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Fifty-Six Years Later: The First Black Graduates of St. Vincent Infirmary School of Nursing Reunite to Share Their Untold Story
Fifty-Six Years Later: The First Black Graduates of St. Vincent Infirmary School of Nursing Reunite to Share Their Untold Story
Lost and Found Histories…
Little Rock, Arkansas -- Sep 14, 2025 -- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Fifty-Six Years Later: The First Black Graduates of St. Vincent Infirmary School of Nursing Reunite to Share Their Untold Story
Little Rock, Arkansas — September 14, 2025— In November 1969, four young Black women — Alice (Kimble) Taylor, Dawn (Trammel) Payne, Myrtle Nunn, and Gloria (Nelson) Willingham-Touré — broke barriers as the first and only Black graduates of the former St. Vincent Infirmary School of Nursing in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Now, fifty-six years later, these trailblazers have reunited to reflect on their shared journey and to reclaim their rightful place in history.
Though their names and faces were absent from the official historical displays of the school, their impact as pioneers in nursing and education endures. Each of the women went on to distinguished careers in nursing, healthcare leadership, community service, education and beyond - carrying with them the resilience born of being “the only ones” in their nursing cohort.
“St. Vincent was a positive and transformative chapter in our education,” said Dr. Gloria Willingham-Touré, retired U.S. Army Nurse Corps(USAR) Lt. Colonel. “But the absence of our stories from the school’s history reminds us how easily important legacies can be overlooked. We are gathering not just for ourselves, but to ensure that future generations know we were here — and that our contributions mattered.”
The graduates’ reunion marks more than a personal milestone. It is an unveiling of a hidden chapter in nursing and Black history at a pivotal time in America. Their reflections speak to the importance of representation, perseverance, and equity in education and healthcare.
The four graduates are available for media interviews, podcast appearances, panel discussions, and public conversations about their experiences at St. Vincent, their subsequent careers, and the importance of telling full and truthful histories.
About the Graduates
• Alice (Kimble) Taylor – Retired Lt. Colonel, US Army Nurse Corps(ARNG); and renowned advocate for patient-centered care. Author/motivational speaker.
• Dawn (Trammel) Payne – Longstanding nursing leader and mentor. Transformative career RN from bedside, administration to trailblazing work in health benefits arenas.
• Myrtle Nunn – Trailblazer in clinical nursing, public and community health. Award-winning advanced practice nursing professional impacting the health status and access to care of countless individuals and families!
• Dr. Gloria (Nelson) Willingham-Touré, PhD – Retired U.S. Army Nurse Corps (USAR) Lt. Colonel, Fulbright Scholar; policy-making leadership at local, state, national and international levels. and Best-selling author.
Media Contact
Dr. Gloria Willingham-Toure’ PhD, MNSc, BSN
VillagerAwards@gmail.com
1-562-895-9205
“Our solutions are bigger than any one profession or job. We must reclaim our interconnections and learn to freely share information with each other, and to support the success of a new generation. We must create connections and collaborations. Our goal must be to move this system in the direction of caring what happens to persons who need it the most, and we must take our place in that effort. We will find a way to make a difference!"
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