Published on December 8, 2025 by Megan Winkler  
Sheri Biggs

Sheri Biggs, DNP ‘24, is a lieutenant colonel in the Air Force National Guard, a board-certified family nurse practitioner, a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, and a graduate of Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing. In 2024, she was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, becoming the third female from South Carolina to be elected to the House and the first to represent the state’s Third District.

Biggs’ decision to pursue an online Doctor of Nursing Practice was both a professional and personal milestone. The program stood out for its rigorous, practice-focused curriculum and strong academic reputation. Guided by the values of compassionate care first championed by Ida Moffett, the program combines high-level academic standards with personalized support.

Biggs embraced the program's online format, which allowed her to complete classes while still working. Earning her doctorate was more than just a personal accomplishment—it represents pride, perseverance and the rewards of hard work and determination.

“I was confident that Samford would equip me with the knowledge and skills to practice with excellence and confidence,” Biggs said.

The curriculum emphasized translating research and evidence-based practice into real-world outcomes. Recording examination and assessment videos proved challenging at times; however, the faculty provided clear expectations and stayed organized.

“Finding time for coursework while serving in the Air Force National Guard and being a mother was challenging, but the faculty’s support made all the difference,” she said.

Biggs credits the faculty with more than academic guidance, explaining that they understood healing is more than clinical. It is also spiritual. “They took the time to teach me advanced skills and knowledge, but they also weren’t afraid to lift me up in prayer,” she said.

Continuing her education was a personal investment that allowed her to better serve others and give back to society, including working on legislative bills to improve health care, mental health and the well-being of the military. In Congress, she serves on the Homeland Security, Foreign Affairs, and Science, Space, and Technology committees.

“Samford prepared me to lead in complex situations, whether aboard a C-17 in combat or representing South Carolina in Congress,” she said.

 
Located in the Homewood suburb of Birmingham, Alabama, Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford enrolls 6,324 students from 44 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford is widely recognized as having one of the most beautiful campuses in America, featuring rolling hills, meticulously maintained grounds and Georgian-Colonial architecture. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and boasts one of the highest scores in the nation for its 97% Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.