As the coordinator of Southside Virginia Community College’s Nursing Simulation Lab, Billi Jo Wilkinson was initially hesitant about pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. However, after her dean suggested the program and mentioned that her colleagues would be joining Northern Kentucky University’s DNP program as a group, Wilkinson decided to take the leap.

"The dean of our program and I were on our way to do inventory when she asked if I wanted to go back to school," Wilkinson recalls. "I immediately said, 'No, I do not.' Then she mentioned they were all planning to do it as a group. I thought about it and trusted that she had done her homework, so I followed her lead."

Enrolling in the NKU DNP program became an opportunity for both professional and personal growth. Wilkinson found particular value in the leadership course, which enhanced her organizational skills and prepared her to step into leadership roles with confidence.

The program gave Wilkinson a deeper understanding of the research process, equipping her with the skills to turn her ideas into actionable projects. One such idea was a devotional she had considered publishing, inspired by her family’s experience with addiction. She had documented their journey as a way to give back, hoping to offer hope and support to others facing similar challenges.

“When this opportunity came along, I began to wonder if I was meant to write and publish something on addiction—not just to share our story but also to establish credibility as both a writer and a researcher,” she says.

Despite facing personal challenges during the program, Wilkinson found support in her colleagues, which she credits as instrumental to her success."I’m not sure I could have made it through without their support," she shares. "I have two children, one of whom has high-functioning autism. During the program, my younger son, who was six at the time, was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome, and we spent seven days in the ICU. Despite everything, my coworkers were there to help me stay on track. I kept telling myself, ‘I’ll keep going as long as it’s manageable. If it becomes too much, I’ll stop.’ Fortunately, it all worked out in the end."

Her perseverance, along with the support of her colleagues, culminated in a meaningful pre-commencement celebration.

"I really enjoyed meeting Dr. Benton Lee and other mentors I had connected with throughout the program," she says. "I didn’t walk for my RN, my bachelor’s, or my master’s degrees, so this was the first ceremony I participated in since high school. It was a day I will never forget."