7 Questions With Lydia Kirby, 2025 VISTA NextGen Superstar and Current WilmU Student
On May 8, Wilmington University graduate student Lydia Kirby was recognized as a 2025 VISTA NextGen Superstar at a reception held on the Penn State Great Valley campus in Malvern, PA. Hosted annually by Vista.Today, the event honors 40 standout Chester County professionals who have made significant contributions in their respective fields and their communities prior to reaching the age of 40.
Kirby’s career in health care got its start in a variety of service positions in a senior living setting. She became a certified nursing assistant and advanced to overseeing skilled nursing operations. Today, as a surgical optimization coordinator for Nemours Children’s Health, Kirby maintains operating room scheduling across sites in multiple states. Her role brings her into close collaboration with surgeons, administrators and families to ensure timely, high-quality care for pediatric patients.
She earned her bachelor’s degree in health science and is now working toward a Master of Science in Health Sciences from WilmU’s College of Health Professions and Natural Sciences. Outside of her professional achievements, Kirby is a proud mom to her five-year-old son, Xavier.
Q: Lydia, congratulations on being named a 2025 VISTA NextGen Superstar! What does it mean to you to receive this acknowledgment?
This award came as a total shock. If you asked my family, they would tell you that school was never one of my passions. As I have grown personally and within my career, the need for knowledge has come with my passion for health care. This acknowledgement is truly an honor and shows that I am on the right path in my life.
Q: Can you tell us about your current career and future plans, including your WilmU program of study?
I currently work at Nemours Children’s Health as a surgical optimization coordinator. While working full time, I am on the road to obtaining my master’s degree in health sciences. I have had motivations to continue my education and pursue a doctorate in epidemiology. In the meantime, I would like to move into a role within infection prevention or research.
Q: As a working adult, how do you feel WilmU supports busy, adult learners?
Being able to achieve my master’s at my own pace, while working AND being a mom — WilmU has given me opportunities that I did not think existed. The staff has provided guidance as I navigate this journey.
“To succeed in everything we do, we must have a desire to dream of the things some would think are impossible.”
— Lydia Kirby
Q: What has been your favorite WilmU class and why?
I have fairly enjoyed all the classes I’ve taken at WilmU, though Epidemiology is one I have really enjoyed. As stated previously, my ideal career will be in infection prevention or research, and epidemiology plays a significant role in those fields.
Q: What advice can you share for others who are considering taking on the challenge of balancing family, career and higher education?
JUST DO IT! I would have never, in a million years, thought I would be pursuing my master’s. The doors of opportunity are endless and the satisfaction of saying “that was me, I did that” is a feeling I cannot describe.
Q: How do you plan to celebrate being a NextGen Superstar?
I am grateful that my dad and stepmom were able to join me at the ceremony. My plan is to take this achievement and use it as inspiration to keep pushing through my educational journey … and maybe go out to dinner this weekend!
Q: Any closing thoughts?
To succeed in everything we do, we must have a desire to dream of the things some would think are impossible. With the help of my educators at Wilmington University, I am on the road to bettering myself. They have allowed me the flexibility I need while working full time and have supported my vision to obtain my master’s degree and further my career in health care. I continue my journey, grasping new concepts, methods and a plethora of knowledge that will enhance my chances at the greater opportunities that await. I want to thank all my professors thus far for supporting my vision and providing me with the resources needed for success.
Make your mark in health care with a health sciences degree. WilmU’s suite of flexible and affordable health sciences degrees includes the A.S. in Health Sciences, the B.S. in Health Sciences and the M.S. in Health Sciences.
