Campbell University junior Leah Culbreth was crowned Miss Dunn, North Carolina, this month and will compete in the Miss North Carolina competition in June. Culbreth is a native of Dunn and is studying nursing at Campbell.
After her big win, Culbreth talked about why nursing is her passion and how she plans to use the Miss Dunn platform to help others:
Q: What drew you to nursing as a profession?
Culbreth: I was drawn to nursing because of my grandmother. She was the biggest inspiration in my life, and she was a nurse herself. Growing up, I was always fascinated by her career. I used to use her stethoscope and “play doctor” with her, and I would even flip through her Davis Drug Guide for fun — even though I had absolutely no idea what I was reading at the time.
When I was in fifth grade, she was diagnosed with cancer and fought bravely until the beginning of my ninth-grade year. Watching her go through treatments and walking alongside her during that time changed me in a way I can’t fully put into words. I saw firsthand the impact nurses had on her care and on our entire family. Being able to help take care of her, even in small ways, ignited something in me. I knew I wanted to be that steady presence for other families facing difficult diagnoses.
That experience is what ultimately led me to pursue nursing and inspired my dream of becoming a pediatric oncology nurse.
Q: What drew you to Campbell Nursing?:
Culbreth: I was drawn to Campbell University Nursing because of the amazing things I had heard about the program. The NCLEX pass rate, the strong clinical preparation and the reputation for excellence really stood out to me. But what meant the most to me was the small class size. I wanted to be somewhere I could build relationships with my professors and feel supported. At Campbell, you’re not just another student in a lecture hall, you’re known. That one-on-one support has made such a difference in my confidence and growth.
Q: How have you been able to live out your calling inside the Campbell Nursing program?:
Culbreth: Campbell has given me so many opportunities to grow into the nurse I’ve always hoped to become. Through clinicals, skills labs and classroom learning, I’ve been able to see firsthand what it really means to care for people during vulnerable moments. Every patient interaction reminds me why I chose this path.
One thing I especially love about the program is that volunteerism is required. Serving others isn’t just encouraged, but expected, and that means a lot to me. Because of that, I’ve been able to support another cause I’m passionate about: Special Olympics. For the past two years, I’ve helped with Special Olympics physicals, and it has been such a meaningful experience. Being able to serve that community while using the skills I’m learning in nursing school has truly brought everything full circle.
Campbell has helped me grow not just in clinical knowledge, but in compassion, leadership, and service. It’s shaping me into the kind of nurse I’ve always wanted to be.
Q: What has been your favorite class and why?:
Culbreth: Two classes have really stood out to me: Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing Practice and Adult Health I. Psychiatric nursing was so interesting because it felt completely different from any other area of nursing. I loved learning about therapeutic communication and getting to hear patients’ stories during clinicals. Psychiatric clinicals and lectures taught me that nursing is about seeing the person behind the diagnosis, not just the illness.
I also loved Adult Health I because it made everything feel real. Learning about disease processes and then actually practicing hands-on skills was such a rewarding experience. It helped me grow so much in confidence and critical thinking.
Q: What nursing professor has had the greatest impact on you?:
Culbreth: I truly appreciate and value all of my professors, but Mrs. Sharon Boyd has had the greatest impact on me. My nursing school journey has been far from normal, and she has been there for me through every challenge and every success. She has taken extra time to explain concepts when I’ve struggled, encouraged me when I felt overwhelmed, and believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. Having a professor who genuinely cares about you as a person makes all the difference, and I’m so thankful for her support.
Q: What inspired you to enter the pageant world?:
Culbreth: I entered the pageant world because I wanted a bigger platform to serve others. For me, pageantry is about leadership and impact. It has pushed me outside of my comfort zone and helped me grow in confidence and communication skills. It has also given me the opportunity to advocate for causes that are deeply personal to me, which aligns so closely with my heart for nursing and service.
Q: What titles have you won?:
Culbreth: I’ve only won two titles in my life: Junior Miss Midway when I was in elementary school, and now the incredible honor of serving as Miss Dunn. Winning Miss Dunn means so much to me because it represents growth, perseverance, and the opportunity to serve my community in a meaningful way.
Q: What platform do you champion and how does it align with your passion for nursing?:
Culbreth: My platform is “Going Gold for Childhood Cancer,” and it is deeply personal to me. While my grandmother’s cancer journey shaped my desire to go into nursing, my cousin Camrin’s childhood cancer diagnosis is what truly ignited my passion for pediatric oncology. Camrin was diagnosed at such a pivotal age when children should be learning, playing, and experiencing important milestones. Instead, she was spending her time in hospital rooms and undergoing treatments. Watching how differently cancer affects children compared to adults completely opened my eyes. It changed the way I view advocacy and patient care.
One of the biggest things I’ve noticed when interacting with cancer patients, especially children, is that they want to be treated like a person, not just a patient. Children with cancer still want to laugh, talk about their favorite shows, and feel normal. Something as simple as speaking to them the way you would on any other day can make a difference. See them for who they are, not for their diagnosis. Through “Going Gold for Childhood Cancer,” I focus on raising awareness, educating my community, and being a light for children and families walking through a cancer diagnosis. Nursing and my platform align so closely because both are rooted in compassion, advocacy, and meeting patients where they are, with dignity, humanity and heart.
Q: What are your Miss Dunn goals for the coming year? Will you be going on to compete for Miss North Carolina?:
Culbreth: I have many goals and plans for my year as Miss Dunn. One of my biggest goals is to be present in the Dunn community every chance I get. I want the people of Dunn to know who represents them, and more importantly, to truly get to know who I am beyond the crown. Building genuine relationships within the community means everything to me. I also hope to have meaningful conversations with government officials about my Community Service Initiative, “Going Gold for Childhood Cancer.”
I want to share what this cause means to me personally, how we can continue advocating for families, and how we can work together to create real change. Recently, two new laws were signed into place that make major advancements in childhood cancer drug research and help provide earlier interventions so children can receive treatment in a timelier manner. That progress is encouraging, but there is still more work to be done, and I would love to be part of those conversations.
I will also be competing at Miss North Carolina June 22-27 in High Point. I will spend the week there competing and proudly representing the All-American City of Dunn. I am incredibly honored to carry my community with me onto that stage.
Q: Why would you encourage someone to enter the pageant world?:
Culbreth: I would encourage someone to enter the pageant world because it challenges you in the best way. It builds confidence, communication skills, and resilience. More than anything, it gives you a platform to advocate for something meaningful. The personal growth I’ve experienced through pageantry has shaped me not only as a titleholder, but also as a future nurse.
Q: Why would you encourage someone to choose Campbell University for undergrad?:
Culbreth: Campbell University offers strong academics while still feeling like a close community. You’re surrounded by professors and peers who genuinely want to see you succeed. It’s a place where you can grow academically, professionally and personally.
Q: Why would you encourage someone to choose Campbell Nursing?:
Culbreth: I would encourage someone to choose Campbell Nursing because the faculty truly cares about you. With smaller class sizes, you’re able to build real relationships with your professors and receive the support you need. Campbell Nursing doesn’t just prepare you to pass the NCLEX, it prepares you to be a compassionate, competent nurse who is ready to make a difference.
As I continue my journey at Campbell Nursing and serve as Miss Dunn, I am constantly reminded why I started. From playing with my grandmother’s stethoscope as a little girl to now preparing for Miss North Carolina, every step has been guided by a desire to serve others. Whether I am in scrubs or wearing a crown, my purpose remains the same: to advocate, to lead with compassion and to be a light for the families who need it most.
Follow Leah Culbreth and her Miss North Carolina journey on Instagram @missdunn_nc