Like mother, like daughter
Graduating from college is a milestone for anyone who chooses to pursue higher education, however, for two recent graduates of the Family Nurse Practitioner Program at Mississippi University for Women, it just means more.
![](https://www.muw.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/20240726-DSC008381-1024x683.jpg)
Alianne Dearman and Jessica Sullivan were both awarded their master’s in nursing during the annual summer commencement ceremony held Friday, July 26. What made this event so special is the two were graduating from the same program their mothers graduated from years earlier.
“My mother is my greatest role model. She has been a constant encourager and voice of reason throughout my life and especially so during this past year. She is an expert in her field of nursing and respected by many. She is brilliant, kind and caring, I hope to emulate her best traits as I grow in my professional career,” said Dearman, whose mother, Julia Bruce, graduated from the program in 2007.
Dearman, who is from Madison, plans to return home and find a job in the Jackson Metro Area, with a focus in cardiology.
She feels that her time at The W has truly prepared her for a career in nursing as well.
“I was drawn to The W because of their in-person program. Many schools have moved to online only, and I knew that I wanted face-to-face didactic learning. The faculty encouraged students to strive for success. This program is fast paced, completing it in three semesters is quite the challenge, and faculty each understand the gravity of this success,” Dearman said.
To see her daughter, follow in her footsteps brings Bruce more joy than words can express.
“To have Alianne follow in my footsteps by attending The W to pursue her masters to become an NP is one of my greatest joys. I have been a steady companion on her journey which has brought back so many memories from my time at The W. Watching her grow in her knowledge and gain clinical experiences to become an NP brings me so much pride and joy. I am grateful we will have a lifetime of future shared experiences in this wonderful field!” Bruce said.
Sullivan’s story is much the same.
Her mother, Jerrie Sullivan Clay, graduated from the program more than 30 years ago.
“It is an honor for me to follow in my mother’s footsteps. As a little girl, I cherished every opportunity to go to work with my mom in her clinic. I have watched her provide care for her patients and many people in our family for many years. I am grateful to be able to help her provide care for her patients and to continue the legacy of compassionate, high-quality healthcare in our community,” Sullivan said.
Clay runs a family practice in Woodland, called Woodland Clinic. This is where Sullivan plans to work following her board certification test.
To have her daughter not only follow in her footsteps, but come to work with her is a point of pride for Clay.
“As a mother, I feel incredibly blessed and honored that my daughter is following in my footsteps. I’ve often wondered who would take over my practice when I retire, and knowing that I can call on her to fill in for me from time to time is a true blessing. I cannot thank God and the entire W community enough for providing us with this wonderful opportunity,” Clay said.
Sullivan echoed her gratefulness to The W.
Sullivan said, “I want to thank The W for this incredible opportunity. I am honored to have graduated from such a remarkable university twice. I am excited to begin my career, caring for patients and giving back to my community.”