Vernal Teresa Tiller, Ph.D., R.N., SON ’82, heard the echo of her grandmother’s legacy every day as her namesake. At 68 years old, her grandmother earned her Bachelor of Nursing degree, and Dr. Tiller often refers to her memories for their timeless advice — a small photo of her grandmother resides at her side every day, neatly tucked into her wallet. 

“Every time I feel something in my life is difficult or a challenge, I think about my grandmother,” Tiller says. “And every day I pray that I am representing her legacy well.” 

At 13 years old, Tiller visited Ferris State University to celebrate her grandmother’s graduation. Not only did she remember the glow of her accomplishment, but she also learned the names of some of the people that supported the woman she loved. “It felt like her doorbell was ringing every hour,” Tiller describes. “By the time I met the fourth person at the door, I asked them what was going on … I was met with the realization that several students made a calendar to check on my grandmother.” While her grandmother had packed up her life, moving to campus to be a full-time college student, she still sported a nontraditional college journey at 68 years old; even so, her caring community ensured her comfort and safety to make her education equally attainable at her age. 

With her grandmother’s irrefutable foundation, Tiller began considering college options, and with parallel determination, she applied for only one nursing school upon graduating high school, “the best in the nation”: Oakland University. “I was jumping up and down when I received my acceptance letter,” she says. “That was just the place to go. It’s a very intense program, but I was OK with that because OU’s program provided me with a foundation that I have relied on my entire career.” 

Taking 21 credits per semester, Tiller garnered a supportive community to surround her. Francis Jackson, Ph.D., R.N., set her on the right course with a tailored calendar format, which Tiller continued to adapt and use in her graduate studies and beyond. “She had thought of everything,” Tiller says. “I had everything in that calendar: times for breakfast, lunch and dinner; time to study for each class; time to do laundry; planning exercise; when to visit my parents … It really helped me focus, and I use it to this day.” 

Additionally, Gary Moore, Ph.D., R.N., and Janet Barnfather, Ph.D., R.N., encouraged her in the classroom, equipping her with skills and encouraging self-assurance. “Dr. Moore’s class was the first time I ever worked on a computer,” Tiller says. “I didn’t know if it was something that I could do, and I remember Dr. Moore said, ‘You’ve gotten this far in a challenging program; surely, Vernal, you can do this too.’”

Tiller has watched many advancements since her first encounter with a computer, but she credits that initial understanding with creating her “foundation and formatting to follow.” Dr. Barnfather developed a similar transformational reputation in her teaching with a complementary challenge to get into her small classes. While Tiller never actually attended any of her classes, Barnfather extended herself past the classroom to guide any eager student, including Tiller.   

These pivotal professors ensured Tiller had the tools to learn and fueled her tenacity throughout her studies. Past her OU graduation, these same professors continued to weave into her life, even guiding her doctoral studies and editing her dissertation. 

The continuous care flowed from the classroom, facilitating an overall sense of community. Tiller cheerfully recalls biweekly typewriter circles with several students in her class. The students would read each other’s work, provide feedback, and chat over dinner every Sunday and Wednesday. “It started freshman year, and we all graduated at the same time,” she says. “It was just really nice — having that level of camaraderie.” 

Tiller carried that same enveloping sense of care into her career as a nurse. When treating patients, she was able to look beyond their health needs and consider a person’s full story, which inspired her philanthropic ventures: Charlie’s Angel’s, LLC and Bianca’s Haven. She chose to honor her family in naming these pursuits after her father and daughter, paying homage to her closest community. 

“Throughout my career, I knew there were parts of care that were missing,” Tiller explains. Charlie’s Angel’s was created to provide individualized support to caregivers, enhancing independent living, and Bianca’s Haven provides care to survivors of human trafficking that goes past their initial medical visits. “Oftentimes, I would care for patients that I was pretty sure were victims of human trafficking, but care was focused on restoring health, and then I never knew the rest of their stories after they left me,” she says. “I wanted to not only help survivors of human trafficking survive but also thrive.” Bianca’s Haven takes care further by offering emotional support as well as dental and optical services, which are needs that are often a product of their abuse. 

No stone could ever be left unturned as Tiller scaled through her sprawling health career. “My parents and grandparents have always said, ‘Finish what you start,’” she says. “I hope that’s the kind of care these [organizations] are able to provide.” She takes note of the depth of patients as people, beyond surface health needs.

With her unique perspective and more than 45 years of experience, Tiller also shares her knowledge with the next generation of nurses and psychologists as an adjunct professor at The Chicago School. She strives to offer the same inspiration and validation she found in her studies. 

“If I could say something to myself right as I started out, I would let her know that she is enough,” she says. “And as long as you’re helping people, it’s the right choice.”