Millennium Magazine_5th Ed

226 Millennium - A Marquis Who’s Who Magazine G lenda Hightower was the first African American student to enroll at Elon University in 1963. Ms. Hightower’s parents taught her to not focus on racism despite the heightened social climate, and they encouraged her to pursue a college education. Although she did not receive her degree from Elon after falling ill, she was later able to attend the University of Iowa. Ms. Hightower graduated in 1979 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and was in the top five of her class. She was only one of three African American students. Before receiving her nursing degree, Ms. Hightower worked in publishing. She was an editor at the American Personnel and Guidance Association from 1968 to 1971 and at the American Council on Education from 1971 to 1972. She was also managing editor of the Hemisphere Publishing Company from 1972 to 1974. Although happy with her endeavors, Ms. Hightower kept her eyes on obtaining a degree. After graduating from the University of Iowa, Ms. Hightower has been a nurse at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina, since 1980. She is certified in nephrology, venipuncture and wound care. Additionally, Ms. Hightower is a member of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, the American Nephrology Nurses Association, the North Carolina Nurses Association, Sigma Theta Tau and Chi Eta Phi. Ms. Hightower’s duties do not just end at the hospital. She is currently part of the Homemakers Club of America, where she does craft projects and collects food for the needy for neighborhood charities. She also volunteers for the American Cancer Society, National Kidney Foundation and the local Democratic campaign center. Of all her paths, Ms. Hightower’s greatest career highlight was receiving an honorary doctorate from Elon University. This degree is to honor and pay respects to her continued pursuit to finish her degree and the dedication she applies to her patients and community. GLENDA HIGHTOWER NEPHROLOGY AND CRITICAL CARE NURSE Durham VA Medical Center Burlington, NC HEALTH AND WELLNESS