Flora Ponder: Nursing Trailblazer

September 25, 2025

As we celebrate National Nurses Week, we honor Flora Ponder, who in 1954 became the first black student to enroll in the Louisville General Hospital nursing school after the facility had integrated. The school was the precursor to the UofL School of Nursing.

Ponder discussed her trailblazing career with UofL School of Nursing alumna Ashley Miller Anderson. To view the interview, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNtTf_SfkmI

UofL School of Nursing

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