Grad persisted despite physical, personal challenges

April 21, 2026 — DENTON — Perseverance is key when an academic journey is beset by challenges.

Charity Broomfield can attest to that.

Broomfield, a first-generation college student and distinguished U.S. Navy veteran, was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer in 2022. Since that time, she has endured four major surgeries. She simultaneously had to manage other ongoing chronic health conditions that required constant vigilance.

Also at the same time, Broomfield was serving as head of household after taking in her niece and her husband into her home.

Despite the challenges, Broomfield managed to complete two undergraduate degrees. On May 8, she’ll earn a B.S. in biology, with a minor in child development and a B.S. in psychology with a minor in neuroscience. She also received a Biological Research Undergraduate Certificate while at Texas Woman’s.

The extraordinary accomplishment – despite the challenges – shouldn’t surprise anyone.

Throughout her 16-year naval career, she demonstrated exceptional leadership and clinical expertise. She retired with the rank of Chief Petty Officer.

For her final nine years of service, Broomfield served as a Surface Force Independent Duty Corpsman (SFIDC), a role requiring her to provide comprehensive medical care as the sole medical provider aboard naval vessels.

Her commitment to the mission was further evident by six overseas deployments, a journey that took her to 26 different countries in support of global operations and maritime security.

Broomfield described her time at TWU as a “journey of profound self-discovery,” and credited several of her professors for their unwavering guidance that aided in her research and helped shape her course of study.

“While I began my studies intending to become a child psychologist, my coursework in child development sparked an unexpected passion for the biological side of the mind,” Broomfield said. “This led me to minor in neuroscience and eventually add a biology major, supported by the incredible resources at TWU and the VA education system.”

After graduation, she plans to pursue a master’s degree in biology at TWU with a goal of pursuing a PhD in neuroimmunology.