by SHAYLYNN MARKS
When Jaronda Terrell walked across the stage as the first-ever graduate of Webber International University’s nursing program, she wasn’t just celebrating a personal milestone, she was making history. A first-generation college student, Terrell endured long nights of studying and demanding clinical rotations. Through it all, she persevered with her heart for her mother and her unique experience in mind.
“I actually was leaning more towards occupational therapy,” Terrell shares. “My mom had a stroke in 2018, and just going with her to all her occupational therapy appointments, I was like, this is really cool. I want to be part of people’s lives and help them get better.”
But after discussing her goals with faculty at Webber, she realized she wanted to be more involved in patient care. When she learned about Webber’s brand-new nursing program, she took a leap of faith and never looked back.
Webber International University launched its nursing program in Fall 2022, aiming to address the growing demand for healthcare professionals in Polk County and beyond. Terrell became its first graduate in December 2024 and successfully passed her board exams in February.
Jenafer Garcia, Director of Webber’s Nursing Program, describes Terrell as a model student. “Jaronda is the embodiment of what it means to be a nurse. She exceeded every expectation I have ever had for a nursing student, setting the bar high for those who will follow in her footsteps. She didn’t just meet the standards of our program—she defined them, proving that success in nursing is achieved through academic excellence, compassionate care, and sheer grit.”
During this time, Terell’s life was centered around the complex dynamic of work and life balance. She constantly juggled family responsibilities, rigorous coursework, and long hours of clinical rotations. The sense of community at Webber, she says, was a driving force in her ability to push through tough times and stay motivated.
“It really felt like a family. If I needed help, there was always someone there to guide me. That’s what made a difference,” she says.
Even in those times of doubt and stress, she credits Webber’s close-knit faculty and hands-on approach for preparing her for the real world.
“Webber made sure we were ready. The small class sizes meant we had the support we needed. My professors didn’t just teach, they invested in us,” she says. “It was challenging at first, being the guinea pigs of a new program, but it was also exciting because we got to help shape it.”
As the program’s first graduate, Terrell found herself playing a unique role in shaping the student experience. She and her classmates provided feedback on the program structure, to ensure a solid foundation for future students.
“It was definitely a challenge, but at the same time, it felt good knowing that we were helping to build something meaningful. We got to make an impact for the next group coming in,” Terrell says.
With her degree in hand and her license secured, Terrell is stepping into the workforce with confidence. She has already started a residency program in Progressive Care (PCU), an intermediate step between ICU and medical-surgical nursing, where she hopes to gain experience before eventually pursuing an advanced degree. She plans become a nurse practitioner specializing in mental health, a passion sparked during one of her clinical rotations.
“There’s such a lack of care for people’s psyche. We focus so much on physical health, but what about what’s going on in someone’s mind? I want to be part of the solution.”
Terrell hopes to one day serve as a mentor for aspiring nurses, just as others have mentored her.
“I wouldn’t be here without the people who believed in me. If I can do that for someone else, that would mean everything,” she says.
As Webber continues to grow its program of highly skilled nurses, one thing is certain: Jaronda Terrell has paved the way for them all.