Hall of Distinction Award Recipients

Distinguished Graduate

Vikki Lee Wilbon RN, CCHC

Program and Grad Year: ASN 2007

Vikki Lee Wilbon has a thriving career in nursing and medical education. She earned her Associate of Science in Nursing degree from Our Lady of the Lake School of Nursing in 2007. For the past sixteen years, Vikki has served as a Registered Nurse in various departments such as Medical/Surgical, Cardiology, Mental and Behavioral Health, and Nurse Consultant. Vikki is a certified Train the Trainer instructor and a CPR and Crisis Prevention instructor. She is also a Childcare Health Consultant. Vikki has been teaching Medication Administration for eight years, catering to adult learners and their success in learning. She has also consulted PCA and residential facilities for the past seven years. She is very proud to be fluent in the regulations for healthcare facilities and what is needed to pass state surveys.

She is the founder and president of the nonprofit organization Rosebuds, Inc. Rosebuds, Inc. was started in October 2017; however, it did not become a 501c3 affiliate until December 2019. The organization collaborates with community partners to get the community what is needed. Rosebuds, Inc., with collaborative community partners, started the first mobile COVID testing in Baton Rouge in May 2020. Rosebuds, Inc. has collaborated with several community partners to service our community. i.e., food distributions, drive-through PPE giveaways, homeless distribution, and feeding the homeless. Rosebuds, Inc. has also headed many community service events. i.e., back-to-school supply giveaways, food distributions, health fairs, and educational health discussions with the Council on Aging.

Vikki is also the owner and operator of Rosebud Healthcare and Training and the founder and instructor of Rosebud Training Academy, which is an approved proprietary school based in Baker, LA. It is a provider of Certified Nurses Aid training. The mission of Rosebud Training Academy is to graduate competent, compassionate, and caring healthcare providers who strive to serve each person with compassion, humility, and dignity while meeting their mental, emotional, and physical needs through healthcare and service.

Shining Star

Mary Kathryn Edwards APRN, FNP-C

Program and Grad Year: ASN 2004, BSN 2016, and MSN-FNP 2018

Mary Kathryn Edwards is a proud alumna of FranU, having completed three degrees at the University. She earned her Associate of Science in Nursing from OLOL College in 2004, her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from OLOL College in 2016 and her Master of Science in Nursing from FranU in 2018. Mary Kathryn was part of the inaugural MSN-Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) graduating class at FranU! After graduating, Mary Kathryn passed boards on her first attempt and went into family practice at St. Francis Primary Care Clinic in Monroe, LA, a part of the FMOLHS. As a primary care provider, Mary Kathryn specializes in diagnosing and managing patients with acute and chronic conditions. She provides individualized care to each patient, helping them to achieve their best overall health and well-being. She is one of the few practitioners in her area to be certified in treating chronic migraines with Botox injections.

In 2023, Mary Kathryn was named one of the area's top nurse practitioners by Bayou Life's Top Docs. Mary Kathryn was recognized for her efforts in promoting the importance of physical and mental health. Local media have highlighted her in the Monroe area for bringing community awareness to the issues of anxiety and mental health. Mary Kathryn acknowledges choosing a career as an FNP primarily due to her own struggles with anxiety and believes that the Lord called her into healthcare in order to help others on their mental health journey. With her personal history, Mary Kathryn finds she can truly empathize with her patients and show them the care they deserve.

She further advocates for mental health awareness by traveling, alongside her husband and sister-in-law, to local schools in Northeast Louisiana to help educate teens on suicide awareness, how to recognize warning signs, and where to seek assistance, if needed. This is a calling near and dear to the Edwards family, as Mary Kathryn's brother-in-law died from suicide in 2015. The family's mission is to try and stop other families from enduring this same loss. With humility and reverence for life, Mary Kathryn and her family present to high schoolers, athletic groups, and church members about the importance of mental health and seeking help when it is needed.

Professionally, Mary Kathryn is a member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and the Louisiana Association of Nurse Practitioners. In addition to mental health advocacy, she enjoys participating on her church's medical team and is involved in the retreat ministry.

Indeed, Mary Kathryn truly exhibits FranU's core values. She gives of herself as a practicing FNP, as a mental health advocate, and as an active church member. Her passion for primary care comes from a true love for all people and a desire to facilitate personal, enduring relationships with her patients and her community.

She is married to Eric Edwards, her high school sweetheart, and they are raising their three children together in the same area where they grew up. Despite the challenges presented by today's society, Mary Kathryn is committed to raising her children to serve God and the community, and she sets just that example for them. Mary Kathryn attended Christian schools growing up, then FranU as an adult, and she believes that foundation has paved the way for her professional and personal life. In that vein, she has volunteered to serve as an ambassador for FranU in the Monroe/St. Francis region.

Rising Star

Tyler Vizier

Program and Grad Year: Doctorate of Nursing Practice - Nurse Anesthesia 2020

Tyler’s exemplary career as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), coupled with his unwavering commitment to professional development, community service, and mentorship, perfectly embodies the values that Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University instill in its graduates.

Tyler graduated from the University’s Nurse Anesthesia program, and since then, he has made remarkable strides in his professional career and personal life. As a CRNA, Tyler has demonstrated outstanding skill and dedication in providing high-quality anesthesia care and prioritizing patient safety and comfort. His role as a leader in the medical field, alongside his new position as the Recruiting, Retention, and Onboarding Coordinator at Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center, highlights his versatility and commitment to advancing healthcare delivery.

In this new role, Tyler is actively contributing to the recruitment and retention of top-tier medical professionals, ensuring the sustainability of a high-performing healthcare team. His strategic approach to fostering a positive and inclusive work environment plays a critical role in attracting and retaining exceptional talent, ultimately enhancing patient care and organizational success. Tyler’s professional achievements complement his active involvement in state and national Nurse Anesthesia organizations.

As a dedicated member of these organizations, he continuously seeks to elevate the field of nurse anesthesia, advocating for the profession and its vital contributions to healthcare. Through his engagement, Tyler has also gained valuable insight into the broader healthcare landscape, which he applies to his work, influencing local and national healthcare policies.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Tyler remains deeply committed to his faith and community. As an active member of his local Catholic Church, he lives out his faith in his personal and professional life, demonstrating the values of compassion, integrity, and service to others. His spirituality informs his approach to patient care, creating a comforting and empathetic presence for those under his care.

Furthermore, Tyler’s faith guides his family life, and he strives to pass these same principles of service and compassion onto his children, creating a strong foundation for future generations. Tyler’s dedication to Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University extends to his active role in mentoring and precepting students in the Nurse Anesthesia program. His commitment to shaping the next generation of nurse anesthetists is a testament to his belief in the greatness of the University and the transformative power of education. Through his mentorship, Tyler imparts critical clinical knowledge and encourages students to adopt a holistic approach to patient care, emphasizing the importance of compassionate, patient-centered practice.