Debbie Valek serves as the Program Director and Associate Professor for the LVN program at Navarro College, a role she has proudly held for the past 20 years. A former student of Navarro herself, Debbie began her journey at the College in 1985, determined to rewrite her story. As a young mother, she moved to Texas with the goal of setting a strong example for her children, proving that challenges can be stepping stones. At Navarro College, she found the foundation and focus she needed to pursue her education and career, transforming her life and inspiring others along the way.

Debbie’s comeback story began after she dropped out of high school her sophomore year. Although lacking confidence, she realized that staying at home as a teen mom wouldn’t be her end goal. After moving to Texas, Debbie met an influential professor, Dr. Richard Miller. She says Dr. Miller helped her gain back her confidence to believe in herself and her dreams. Debbie says “I was taken under the wing of a Psychology instructor at Navarro College who I will never forget. Dr. Miller helped me to believe in myself and know I could do hard things and succeed. I decided to come teach at Navarro to pay that forward.”  She received her GED before immediately enrolling in the nursing program at Navarro College. After achieving her RN license, the rest is history. Debbie began working at Navarro College, while pursuing a bachelors and masters. She received a Master of Science in Nursing Education shortly before being promoted to Program Director of the LVN program.

Debbie has a son, daughter, daughter-in-law, and two nieces who have all become nurses by completing their degrees through Navarro. When asked what advice she would give to future nurses or anyone considering studying at Navarro, Debbie wants to remind people of their “why.” “When things get tough, don’t forget your ‘why.’ Don’t give up on your dream and focus on that when anything seems impossible.”

 

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