UNC Pembroke alumna Mary Crichton recently earned a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree from Frontier Nursing University in Kentucky.

Her DNP quality initiative was entitled "Effective Diabetes Care in a Rural Patient-Centered Medical Home Using American Diabetes Association Guidelines."

A native of Rockingham, Crichton also holds a Master of Science in Nursing from Frontier University, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from UNCP and an associate degree in nursing from Sandhills Community College.

She recently shared how her UNCP experience prepared her for success during her academic journey.

"Dr. Cherry Beasley was my advisor and role model. She taught through example that lifelong learning increases your clinical and critical thinking skills, which opens the door to additional opportunities to improve public health."

Crichton currently works as a family nurse practitioner in Brunswick County, N.C.