• W.E. Manning Memorial Scholarship Recipient •

Strengthening Rural Health Care Through Leadership, Education and Advocacy

When asked how best to describe herself in the fewest possible words, Misty Passmore has no problems finding the answer.

"I am a nurse."

Passmore, 48, intends to further develop her expertise in nursing leadership and health care policy by earning a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from the University of Arkansas. She plans to graduate in 2029.

"After I earn my DNP and become a nurse practitioner, I hope to work in one of the clinics down here," she said. "We are a rather poor, rural community. We don't have a lot of facilities or doctors. I think the only thing that really keeps this little town running is we have a major chicken processing plant. People move here from out of state to work there, but we don't have enough physicians or anything to facilitate care."

Passmore works as director of nursing at a skilled nursing facility, a facility that can provide up to 120 patients with long-term care. She uses her leadership position to take a proactive approach to protecting both patients and staff. Her passion for health care leadership and patient advocacy drives her to excel in the areas of health care policy, quality improvement, and infection control.

"One of my most impactful projects was leading a quality improvement initiative aimed at increasing PPE [personal protective equipment] compliance in COVID-positive rooms, which improved staff adherence from 70% to 95% within three months," she recalled. "This experience reinforced my commitment to implementing evidence-based practices that enhance patient safety and nursing efficiency."

Throughout her nursing career, Passmore has actively volunteered in various health care-related initiatives, including community health fairs, where she provides health screenings and patient education. Additionally, she mentors promising young nursing students, offering guidance and encouragement to those navigating the challenges of nursing school.

"My experiences as both a caregiver for my late mother, who had spina bifida, and a mentor for fellow nurses have solidified my belief in the power of support, education, and advocacy to improve health care outcomes," she said.

Once she first earned her registered nursing license in 2016, Passmore decided to go all the way through and become a nurse practitioner. Having earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, also online from the U of A, in December 2024, Passmore entered the online DNP program in the fall of 2025.

"Education has always been a cornerstone of my personal and professional growth," Passmore said. "As a registered nurse who recently graduated with my BSN, I believe I demonstrate a strong commitment to academic excellence, community service, and professional leadership."

One of the most meaningful aspects of feeling connected within the Razorback community, Passmore said, is a shared sense of purpose and commitment among students and faculty. Whether through academic collaborations, student organizations, or social events, the opportunity to interact with individuals who share similar goals fosters a sense of unity for her.

"In my own experience, connecting with classmates in my nursing program has been invaluable," she said. "We support one another through the challenges of coursework, celebrate each other's successes, and encourage perseverance when times are tough. These relationships make the journey more rewarding and reinforce the idea that none of us are alone in our pursuit of excellence."

For Passmore, another critical element of her academic experience is the feeling of support she gets knowing that resources and people are available who genuinely care about her success and well-being.

"The faculty and mentors within my program have played a significant role in my journey, providing guidance, encouragement, and constructive feedback," she said. "Being part of the university's student support programs has reassured me that I have a network of professionals and peers who can help me navigate challenges. Support also comes from family and friends, who remind me that I am capable and resilient. This sense of support has given me confidence to push forward, even when faced with obstacles."

Passmore is one of 35 recipients of the W.E. Manning Memorial Scholarship for online U of A students for the 2025-2026 academic year. The scholarship began with small gifts from many people who passionately believe in the transformative power of education. It was created in 2018 to financially assist students who are enrolled in undergraduate and graduate online degree programs.

"My experiences shaped me into a dedicated health care provider and leader and made me a strong candidate for the W.E. Manning Memorial Scholarship," Passmore said. "This scholarship greatly alleviates my financial burden, allows me to pursue advanced education and furthers my impact in health care. For anyone who might qualify for this scholarship, I say to go for it, even though you think that you might not have a good enough story. You never know who might be listening, and you just might make your way through. Even if you feel like you're undeserving, you never know what lies out there. You can apply for everything, even if you think you might not get it, but honestly, you never know."