News Summary
Rachel Cole, a Florence resident and mother of four, has successfully graduated from Francis Marion University with a nursing degree. Overcoming various challenges and inspired by her mother’s nursing career, Rachel returned to education and engaged with her community through the Honor Flight program. She plans to specialize in neurosurgery at McLeod Health and continue her education with a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, making a significant impact in healthcare.
Florence, South Carolina – Local Resident Achieves Nursing Degree
Rachel Cole, a Florence resident and mother of four, proudly graduated from Francis Marion University (FMU) in the spring of 2025, earning a degree in nursing. This milestone marks a significant personal and academic achievement for Cole, who faced various challenges on her path to becoming a nurse.
Prior to her graduation, Cole had not initially considered a nursing career after finishing high school 15 years ago. Her educational journey took her through several colleges in Georgia and Pennsylvania, but circumstances brought her back to Florence. The birth of her first child played a crucial role in this decision and ultimately led her to FMU. The influential presence of her mother, Danette Cole, who has worked for many years as a nurse at McLeod Health, inspired Rachel to pursue nursing.
Journey Back to Education
In the summer of 2023, Cole made the decision to begin taking prerequisites for FMU’s nursing program. Returning to academic life after years of focusing on her family and caring for a young child invoked feelings of apprehension. However, Cole found substantial support from FMU’s nursing faculty, which contributed positively to her educational experience. Throughout her studies, she expressed satisfaction with the quality of education and the hands-on training provided by her professors.
Community Engagement and Experiences
In addition to her coursework, Cole engaged in the community by participating in the Honor Flight program. This initiative honors military veterans by taking them to Washington, D.C., to remember their service. The experience significantly impacted Cole’s perspective on healthcare and reinforced her commitment to caring for veterans. She formed a bond with Joseph Dennis, a Navy veteran she accompanied during the trip, who attended her graduation ceremony, underscoring the lasting connections she made through the program.
Future Plans in Healthcare
Following her graduation, Rachel Cole plans to begin her nursing career in the specialized field of neurosurgery at McLeod Health. Her aspirations do not stop there; she intends to pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree at FMU, which would open up further advanced career opportunities and allow her to contribute more significantly to the healthcare community.
Recognition from Academia
Dr. Rhonda Brogdon, chair of FMU’s Department of Nursing, recognized Cole for her determination and compassion, highlighting her dedication to making a positive difference in healthcare. This acknowledgment reflects Cole’s strong work ethic and the impact she is likely to have on her patients and the profession.
Rachel Cole’s journey from a high school graduate to a nursing graduate with aspirations for advanced education illustrates not only her personal growth but also her dedication to serving others. Her story serves as an inspiration to many within her community and highlights the critical role education plays in achieving one’s goals, especially in the demanding and rewarding field of nursing.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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University of South Carolina Ranks High in Graduate Programs
University of South Carolina’s IMBA Program Ranked #1 Again
Francis Marion University Celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Francis Marion University Enhances Campus with New Facilities
Additional Resources
- Augusta Jags: Augusta Drops a Tough One Run Loss to Undefeated Francis Marion
- BVM Sports: FMU Baseball Honored Including 3 Major Conference Awards
- WBTW: Jefferson Named FMU Baseball Coach
- Wikipedia: Nursing
- Google Search: Francis Marion University
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
