David L. Archer President | Christian Brothers University website

Nichole Knox faced a significant decision after graduating high school, with no clear direction or financial means for college. Her faith guided her during this uncertain period.

“I really didn’t have any direction,” Knox said. “I sat, stopped and talked to God about it. That was the only thing I knew to do at that point. I really focused my thoughts and focused on having this conversation with God. What is my life’s purpose?”

Following this spiritual reflection, Knox experienced a vivid dream revealing her path to becoming a nurse. This realization set her on an educational journey starting with an associate degree in natural science from Southwest Tennessee Community College and continuing through various nursing programs until she achieved a doctorate of nursing practice in educational leadership from American Sentinel University.

“Everything just flowed for me,” Knox shared. “I didn’t pay a single dime. I got through my master’s degree completely debt-free. When a person is in alignment with their purpose, the universe knows, and it makes a way for us.”

In June 2021, Dr. Knox joined Christian Brothers University (CBU) as an assistant professor and has since advanced to director of the nursing program by December 2024.

“One thing that drew me to CBU is the Lasallian principles,” Dr. Knox stated. “They line up with my personal values and principles for life... On some of the doors on campus, there’s a saying posted, ‘Enter to Learn. Leave to Serve.’ And nursing is a profession of service.”

Dr. Knox remains active outside academia, serving as president of the local chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing and holding roles in other professional organizations.

“Dr. Knox epitomizes servant leadership,” noted Dr. Lacey Gentry, CBU nursing professor and colleague.

Marie Timmerman also expressed appreciation for working alongside Dr. Knox: “I enjoy working with Dr. Knox because she is always cheerful and able to see the positive in every situation.”

Approaching her five-year milestone at CBU this fall, Dr. Knox reflects on her role as an example for first-generation students entering the field.

“I see potential in every student that I interact with,” she said.

As director of nursing at CBU, Dr. Knox aims to elevate the program's reputation both regionally and internationally while embodying Lasallian values in its graduates' professional conduct.

“I want the community to be able to recognize a CBU nursing graduate right off,” she explained.

Dr. Knox continues teaching courses such as Foundations of Nursing (Nursing 350), Nursing BSN Seminar (Nursing 456), and Pharmacology (Nursing 357) from her office located in the Health Sciences Building.