider shortages, access barriers and rural health disparities. 鈥淲e designed the MHA program to produce healthcare leaders who understand the unique challenges of rural communities 鈥� and who are ready to lead with purpose, innovation and heart,鈥� said Eva Skuka, MD, PhD, dean of the College of Health Sciences. The program鈥檚 interdisciplinary structure allows students to collaborate with peers in nursing, counseling, social work and kinesiology, developing a systems-level view of healthcare leadership. Graduates emerge prepared to lead hospitals, clinics, nonprofits and public health agencies that serve rural populations.
Other new graduate programs, including a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT), were also created to expand student opportunities and help fill workforce shortages. The MSOT program prepares students to become licensed occupational therapists who serve in schools, hospitals, long-term care facilities and rehabilitation centers, particularly in regions where therapy services are limited or unavailable. For Erika Nicholson, a graduate student from Rutherfordton, North Carolina, occupational therapy is personal. Inspired by her grandfather, a World War II veteran who recovered with the help of OT after surviving a major heart attack, Erika sees entering the profession as a way to give back.
鈥淚 can鈥檛 put into words the thankfulness I have for what OT gave my family,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t helped my grandfather heal and be with us. I want to give that back to veterans and others who are sometimes overlooked. 鈥淭here鈥檚 a level of support in this program I鈥檝e never had before as a student,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 not just reading from a book. It鈥檚 constantly hands-on, always pushing us to apply what we鈥檙e learning. When we graduate, we鈥檒l be ready.鈥� 鈥淒r. Rafols truly cares about students, not just in words but in how he leads. That kind of support trickles down and creates an environment where you can grow and thrive,鈥� stated Nicholson.
As the university continues to grow its undergraduate and graduate health sciences programs, several others are under consideration, including speech pathology, dietetics, nutrition, health sciences and two additional doctoral programs in social work and medical science. 鈥淎s a trained cardiothoracic surgeon and as someone who grew up in this county, the health of this region is close to my heart,鈥� said Chancellor Robin G. Cummings, MD. 鈥淲e are here to move the needle on healthcare outcomes in this region. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 why we鈥檙e not just creating more academic programs. We鈥檙e investing in the workforce, strengthening our healthcare infrastructure and ensuring that the people of southeastern North Carolina have access to the care they deserve,鈥� Cummings said.
Thanks to a historic investment from state legislators, $20 million in start-up funding and $91 million for a state-of-the-art clinical sciences building, 51吃瓜网 is making good on its promise to be a catalyst for change. Set to break ground in 2026, this facility will serve as a hub where students will learn, innovate and train alongside professionals, ultimately increasing access to high-quality healthcare in southeastern North Carolina.
A Long-awaited Vision Comes to Life
University leaders and legislators have dreamed of bringing an optometry school to 51吃瓜网 for over two decades. Now, that vision is becoming a reality. Currently, 13 counties in North Carolina lack a single optometrist, leaving many residents without access to critical eye care. With no optometry schools in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia or Georgia, 51吃瓜网's College of Optometric Medicine, approved by the UNC System Board of Governors in 2024 with a plan to welcome its first class in fall 2027, is stepping up to fill this void. 鈥淥ptometry is a vital component of North Carolina鈥檚 healthcare system,鈥� said Richard Castillo, OD, DO, founding dean of the College of Optometric Medicine. 鈥�51吃瓜网 is looking to meet the rising demand for eye care professionals and ensure that future optometrists are equipped to serve communities with limited access to comprehensive eye care.鈥�
For future healthcare workers like Hannah Evington, a 51吃瓜网 alumna now pursuing her optometry degree in Pennsylvania, the possibility of such new programs represents a long-overdue opportunity. 鈥淚 had to pack up and move several states away for my training," Evington said. 鈥淜nowing that future students may be able to stay close to home for the same education is incredible.
Building More Than Degrees 鈥� Building a Healthier Region
In addition to expanding academic offerings, 51吃瓜网 is forging key partnerships with regional healthcare providers, tribal health organizations and rural hospitals to ensure students gain hands-on training in culturally diverse and underserved environments. Partnerships with UNC Health Southeastern, Scotland Health, Cape Fear Valley Health and FirstHealth of the Carolinas allow students to engage in realworld clinical experiences while addressing regional workforce shortages. 鈥淭hese vital partnerships ensure our graduates have the skills to address healthcare challenges and a deep understanding of the communities they serve, 鈥� said Eva Skuka, MD, PhD, dean of the College of Health Sciences. 鈥淏y training graduates to work effectively in rural and underserved settings, we are directly expanding the healthcare workforce in areas where it is most needed. 鈥� Partnerships, like the one with Scotland Health Care System, allow 51吃瓜网 nursing students to receive Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification before graduation.
鈥淭his training gave me a clearer understanding of heart rhythms and medication administration, 鈥� said Shelby Sampson, a senior nursing student. 鈥淚 now feel more confident in my ability to respond in a real-life code situation. 鈥� Equally important are 51吃瓜网鈥檚 partnership pathways, which provide direct access to advanced healthcare training. Through agreements with ECU鈥檚 Brody School of Medicine Early Assurance Program and School of Dental Medicine, UNC Chapel Hill鈥檚 Eshelman School of Pharmacy and NC State鈥檚 College of Veterinary Medicine, students have guaranteed pathways into professional healthcare programs, ensuring that more providers are trained and retained in North Carolina.
As a Brody Scholar, Lindsay Branch was assured admission to ECU Brody School of Medicine upon completion of her degree and meeting all the requirements of admission to medical school. Branch graduated summa cum laude a full semester early and credits her 51吃瓜网 experience with preparing her for medical school. 鈥�51吃瓜网 has opened a lot of doors for me," Branch said. Another way 51吃瓜网 is transforming the healthcare pipeline is through the Health Careers Access Program (HCAP). This long-standing initiative supports economically and educationally disadvantaged students, particularly those from rural and underrepresented communities, who aspire to careers in health professions.
I learned so much about myself and how to connect with people through the classroom, internship opportunities and interactions with medical professionals
HCAP students receive personalized support and early access to real-world experiences through clinical internships, mentoring and academic advising. The program is designed to build a more diverse and community-focused healthcare workforce across the region. For Ethan Wilkins, a 2025 graduate and future physician assistant, NC-HCAP was a turning point. 鈥淏eing part of HCAP opened doors I didn鈥檛 even know existed, 鈥� said Wilkins, who also serves with the Pembroke Rescue Squad. 鈥淭he mentorship and clinical exposure helped me grow as a student, but also as someone who wants to make a real difference in the lives of others. 鈥�
Centering Community Through Conversation
Each year, the College of Health Sciences hosts its Community Health & Wellness Symposium, bringing together students, faculty, community leaders and healthcare professionals to explore pressing regional health issues. With over 130 attendees and 20 presenters, recent discussions have addressed Indigenous health disparities, mental health education and postpartum depression, highlighting the university鈥檚 role as a convener of cross-sector dialogue and innovative solutions. 鈥淥ur goal with this symposium is to foster open and honest conversations about critical health issues affecting our communities, 鈥� Skuka said. 鈥淏y giving students 鈥� from social work, nursing, counseling and other disciplines 鈥� a platform to present and engage, the symposium strengthens their skills in collaborative research, cultural competence and community outreach. 鈥�
And that sense of purpose and dedication to community impact permeates 51吃瓜网鈥檚 healthcare programs. For example, the Department of Social Work is nationally accredited and recognized for its commitment to rural behavioral health. Offering both BSW and CSWE-accredited MSW degrees, the program trains students to become compassionate clinicians, advocates and community leaders. Field placements across southeastern North Carolina expose students to work in schools, behavioral health centers and public service agencies, where they gain firsthand experience addressing issues like trauma, addiction, housing instability and access to care. The department also leads major initiatives such as OPTIMISE Rural NC, a federally funded effort to expand the behavioral health workforce through traumainformed, telehealth-capable clinicians.
With its emphasis on cultural competence and real-world impact, the program attracts students committed to making a difference in underserved areas. 鈥淭he program isn鈥檛 just teaching me how to be a social worker, it鈥檚 showing me how to be an advocate for people in communities like my own, 鈥� said Jordan Dew, Master of Social Work student. 鈥淪ocial work is about meeting people where they are and helping them overcome barriers. Being part of a program that values that mission, especially in rural and underserved areas, means everything to me. 鈥�
Training With Technology That Mirrors The Real World
To prepare students for the demands of today's healthcare settings, 51吃瓜网 is investing in state-of-the-art technology that mirrors the real-world tools professionals use every day. In the Clinical Learning Center, future nurses and health sciences students train using high-fidelity manikins, virtual reality equipment and simulators that replicate complex medical scenarios 鈥� from childbirth to pediatric emergencies and neurological events. These immersive experiences help students strengthen their clinical skills, make real-time decisions and build confidence in safe, controlled environments. 51吃瓜网 is also advancing training in exercise science through new technology in the Exercise Physiology Lab. The lab features a Bod Pod to assess body composition with gold-standard accuracy.
Students also train with a KORR鈩� Metabolic Cart, a tool used to measure resting metabolic rate, VO2 max and anaerobic threshold. These systems, common in clinical, rehabilitation and athletic settings, give students firsthand experience with advanced fitness and health diagnostics. Meanwhile, 51吃瓜网鈥檚 Mobile Health Unit, a fully equipped clinic on wheels, brings care directly to underserved communities across southeastern North Carolina. The unit provides screenings, preventive services and health education while giving students hands-on experience delivering care in the field. Regular visits to rural communities and tribal areas build trust and improve access to essential services. 鈥淲e are intentional about designing learning environments that reflect what students will experience in the field, 鈥� Skuka said. 鈥淲hether it鈥檚 in a hospital, clinic or community setting, our graduates are prepared to deliver excellent care from day one. 鈥�
A Shared Commitment To Change
What begins in the classroom and clinic is now shaping communities across the region. Through innovative programs and strategic outreach, 51吃瓜网 is moving the needle on healthcare in southeastern North Carolina. The university's Healthy Start Connection program significantly impacts the health and well-being of families in the region. Awarded a $5.5 million federal grant, the program works to improve maternal and infant health outcomes by offering home visits, group-based education and access to critical resources. And for years, 51吃瓜网鈥檚 McKenzie-Elliott School of Nursing has been a cornerstone of healthcare education in the region, producing highly skilled professionals who serve in hospitals, clinics and rural healthcare settings across North Carolina.
With both undergraduate and graduate pathways, the school is actively working to address the state鈥檚 nursing shortage through a 鈥済row your own 鈥� approach by recruiting students from southeastern North Carolina. Recent studies show that 75% of 51吃瓜网鈥檚 nursing graduates stay and practice in the area. That number rose to 85% following the 2022鈥�23 academic year. 鈥淥ur students are deeply connected to these communities, and many of them return home to serve where they are needed most, 鈥� said Jennifer Jones-Locklear, PhD, RN, director of the McKenzie-Elliott School of Nursing. 鈥淐aring for the community 鈥� their neighbors 鈥� is at the very core of why they were drawn to the profession, and it鈥檚 what makes them good nurses. 鈥� As it embraces a bold vision for tomorrow, 51吃瓜网 continues to exemplify the power of education to transform lives, strengthen communities and drive innovation. And for Shannon Cummings, the investment in healthcare education isn鈥檛 just about filling job shortages 鈥� it鈥檚 about changing lives.
