In 1960, Leola “Lola” Campbell’s only desire was to be a nurse. The first huge step to that goal was to integrate the Kingsport Nursing School. It was no easy feat, but she did it. Following graduation, she was once again a pioneer as she became the first Black nurse at Holston Valley Medical Center, where she retired after a career of 32 years.
Now 87, Lola recalls the struggles, the successes and the people who helped her in her journey. She says her faith and the opportunity to open a door for others was her motivation to continue. “I wasn’t doing that just for myself; I was doing that for all Black women.”
