Dr. Phyllis Morgan’s journey into nursing was anything but conventional. Initially a business major, she discovered her passion for healthcare through a community service initiative that unexpectedly set her on a new path. Today, Dr. Morgan is a distinguished nurse practitioner, researcher, educator, and a driving force in addressing healthcare disparities—especially among Black women. Her dedication to advancing nursing education and community health is evident in her leadership at Walden University, where she helps shape the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Finding Her Calling in Nursing
Dr. Morgan’s introduction to nursing was a moment of serendipity while engaging in a community service project with her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. ®
“We visited a nursing home, spending time with the residents, and at some point, someone asked me, ‘Are you a nursing student?’ I laughed and said, “No, I’m in fashion merchandising.” But they insisted, ‘You seem like a nurse,’” she recalls.
The experience sparked a conversation with her mother, who then revealed that Dr. Morgan’s grandfather had always believed she would become a nurse.
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“By Monday morning, I had changed my major to nursing. And let me tell you—it was the best decision I ever made,” Dr. Morgan adds.
By switching her major to nursing, Dr. Morgan was able to fully embrace what she now considers her true calling.
“When I started nursing school, everything just flowed. Unlike business, which felt like a chore, nursing made sense to me. I knew right away that this was my calling,” Dr. Morgan shares.
Her academic journey led her to Hampton University School of Nursing, a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), where she pursued her master’s degree.
“My professors saw something in me that I hadn’t even seen in myself. ‘You’re not stopping here,’ they told me. ‘You’re going to get your doctorate.’ At first, I laughed. ‘There’s no way I’m doing that.’ But life has a funny way of pushing you toward your purpose,” she adds.
Encouraged by her professors, she continued her education and became the first nursing PhD graduate from an HBCU—a historic achievement that set the stage for her mission to support and mentor others.
“I never imagined I would be the first PhD nursing graduate from a Historically Black College or University (HBCU). Coming from where I did, that just wasn’t something I saw for myself,” Dr. Morgan notes. “When I was young, my parents worked hard. My dad cleaned buildings, and my mom worked various jobs. We didn’t have money for things like preschool, so when I started kindergarten, my teacher told my mother, ‘She’s never going to be as great as the other kids because she didn’t go to pre-K.’ My mother never told me that story until years later—until after I had become a nurse. I was stunned. ‘She really said that about me?’ I asked. Hearing that only fueled me more. No one would define my potential except me.”
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A Commitment to Representation and Equity in Nursing
Dr. Morgan’s work at Walden University is deeply rooted in her belief that representation in healthcare matters. As an institution that graduates a significant number of Black nursing professionals, Walden University provides a platform for addressing systemic inequities in healthcare by preparing diverse professionals who understand the communities they serve.
“Throughout my career, my passion has been addressing health disparities—especially among Black women. I became deeply involved in research because I wanted to understand why African American women were dying from diseases like breast cancer at higher rates than other groups,” Dr. Morgan shares. “At the time, the research focused on fear—on the idea that Black women saw breast cancer as an automatic death sentence. But I had a different question: What about the survivors?”
In search of this answer, Dr. Morgan began speaking to Black breast cancer survivors.
“And you know what I found? They didn’t see it as a death sentence. Instead, they relied on their faith and spirituality to push through their diagnosis. They saw it as a fight, a challenge to overcome—for themselves and their families,” Dr. Morgan notes. “That research changed the way I approached health education. It showed me the power of faith in healthcare, which led me to work more closely with Black churches.”
Her passion for mentoring extends beyond academia. She is dedicated to supporting individuals from underrepresented backgrounds pursuing advanced degrees, ensuring they have the guidance and resources necessary to succeed.
“To whom much is given, much is required,” she says, emphasizing her commitment to lifting others as she climbs.
Beyond breast cancer research, Dr. Morgan has expanded her focus to colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, and mental health.
The Power of Faith-Based Healthcare Initiatives
One of Dr. Morgan’s most effective strategies for addressing health disparities is partnering with Black churches. She recognizes that in many Black communities, churches are not just places of worship but also centers of trust and support.
“If you want to reach the Black community, you have to meet people where they are. And where are they? In the church,” she notes. “Research supports what we already know—faith plays a major role in Black communities. That’s why I integrate faith-based approaches into my health initiatives. For example, when I implemented breast health education programs, I didn’t just provide medical facts. I also shared scripture about the importance of taking care of one’s body.”
By integrating health education with spiritual teachings, she has successfully encouraged more people to prioritize screenings and preventive care.
“That’s what makes a real difference. If Black people see health education as part of their spiritual journey, they’re more likely to act on it,” Dr. Morgan adds.
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What Healthcare Institutions Must Do to Improve Equity
Dr. Morgan stresses that healthcare institutions must rebuild trust in communities by investing in health equity initiatives. This means bringing diverse voices to the decision-making table and ensuring that healthcare professionals reflect the populations they serve.
Research has shown that patients are more likely to trust and adhere to treatment plans when they are cared for by professionals who share their racial and cultural backgrounds. Dr. Morgan advocates for greater representation at all levels of healthcare, from local clinics to national policymaking bodies.
Advice for Aspiring Black Nurses
As a trailblazer in nursing, Dr. Morgan encourages Black women interested in the field to seek mentorship, embrace lifelong learning, and be unafraid to ask for help.
“I remember being apprehensive of anatomy and physiology. ‘I don’t know if I can pass these courses,’ I thought. But I spent extra time in the lab, sought help from my professors, and found mentors who guided me. Even now, I continue learning—just before this conversation, I was in a two-day online training on cancer and patient care,” Dr. Morgan shares.
Looking Ahead: Expanding Her Impact
Dr. Morgan continues to work on various projects aimed at improving health outcomes for vulnerable populations. Recently, she collaborated on an oral health initiative focused on increasing access to dental care for underserved families, particularly Hispanic and Black communities. While cancer research remains a key focus, she remains flexible in addressing emerging health needs wherever they arise.
“There’s so much need—whether it’s cardiovascular disease, food insecurity, or mental health. I stay flexible, ready to help wherever I can,” she says.
A Legacy of Service and Leadership
Dr. Phyllis Morgan’s story is one of resilience, faith, and unwavering commitment to service. From overcoming naysayers to breaking barriers as the first PhD nursing graduate from an HBCU, she has continually defied expectations.
Through her research, mentorship, and advocacy, she is paving the way for future generations of Black nurses and healthcare leaders.
“For me, nursing was never just a job—it was my destiny. And I am honored every day to use my voice, my knowledge, and my experiences to uplift others,” she concludes.
