For Keith Matthews, his work in the healthcare field is not only a rewarding career, but also his calling. The Montgomery, Alabama native is a graduate student in the DNP Program in Auburn’s College of Nursing. He also received both his bachelor’s degree (2009) and master’s degree (2014) from Auburn. As an undergrad, Matthews was a part of the Auburn Marching Band and still treasures memories of early morning practices at Jordan-Hare Stadium.
Fast forward 15 years, Matthews is now in his tenth year of working as a nurse practitioner at Unity Wellness Center, an AIDS Service Organization (ASO), in Opelika, Alabama. He received the prestigious Albert Schweitzer Fellowship in 2023, which allowed him to develop research projects to assess and treat mental health conditions of patients living with HIV. Through his research, Matthews has been able to positively impact HIV care, connecting his patients with counseling services and treatment with medications.
Matthews is quick to credit his wife, along with several mentors in Auburn’s College of Nursing, for giving him the push he needed to obtain his doctorate.
“My wife was very encouraging, and my professors were really focused on helping me be the best nurse I can be. Dr. Chris Martin is a lifelong friend of mine. Dr. Drew Frugé helped me with my data analysis. Dr. Linda Gibson-Young is a mentor that helped me through my Fellowship, as did Dr. Eleanor Howell with my projects. Getting my doctorate will allow me to continue to practice medicine, but also to teach. I love having students. I've really given thought to teaching at the collegiate level.”