UofL graduate pursues passions for twirling and nursing

UofL senior Morgan Proctor has become a celebrity face in the Cardinal family as the featured baton twirler at campus events and beyond. But her journey as a twirler – and now a nurse is far from over.

In 2018, Proctor won a gold medal at the World Championship in baton twirling in Lillehammer, Norway. On May 10, the Buffalo, N.Y., native will achieve another milestone when she crosses the stage to accept her hard-earned bachelor’s degree in nursing. Proctor became an expert multi-tasker as she tackled nursing school studies, baton twirling for UofL fans and a job at Norton Children’s hospital as a student health care assistant.

As she rotated through different clinicals, her nursing capstone experience took her with the critical care float team where she encountered every unit at Norton Children’s. This helped determine her steps after graduation.

“I fell in love with pediatric care,” said Proctor, who has decided to continue her education through UofL’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program. “I know pediatrics is a very hard job, but I find it gratifying. I’m here to make those kids laugh and make their days a little better.”

Fortunately for Proctor, making the decision to advance her nursing education means continuing to do the things she most treasures.

“I am so grateful that the twirling scholarship I received will pay for the majority of my DNP program – and I can remain for two more years as the featured twirler for UofL.”

The New York native credits the caring and supportive UofL nursing faculty who helped her manage the tough schedule and nursing school curriculum for the past four years. “It’s reassuring knowing that I have adults on my side to help in case I need it or just be there to support me like my family would back home,” Proctor said.

She recognized the impact of one professor, in particular.

“Starting nursing school, I was nervous because it’s intimidating, but then I met Dr. Rebecca Gesler, who recognized me from UofL games as the twirler,” said Proctor. “She has done a lot more for me than she may realize. I knew it was going to be hard, but I’m very grateful that the professors and instructors at the School of Nursing are willing to be not just educators but also support systems.”

As for the future, until at least May 2028, when the nurse is scheduled to complete her Doctor of Nurse Practitioner degree, the UofL community – and the whole community – will continue to benefit from Proctor’s talents as she twirls on the field and provides health care to children.

“It’s going to be tough for sure, but I’m excited to keep going and do what I love.”

Read more about Protor’s UofL journey.