National Park College (NPC) student Kimberly Womack has been named the 2026 TRIO Student of the Year, an honor recognizing her perseverance, academic achievement and commitment to personal growth.
An active participant in the college’s Student Support Services (SSS) Program, Womack exemplifies the mission and spirit of TRIO through her determination to overcome obstacles and continue her education.
Womack’s academic journey has been anything but traditional. A graduate of North Mesquite High School in Mesquite, Texas, she finished high school with a 2.0 grade point average and did not initially see college as part of her future. Her perspective began to shift years later while she was pregnant with her son, when she developed an interest in pursuing a career in health care.
In 2000, Womack enrolled in a medical assisting program and ultimately earned her Medical Assisting Diploma in April 2021, graduating with a 4.0 GPA. The accomplishment marked a turning point, reinforcing her belief in her academic abilities and motivating her to continue her education.
Her path, however, included setbacks. In 2014, Womack enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program in healthcare science administration at another institution. After a year and a half, she discovered that the college’s national accreditation limited the transferability of her credits, leaving her unable to apply her coursework toward further education or career advancement. She ultimately withdrew from the program.
During that time, Womack also faced serious health challenges that required extensive treatments and surgeries. Although her condition has since improved, the experience resulted in significant medical expenses and financial strain.
Despite those hardships, Womack chose to move forward. Now a mother of two, one adult child and another nearing high school graduation, she said her motivation comes from both personal goals and a desire to set an example of resilience for her family.
“I have learned how to push through the hard moments and reach out when I need assistance,” Womack said.
Womack enrolled at National Park College with plans to become a radiology technician. After learning the program requirements would not align with her schedule, she was introduced by instructor Leigh Turner to alternative Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree options, including Health Information Technology. Womack was accepted into the program and found a path that fit her goals and responsibilities.
She has earned an AAS in Health Information Technology and plans to earn her Registered Health Information Technician credential next. She also intends to obtain her Certified Coding Specialist certification and begin her career in physician office coding, with the long-term goal of advancing to an auditing role.
Womack credits Turner with playing a significant role in her success, particularly in helping her navigate challenges related to balancing school, work and ADHD. With guidance on utilizing disability support services, including extended testing time, Womack was able to reduce anxiety and improve her academic performance.
Her accomplishments include raising her GPA dramatically from high school to college and maintaining a strong academic record while working full-time.
“I have had a very positive experience,” she said of her time at NPC. “The support from faculty and peers helped me feel like part of the group.”
Through her studies, Womack has gained knowledge of medical laws, regulations, and technology that she believes will be critical to her career. She said her understanding of the field has expanded significantly.
“When I first heard about health information technology, I thought it was strictly about obtaining and releasing medical records,” she said. “I have learned that this is only a very small, but important part of the field.”
As the recipient of the TRIO Student of the Year award, Womack said she feels honored and humbled by the recognition.
“I know that there are a lot of successful students who deserve this,” she said. “As a nontraditional student, this will also help me finish my degree without worrying about how to pay for it.”
Womack added that her education and the support she has received will allow her to enter the workforce without additional debt and eventually give back to others.
Faculty members say Womack’s journey reflects the purpose of TRIO programs, which are designed to help students overcome barriers to higher education.
“TRIO is proud to have been part of Kimberly’s journey,” said Robyn Hendrix, TRIO SSS program coordinator.
Womack encouraged prospective students to take advantage of the resources available at NPC.
“Pay attention in orientation and learn what help is available,” she said. “Those resources can make all the difference.”
With graduation now complete, Womack said she is focused on putting her degree into action and beginning the next chapter of her career, a milestone shaped by years of persistence and determination.
For more information about TRIO Student Support Services, visit np.edu/TRIO.