AtNena Luster-Tucker recently received a fellowship and plans to create an evaluation program for distance education to improve online classes. 
London Taylor/The Lion's Roar

AtNena Luster-Tucker of the university received a fellowship from the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.

“I didn’t think I’d get it,” said Luster-Tucker. “There were five to ten people chosen throughout the nation. I applied to it thinking I wouldn’t get it. It was more for self improvement.”

As part of the fellowship, Luster-Tucker has to complete a leadership project.

“My plans are to create an evaluation program for distance education to improve online classes,” said Luster-Tucker.

Luster-Tucker first started off at a technical college to be a licensed practical nurse. She then received her associate’s degree to become a registered nurse and soon after earned her bachelor’s degree. After earning her first master’s degree as a nurse practitioner, she went to earn her doctorate and a second master degree in nursing education. She then earned her degree of Master of Business Administration at the university.

“I took the scenic route in my journey of nursing,” said Luster-Tucker. “My way of earning my degree was not traditional. I went to nursing school, had two jobs and a family. It took 17 years to reach the point where I am at now.”

Her first job as a faculty member was in Philadelphia at a private university.

“I wanted to teach at Southeastern because I wanted a school that wasn’t too big and made students feel more part of a classroom,” said Luster-Tucker.

Luster-Tucker admitted that she loves teaching, but didn’t expect it as a career.

“Years ago, teaching would have been the last thing on my list,” said Luster-Tucker.

As Luster-Tucker worked as a nurse in clinical care, she was asked to be a critical care educator.

“I didn’t want to do it at first, but then I loved it,” said Luster-Tucker.

Luster-Tucker shared that she owes her success to her mother and children.

“My mother taught me what it means to work hard and be dedicated and my children are constant reminders of why I should do things,” said Luster-Tucker.

Luster-Tucker also mentioned that she recently learned from a fellowship faculty that one educator touches approximately 400,000 patients through their students’ career, which she shared was one of the best things about being an assistant professor.

“One of my best experiences as a clinical nurse was that our clinical instructor met with us every day before clinical,” said Luster-Tucker. “She would say, ‘No matter how bad your day was, when you drive home, just remember that you impacted someone’s life.’”