When Dr. Lakeshia Yarbrough walked into Murray State University to begin the fall semester, the moment felt almost unreal.
In July, she accepted the role of Assistant Professor of Nursing at the very university where her own medical education began.
“To return to my alma mater, not just as a two-time graduate, but now as a faculty member, felt like a full-circle blessing,” Dr. Yarbrough said.
Dr. Yarbrough graduated from Huntingdon High School in 2002, and later attended Murray State University (MSU).
She said that her time as a student at MSU “shaped me as both a nurse and a leader.”
In 2010, she graduated from Murray State with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and in 2021, she earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice- Family Nurse Practitioner degree.
Dr. Yarbrough began her career as a Family Nurse Practitioner at Hometown Health Clinic, and later moved into specialty practice at the Cardiovascular Clinic of West Tennessee.
Both roles, she said, helped prepare her for the next chapter of guiding future nurses.
“Stepping into the role of Assistant Professor of Nursing was an emotional reminder of how perseverance, faith, and hard work can open doors we once only dreamed about,” Dr. Yarbrough said.
Now, with the title of professor, she hopes to instill those same lessons in her students.
“My advice to anyone pursuing a healthcare profession is to embrace the journey with both grit and grace,” she said. “The medical profession is demanding, but it is also one of the most rewarding callings.”
For Dr. Yarbrough, compassion is at the heart of nursing.
“Patients don’t just need your knowledge; they need your compassion,” she said. “You’ll learn procedures and protocols, but never forget that your patients are human beings who need your kindness, patience, and respect.”
She also encourages her students to stay anchored to their purpose.
“Most importantly, hold tight to your ‘why,’ the reason you chose this profession, because it will keep you grounded when the road gets difficult,” she said. “Your purpose will give you strength. Believe in yourself, and remember, you have what it takes to succeed.”
For the Huntingdon native, the opportunity to teach at Murray State is more than just a professional achievement, it is a blessing, and a chance to give back to the very place that helped shape her calling.
This new chapter also serves as something of a family milestone for Dr. Yarbrough.
She noted that her first day as nursing faculty coincided with her son Jaylon’s first day of his senior year at Murray State, where he is majoring in psychology.
She said in a social post, “Two journeys. One campus. Generational prayers answered.”
To see the result of strong faith, hard work, determination, and resilience is grateness in motion . Visible in your life that stem from your mother’s nurturing and love to encourage you by example , that all things are possible. Keeping God first is the key . So happy for you and proud of you too, I applaud you Lakeshia Yarbrough.
Thank you for your kind words. 💙💛
What an inspiration you are to so many! Congratulations on all your hard work and achievements!! You are so worthy & I will lift you up in my daily prayers. An additional congrats for raising a fine young man who’ll make a difference in this world!!
Thank you for your thoughts and most importantly, your prayers. They are needed and much appreciated!💙💛