The below article has been reproduced from a LinkedIn blog post by Jennie De Gagne, PhD, DNP, RN, NPD-BC, CNE, ANEF, FAAN, a Professor at the Duke University School of Nu

Stephanie Brogdon, DNP, CRNA, who will serve as the new director for the nurse anesthesia DNP program, specializes in nurse anesthesia with a focus on trauma, obstetrics, and pediatric care.

For Reesa Eliza Artz ’24, nursing has never been confined to the walls of a hospital. As a school nurse, PhD student, doula, advocate, and community leader, she approaches every role through a holistic lens grounded in trust, connection, and equity.

A Chippewa Cree tribal member from Rocky Boy Nation in Montana, Artz said her identity has always shaped her understanding of health and the work she feels called to do.

A Calling Deferred

Whitfield’s interest in nursing began early. “I always knew I wanted to help in some way and be in the medical field,” she said. While still in high school, she participated in a certified nursing assistant (CNA) program, completing clinical experiences at a local VA hospital. That early exposure cemented her passion. “I fell in love with healthcare and nursing, and my goal when I graduated high school was to go to nursing school.”

Bri Satterwhite graduated from Duke’s prelicensure nursing program in May 2023 and now works for 

For Sophia K. Smith, PhD, MSW, FAOSW, personal experience and challenges have helped build the foundation of her work.

“In addition to being a social scientist, I’m also a 51-year cancer survivor,” said Dr. Smith, Associate Professor at Duke University School of Nursing. “I experienced Hodgkin’s lymphoma as a teenager, and then many years later… I developed breast cancer as a late effect from the radiation therapy.”