Tyra Newton has earned her fourth degree from Augusta University, achieving the distinction of Quadruple Jag. This title is given to graduates who complete four degrees at the institution. Newton’s latest accomplishment is graduating from the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program in the College of Nursing and The Graduate School.
Newton’s path in nursing began after years as a medical technologist. She first entered Augusta University’s Master of Science in Nursing program with a Clinical Nurse Leader concentration. “I wanted to take what I saw in the lab and apply it to patient care,” she said. “When the CNL program came to life, I thought, ‘This is a great opportunity to bring my clinical knowledge from the lab to the bedside through nursing.’”
Her experience in this initial program influenced her decision to pursue further education at Augusta University. During a clinical rotation at a local health center, Newton was inspired by a nurse practitioner mentor. “Because I saw her treating patients as a nurse practitioner, I knew that this was possible for me, too. She encouraged me to explore becoming a provider,” Newton explained.
She subsequently completed three more programs: a Master of Science in Nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner in 2013, a post-master’s certification in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner in 2024, and now her DNP.
Newton described her motivation for continued education as rooted in responsibility toward her patients and commitment to providing high-quality care. “With nursing, the further you get into it, the more you learn – and the more you want to learn. I wanted to be the best at whatever I did,” she said.
Support from faculty members played an important role throughout Newton’s academic journey. “Many of them have been part of my entire nursing journey, which is just wonderful. They’ll even be there for my hooding, including Pamela Cromer, DNP, and Cynthia Mundy, DNP. My DNP project lead, Priscilla Hartley, DNP, has been phenomenal… She’s told me countless times, ‘We are going to get to the finish line,’ and we are.”
Newton currently works as a nurse practitioner specializing in oncology at Wellstar Hematology and Oncology. She credits her team there—specifically director Anand Jillella, MD, and mentor Asha Nayak, MD—for helping develop her clinical skills and emphasizing lifelong learning within oncology practice.
She noted that compassion is central to patient care: “We meet people at the worst point in their lives in hematology and oncology… They need compassion, and that means so much more because anybody can just read information from a book.”
Family support also contributed significantly during Newton’s studies. Her husband Michael provided encouragement and practical help balancing home responsibilities while their son attended college.
Reflecting on advice for future students considering advanced nursing degrees such as the DNP program at Augusta University or elsewhere, Newton said: “It’s not just about matriculating… Those are the pearls you collect along the way… So enjoy the journey. Breathe. Give yourself some grace.”
Looking ahead beyond graduation goals within healthcare practice settings, Newton expressed interest in running a marathon before turning 60 years old.
