Nicca McHenry enlisted in the U.S. Navy out of a desire for discipline, education and a deep sense of service. Now a Tarrant County College graduate headed to Texas Christian University, her decision is still paying dividends.
“I knew it would help shape me into a stronger and more capable version of myself,” she said.
She put the same thought into selecting her higher education provider. She chose TCC to rebuild her academic foundation and improve her GPA from coursework she completed more than a decade ago.
McHenry says TCC played a vital role in her transition from active duty to the reserve and back into academic life. She credits her academic success to dedicated advisors and student instructors.
“The faculty were incredibly understanding and accommodating, especially when I had to deploy or fulfill Navy orders. They worked with my schedule to ensure I stayed on track with my assignments.”
Although she was nervous about returning to school after nearly 10 years, she found the TCC process smooth and motivating. She graduated with honors in Phi Theta Kappa, the honor society for community college students, and in the SALUTE Veterans National Honor Society — “accomplishments I owe in large part to the support I received at TCC.”
After graduating with her Associate of Arts degree this year, McHenry plans to start at Texas Christian University this fall. She considers TCU “truly a dream come true” and plans to major in nursing with a chemistry minor.
She says she has always been passionate about medicine. At the height of the pandemic, she wanted to serve beyond her Navy duties. With her commander’s blessing, she attended the EMT Academy in Norfolk, Va.
After graduating, she began volunteering on ambulances with Virginia Beach EMS. The experience solidified her love for patient care.
During that time, she met her mentor, Dr. Daphne Ponce, an emergency department attending physician at Portsmouth Naval Hospital. Dr. Ponce helped her map out a clear educational and career path to become a Navy medical officer.
“Nursing, combined with premedical sciences, became my chosen direction. Today, that vision is becoming a reality.”
McHenry plans to remain in the Navy Reserve while she completes her Bachelor of Science at TCU. Following graduation, she wants to apply to the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Maryland to attend Naval Medical School.
“Ultimately, I aim to commission as an officer and serve as a Navy physician, retiring after completing 20 years of service. With nine years of active duty already behind me, I’m proud of how far I’ve come and excited for what lies ahead.”
About Tarrant County College
Celebrating 60 years of excellence and impact in 2025, Tarrant County College is one of the nation’s largest higher education institutions and boasts the second lowest tuition of Texas’ Top 10 community colleges. A comprehensive community college with six campuses in Tarrant County, TCC offers a range of opportunities for learners of all ages and backgrounds, including Associate of Arts and Associate of Applied Science degrees; workforce and economic development programs; technical and skilled trades programs; and customized training for area businesses and corporations.