Who was the first African American to earn a PhD at the North Carolina School of Nursing?

• A. Patricia Williams
• B. Latisha Brown
• C. Ernest Grant
• D. Martha Smith

Answer: (C)

A historic milestone in nursing education is being tested here—the first African American to earn a PhD at the North Carolina School of Nursing. Ernest Grant earned this distinction. Earning a PhD represents reaching the highest level of scholarly training in nursing, enabling someone to lead research, teach at the doctoral level, and influence patient care policy through evidence. This achievement matters because it expands representation in doctoral education, reinforces the school’s commitment to diversity, and demonstrates how advanced training can empower nurses to shape practice, education, and health outcomes on a broad scale. It also serves as inspiration for future generations of Black nurses pursuing advanced degrees, helping to diversify the perspectives that inform nursing science. The other names listed are not associated with this particular historical milestone.