Carr College of Nursing Alumna of the Year — Sarah Neller (’09)

Sarah Neller holds a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Harding, a Master of Science in nursing from Vanderbilt University and a Doctor of Philosophy in nursing from the University of Utah. She currently serves as assistant professor of nursing at the University of Tennessee. Neller is a committed gerontologist, adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner and nurse scientist with a vision to advance research that promotes healthy aging by fostering well-being, intentional living and life engagement among older adults. She has been recognized as a distinguished educator by the National Hartford Center for Gerontological Nursing Excellence. She actively serves older adults in the Knoxville community as a member and treasurer of the executive committee of the Knoxville-Knox County Council on Aging. She and her husband, Seth (’08) have three children, Paul, Jack and Henry.

Where is your current hometown?

I live in Knoxville, Tennessee.

How have you been involved in your community?

I serve as treasurer on the executive committee for the Knoxville-Knox County Council on Aging, as a member of the Gerontological Society of America and as a member of the Laurel Church of Christ.

Who were your major influences during your time at Harding?

Patty Smith opened my eyes to the world of critical care, sparking a passion that shaped the early years of my nursing career.

Janice Bingham helped me understand the culture of poverty, inspiring my commitment to serve patients in underserved communities and to practice nursing with a missional heart wherever I am.

Jessica Gardner, my longtime classmate and friend, has walked with me through every stage of my nursing journey — from our days at Harding, through graduate school at Vanderbilt and now into education — continually encouraging growth and learning along the way.

How are you living your Inspired Purpose?

I chose nursing because I wanted to be trained through a Christian lens, prepared to provide holistic care and serve others in vulnerable moments. From my early days in the coronary ICU to now teaching and conducting research, I’ve seen how nursing allows me to combine professional excellence with ministry. My work exploring generativity and helping older adults create a legacy of values is a direct way I live my inspired purpose — supporting others in building community and fostering meaning and well-being.

What makes your field rewarding?

Nursing is the best profession because it allows me to support others in their growth, teach them to advocate for themselves and model professionalism in every interaction. Whether in the ICU, rural health settings or the classroom, I have the privilege of guiding patients and students as they develop confidence, make informed decisions and embrace their own strengths. Witnessing how compassionate, holistic care empowers individuals to navigate challenges and thrive keeps me inspired every day.

How do you get to serve God and others through the work that you do?

Nursing allows me to serve God by loving my patients well, providing care that honors their dignity and integrating faith values naturally through service. Whether praying with a patient, modeling Christ-centered care for students or fostering generativity in older adults, I see my work as ministry. Even in spaces where openly expressing faith is challenging, excellence in nursing becomes a tangible way to reflect God’s love and bring hope to others.