Ronnie Wentworth, a Keiser University student Veteran, is dedicating his healthcare career to the memory of his parents and brother. The Zephyrhills native will be awarded his Keiser University Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner program degree at the RP Funding Center located at 701 W Lime St., Lakeland, FL 33815 on Saturday, January 31^st at 11:00 AM.

Wentworth pays tribute to the memory of his parents and brother

Wentworth shared that his mother, Mary Jenkins Dennis, passed away from breast cancer in 2009, just a few years after his father and brother, Ronnie Sr. and Kodie, passed away tragically in a car accident in 2003. Now serving as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse for Lakeland Regional Health, he dedicates his healthcare career to their memory. He is also paying tribute to his sister Kori Speegle, who shared unbelievable support after the losses.

Sisterly Support

“My sister became my mom, if you will,” recalled Wentworth, who also helped care for his mother before pursuing his career as a United States Army Combat Medic with her encouragement. “While in training in 2009, my mom passed just before my son’s birth,” recalled Wentworth, who served until 2015 before embracing his civilian career.

“I chose my healthcare career path after seeing all the amazing nurses and providers who cared for my mom during her fight with breast cancer. I knew that I was meant to give back the love, care, and compassion that my mom received from so many amazing people,” recalled Wentworth of the difficult and love-filled season. “This journey is not an easy one. In fact, it takes a team of support. I thank my family for never letting me give in to the pressure and for believing in me. My sister, Kori, has always been my rock. Life has not always been easy, and she has been there every step of the way. If there was a spot for a second name on these degrees of mine, hers should be there too,” he said.

Fulfilling Childhood Dreams in Honor of Dad

While preparing to earn his University of Florida Doctor of Nursing degree, Wentworth recalls his father and brother being nicknamed “The Gator Boys” as they were the biggest fans of UF football and always wore associated memorabilia, so earning his DNP from UF is the last step in fulfilling his childhood dreams and wishes. He is also grateful to his children, Landon and Addison, and credits them for his continued motivation. He also looks forward to celebrating along with Billy Eble and Marissa Wright, friends who found each other through nursing during the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic and will join him as graduates.

An Invaluable Academic Journey

Wentworth shared his appreciation for the individual support and guidance offered by Keiser University professors. Dr. Mark Burns, a Professor of Keiser’s Nurse Practitioner program shared his academic perspective.

“Ronnie has consistently exhibited exemplary qualities, including intellectual acumen, genuine compassion, and a positive sense of humor that greatly enriches the learning environment. Throughout his course of studies, I have witnessed his unwavering commitment to academic excellence, his ability to engage thoughtfully with peers, and his empathetic approach in clinical settings,” he said.  Ronnie’s intelligence is reflected in his academic performance and analytical abilities, while his caring demeanor is apparent in all interactions within the classroom and beyond. Additionally, his sense of humor contributes to a collegial and supportive atmosphere, fostering collaboration and engagement among his colleagues,” he added.

Wentworth encourages future generations to pursue their dreams while paying tribute to those family members who have passed.

Road Map Your Future

“Never let anyone dictate your future. There are plenty of people who will tell you that you can’t do something. Don’t listen. Your future is yours to write, and there is nothing that cannot be achieved,” he said while recalling how proud his parents would be. “I now have a family of my own, and I want to show them that hard work and dedication pay off.”

Wentworth went on to reflect on his experiences so far. “Life has a funny way of testing you and making the easiest of tasks seem impossible at times, but the feeling of succeeding when everything else is against you is unmatched. Keep that glass half full mentality and find a mantra to live your life by,” he said.

About Keiser University

Keiser University’s Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner program focuses on advanced practice nursing knowledge and clinical skills through a family-oriented approach. For Registered Nurses (RN) with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited school, the MSN FNP offers coursework surrounding health promotion, injury and illness prevention, and management of acute and chronic illnesses across the lifespan.

Since 1977, Keiser University has been empowering students to achieve their career dreams. As one of Florida’s largest private, non-profit institutions, founded by Dr. Arthur Keiser and Evelyn Keiser, it offers:

• Over 100 degree programs from associate to doctoral level
• Recognition as the No. 1 university in the U.S. for Social Mobility by U.S. News & World Report (2023)
• Proud membership in the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities
• A legacy of excellence in education spanning more than 45 years