Meet 2013 Graduate Lavonne McKee

Lavonne is a NAU graduate who earned her associate degree in Medical Staff Services Management in 2013. Recognized as this year’s Distinguished Alumni at the Sioux Falls/Watertown graduation ceremony, Lavonne has found great success in her personal and career life.
When Lavonne began at NAU it was the initial need to find job security that made it necessary for her to earn her degree. “I enjoyed my job and wanted to become knowledgeable in my career,” she said. But it was ultimately family that had the biggest influence on her success. “My husband and I have two daughters, now the ages of 14 and 21. They are very important to us and it’s very important to me to be the best role model for our girls. What an awesome support they’ve been.”

During her time as a student, Lavonne worked part time while going to school. In 2013, prior to graduation, her family experienced many medical emergencies and issues that required her to care for her husband and youngest daughter. She pressed forward in her studies while still caring for her family, working on homework assignments in the hospital while her daughter rested. It was a difficult time for their family, but they pulled through together. “Through all the mental struggles of not having enough time, wanting to give full care to my family, and wanting to quit, my family has always been my biggest supporters. They saw the value and the need for me to do this in my life.”

Lavonne has taken that support and her dedication with her after graduation. Since completing her degree in Medical Staff Services Management she now owns her own business as the founder and president of Credentialing USA, Inc. Because of her success, she has been interviewed by Keloland News, Think-29, SD Technology Business Center, MED Magazine and has presented at 1 Million Cups and South Dakota Governor’s Giant Vision. “The knowledge I gained from attending NAU made me grow as a person and I out grew my job… I’ve become a better, more balanced person, and look forward to giving back.”