Naomi King
Photo by Jon Gardiner
Naomi King
Certified nursing assistant, UNC Hospitals
Research assistant, UNC School of Nursing
Class year
2026
Scholarships and enrichment programs
N.C. home
Wilson
Her UNC-Chapel Hill nursing education prepares Naomi King to serve North Carolinians
The daughter of a Marine veteran, King learns inside and out the classroom at Carolina, a school that “had my back” financially, she says.
Naomi King ’26 began her informal nursing training inside her childhood home in Wilson, North Carolina.
For her formal training, she came to UNC-Chapel Hill, where she studies at the UNC School of Nursing (ranked No. 4 by U.S. News & World Report) and works at UNC Hospitals.
The oldest daughter in a family of a dozen children, King grew up taking care of her siblings — and enjoyed it. They would turn to her when issues arose “because you’re going to do it right,” she said.
The daughter of a Marine veteran, King is a Steve and Debbie Vetter Carolina Covenant for Military Families scholar. The scholarship supports military dependents and gives them the chance to attend UNC-Chapel Hill without loans and graduate debt-free.
King’s father, Anthony, served in the Marine Corps. Carolina “did a service to my dad by honoring me, which is something that my dad truly valued,” King said. (Submitted photo)
“Many years ago, my dad probably didn’t realize just his being in the Marines would make an impact on my life and my education years later,” King said.
King's father served the nation, and her Carolina experience is preparing her to serve others.
She conducts nursing research, works as a part-time certified nursing assistant at UNC Hospitals and has made friends through her schooling and student organizations like the Voices of Praise gospel choir.
“Carolina has definitely been the right choice for me,” she said.
Ranked
best colleges for veterans (U.S. News & World Report)
Nearly
veterans and military-affiliated students, faculty and staff at Carolina
Thinking bigger with nursing
King focused on nursing in high school at the urging of a neighbor. She appreciated how the profession offers the chance to interact with and advocate for patients.
When considering colleges, King gravitated toward Carolina because it could provide an excellent education and countless social and cultural experiences while also meeting her family’s financial needs.
“They had my back,” said the rising senior.
King’s understanding of the many possibilities within nursing quickly expanded once in Chapel Hill.
Looking for a federal work-study role, she became a research assistant at the School of Nursing, assisting with a study on mindfulness.
King is one of 12 children in her family and the oldest daughter. She credits her parents, Anthony and Tangela, for “taking on that much responsibility and loving all of us equally.” (Submitted photo)
She’s made connections with nurses, interacted with study participants and received mentorship from doctoral students like Charity Lackey ’17, ’23 (PhD). King is now interested in one day pursuing a doctorate of her own.
“Nurses don’t just work bedside,” she said. “They can do their own research.”
Research isn’t the only way King has hit the ground running. She volunteered with patient transport at UNC Hospitals and became a CNA by taking community college courses the summer after her first year at Carolina.
Since then, she’s worked part-time at UNC Hospitals, a role that complements classroom learning and makes King feel more prepared for the professional world.
Her favorite nursing course so far was on labor and delivery, an unsurprising career interest given King's family background.
“I’ve just seen my mom go through the process of birth many times and how that can have an impact on us as a family,” said King, who joked that the staff at Wilson Medical Center “know my family very well.”
She’s also formed relationships with professors like Shielda Rodgers, who surprised King by attending one of her gospel performances.
“That meant a lot to me,” she said.
King feels prepared for a nursing career because of her experiences as a Tar Heel. At Carolina, she’s conducted nursing research, had meaningful classroom experiences at the UNC School of Nursing and worked as a certified nursing assistant at UNC Hospitals. (John Roberts/UNC-Chapel Hill)
Serving the state
When King was a child, her parents told her to “be honest, be humble and help people out.”
Those directives informed the decision to make nursing her vocation. “The purpose of a nurse is to not only take care of the medical needs of the patient but also be there psychologically, emotionally and socially,” King said.
UNC-Chapel Hill is where King has gained the knowledge and resources to provide that type of care.
Nearly 80% of Tar Heel nursing alumni remain in the state to address its health care needs, and King plans on doing the same.
“I do see myself making an impact in North Carolina, specifically on rural communities,” King said.
“Don't doubt yourself — Carolina is for you. There's a pathway for everyone at this school."
North Carolina needs nurses like King to pursue this path. The state has the nation’s second largest rural population and is projected to have one of the largest registered nurse shortages by 2026.
“Because of Carolina, a year from now I will be a nurse, and I’ll be confident in my skillset,” King said.
King believes Tar Heels can find ways to excel, regardless of their professional plans or financial situations.
“Don't doubt yourself — Carolina is for you,” she said. “There’s a pathway for everyone at this school.”
Story by Brennan Doherty, University Communications. Video by John Roberts, University Communications.
“Carolina is definitely a place for everyone,” King said. “If you have a goal, if you have a dream, Carolina is right here for you.” (John Roberts/UNC-Chapel Hill)
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