Auburn University’s Black Alumni Awards 2025 recognized recipients for outstanding achievements in their professional lives, personal integrity and stature and service to the university. Mary Shenita Key '91, was selected from the College of Nursing for her outstanding achievements. Key, from Seale, Ala., co-owns Pannie-George’s Kitchen, a community restaurant in Auburn and Montgomery.
Key's interest in medicine began in childhood when she cared for injured animals. Motivated by the dedication of nurses she witnessed during a hospital visit, she decided to pursue a career in nursing instead of becoming a doctor. She credits Auburn for building her nursing foundation, giving her the knowledge and confidence to excel independently while remaining open to new challenges.
She recalls a significant challenge: declining to administer an unregulated dosage of medication that she deemed unsafe for a patient. After informing the physician of her decision, Key notified her manager. Her advocacy earned her the physician's respect.
Her greatest achievement is making a positive impact on patients' lives each day. Patients and their families often express their gratitude, some even visiting her at Pannie George’s.
Her career is distinguished by numerous notable accomplishments. She co-founded the Theta Phi Chapter of Chi Eta Phi nursing sorority at Auburn and has been a cardiology RN at East Alabama Medical Center (EAMC) for over 26 years. At EAMC, she mentored senior nursing students, taught Advanced Cardiac Life Support, and reached Clinical Ladder IV at EAMC with her research on pacemaker pocket infections.
“Nursing is a commitment to duty that can be both challenging and fulfilling,” Key said. She advises nurses to care for the whole person, including providing advocacy, spiritual support, and empathetic listening. “Know your patients well to provide the best care, continually seek knowledge to improve your care, and remain receptive to learning,” she concluded.
We extend our sincere congratulations to Mary Shenita Key for her recognition and commendable role as an exemplary model for future nurses.
