#2024UMMCGrad: School of Nursing’s Carter, Haynes combine nursing, military service

Published on Monday, April 22, 2024

By: Annie Oeth, aoeth@umc.edu

Photos By: Melanie Thortis/ UMMC Communications

University of Mississippi School of Nursing traditional bachelor of science in nursing seniors Raven Carter and Kevin Haynes share a commitment to health care as well as a love of country.

Haynes, who served in the U.S. Air Force as a senior airman until 2016, and Carter, a sergeant in the Army National Guard, will be among students graduating from UMMC during commencement May 24.

Carter, of Benton, has served in the Mississippi Army National Guard for a decade, joining as a high school graduate. She began her service in human resources but moved to licensed practical nursing after graduating from the practical nursing program at Holmes Community College in Ridgeland in 2020.

“I followed in my mother’s footsteps,” Carter said. “She’s an LPN.”

What drew her toward earning a BSN at UMMC was seeing the need for health care in her community.

“I want something better for my community,” she said. “Our health care resources are not the best. People have to drive 30 to 40 miles to get health care.”

Carter said the benefits and travel opportunities of military service also drew her to the Army National Guard. She’s found balancing service with studies manageable in the Guard. “One weekend a month and two weeks a year have left me plenty of time to pursue a BSN.”

Haynes, 34, of Louisville, joined the Air Force after studying pre-medicine at East Central Mississippi Community College, serving as a munitions systems specialist.

“I served all four years stationed in Germany,” he said. “They were the greatest four years of my life. I’ve been to more countries in Europe than I have states in America.”

An interest in health care brought Haynes back to Mississippi, where he studied exercise science at Mississippi University for Women.

“I hadn’t been in school since 2008, so I was older than my classmates,” he said. “I think that maturity made me a better student, though.”

After graduating from The W, Haynes decided to go to nursing school. “I only applied to one – UMMC.”

Haynes and Carter also share an interest in psychiatric nursing, which they hope to pursue after graduation from UMMC.

Carter wants to open a practice in Yazoo County near her hometown.

“After graduation, I want to become a psychiatric nurse practitioner and open a practice close to home, because there are few mental health resources available there.”

Haynes wants to practice as a psychiatric nurse in the metro Jackson area. “I’m interested in working at the Mississippi State Hospital at Whitfield or at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, since I’m a veteran.”

The rigors of nursing school passed by quickly for both traditional BSN students.

“The classes at the School of Nursing are difficult, but I’ve taken harder classes,” Haynes said. “When I was in the middle of a hard class, I would remind myself that I took calculus and organic chemistry and passed those, and then I kept going.”

School of Nursing faculty at UMMC have a passion for the profession that they bring to the classroom and labs, Haynes said, noting that assistant professors Monica White and Dr. Tiffany Griffin played meaningful roles in his education.

“They both present the information in a very relatable way that is easy to understand and remember,” he said. “They also provide great examples from their experiences to help tie the information together. I can see the joy they have for teaching, and they really want their students to succeed.”

Carter said the effort has been worthwhile. “Nursing school has been stressful but rewarding. I’ve picked up new skills, and then the clinical setting is where it all came to life for me.”

Carter’s blend of caring, academics and hard work have made her an excellent nursing student, said nursing instructor Lisa Hosey, a mentor during her studies.

"Raven consistently demonstrates exemplary academic performance throughout her undergraduate studies in the nursing program,” she said. “She possesses a keen intellect, exceptional work ethic and a genuine passion for nursing that is truly inspiring. She approaches every task with dedication, enthusiasm, and a commitment to excellence, which has earned her the respect and admiration of both peers and faculty alike.”

Dr. Keyshawnna “Nikki” Lee, assistant professor of nursing and director of the traditional BSN track, said Haynes’ studious nature and dedication to the profession make him a promising degree candidate.

“Kevin will be a true asset to the nursing profession,” she said. “The most memorable event from his time at the School of Nursing for me was when he was hospitalized but wanted to be released in time to make it to clinical the next day. This speaks to his dedication to completing his education, and I’m sure he will display the same level of dedication when caring for his future patients.”