Tinatra Carr has a packed schedule. The single mom and full-time licensed practical nurse is now a University of Arkansas student.

The Eleanor Mann School of Nursing at the U of A recently added an online degree for L.P.N.s like Tinatra to earn a bachelor's degree in nursing, which will ultimately make her skills more marketable. Tinatra said online classes are crucial to her ability to "go back" to school. 

"I wouldn't be able to physically go to classes on campus," she said. "The L.P.N. to B.S.N. online program gives me the flexibility that I need."

The online program helps students meet industry expectations, stay competitive in the job market and increase earning potential.

Tinatra, who works as an L.P.N. at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Fayetteville, said the eight-week U of A course is fast-paced and has impressive instructors. She does homework with her 8-year-old daughter, Promisee, every day after school.

"That way we can work on homework together," she said. "I also have set study times from 9 to 11 p.m. during the week and on Sundays, after church, grocery shopping and aerobics."

Tinatra wanted to become a nurse because she loves taking care of people.

"I was placed on this earth to touch hearts, and what better way than to take care of people who are ill and unable to care for themselves?" she said.

Tinatra said the "three Ds" ­— desire, determination and dedication — spur her on when life gets chaotic. She learned those character traits from John Colbert, her elementary school principal. Dr. Colbert is now superintendent of Fayetteville Public Schools.

Tinatra said she tries to embody the meaning of those words daily and is passing them down to her daughter.

Certainly, she's demonstrating the three Ds in her quest for a bachelor's degree in nursing.

"I think it's important to lead by example so that my daughter understands the importance of setting goals and achieving them," Tinatra said.

This story is part of a series called the Dean's Spotlight, featuring outstanding students in the College of Education and Health Professions.Visit COEHP's online magazine, the Colleague for more news from the six units that make up the College. Visit the Eleanor Mann School of Nursing page for more information about the online program.

About the College of Education and Health Professions: The College of Education and Health Professions offers advanced academic degrees as well as professional development opportunities and learning communities in service to the education and health systems of Arkansas and beyond. The college provides the education and experiences for a variety of professional roles, ranging from community mental health counselors to school teachers and leaders. Programs in adult and higher education, along with educational technology and sport management, offer a broad range of options. In addition to education-related opportunities, the college prepares nurses, speech-language pathologists, health educators and administrators, recreation professionals, rehabilitation counselors and human performance researchers.