Personal health journey inspires generosity

Suzanne Morris graduated from Auburn with a nursing degree in 1987. But her love for Auburn began long before then.

With an uncle who played basketball for the Tigers in the 1960s and a cousin, Deborah Whatley, who was the first female drum major in the Auburn University Marching Band, Morris was raised on healthy doses of Auburn lore and frequent visits to the Plains.

“I’ve loved Auburn since I was old enough to know what Auburn is,” she said. “It’s always been such a huge part of my family and life. I just never wanted to go anywhere else.”

Her alma mater has continued to be a significant part of her life through her roles as the parent of two Auburn students and an active alumna, donor and health advocate.

“My years at Auburn were some of my very best,” she said. “The connections from that time have only deepened through the years. I made long-lasting friendships and learned skills that have benefited me throughout my life.”

After a series of health challenges in recent years, Morris discovered even more ways to stay connected to Auburn. She and her husband actively supported research led by the College of Nursing and a distinguished lecture on campus with an expert from Brigham Young University (BYU) on the topic of insulin resistance.

“I may not practice nursing anymore, but I can still have an influence on health care issues,” she said. “I can still promote research and breakthroughs with issues affecting millions of people. And I’m so glad I can do it at Auburn.”

Building a life off the Plains

Just as they are today, Auburn nurses were highly sought after when Morris graduated, so she easily secured her first nursing role in Chattanooga, Tennessee. She worked in a variety of hospital units including a cardiac step down for patients recovering from heart surgeries or procedures, a newborn nursery and a neonatal intensive care unit. Eventually, she was asked to lead an outreach program, building relationships and connecting surrounding communities with the resources and information available at the hospital.

“I was able to work with a variety of people like the hospital CEO and first responders, as well as community members,” she said. “We developed workshops and helped people learn about and take advantage of the hospital resources available to them. I really enjoyed that work and I know I wouldn’t have had the opportunity without my Auburn degree. It gave me credibility and helped open the door.”

Morris marks that time in her career as one of personal growth. It also revealed her enthusiasm for sharing knowledge and access to resources with people who want to live healthier and more robust lives. Years later, she tapped into that passion, overcoming a series of health challenges and learning firsthand how to combat a diagnosis through nutrition, fitness and the right medical treatment.

“There are gaps and errors in what people are told and understand,” she said. “I was definitely in that group, but I have learned from experience and research, and I want others to find the help they need, too.”

Discovering a new calling

Nearly eight years ago, Morris received a diagnosis that dramatically changed her life. Even with her years of experience as a nurse, she had never heard of insulin resistance.

“I think it was divine intervention when I met a nurse practitioner who could tell what was wrong just by looking at me,” she said. “After testing, it was confirmed and my first thought was, ‘I’m a nurse. How could I not know about this disease?’ That diagnosis put me on the clear path to restoring my health.”

As she dug in, learning everything she could about the condition that contributes to metabolic dysfunction, the puzzle pieces fell into place. Throughout her life, Morris had experienced a range of symptoms including weight gain, joint pain, migraines, fatigue, high blood pressure, thyroid issues, insomnia and more. She also dealt with fertility issues resulting in a difficult first pregnancy and C-section and, ultimately, infertility that led to the adoption of her second daughter.

 “I was devastated when I was told I had a 4% chance of ever conceiving again but I believe everything happens for a reason,” she said. “We adopted a beautiful daughter from China, and I wouldn’t trade being her mom for anything.”

After discovering the relationship between her previous medical issues and the insulin resistance diagnosis, Morris went into action. A voracious reader and researcher, she became an expert on the often-undiagnosed disease that targets metabolic health — the body's ability to process and use food and nutrients efficiently. She reversed her condition, primarily through changes in her diet and fitness routine, incorporating regular strength training, limiting carbohydrates and mostly consuming essential fats and protein. She has also become a health advocate and looks for opportunities to share her experiences, coaching others who might unknowingly have the same diagnosis.

“The results have been pretty dramatic,” she said. “People look at me today and see weight loss, but I was also very unhealthy. I had high blood pressure and was on my way to developing diabetes, heart disease and even at risk of stroke. So, yes, treating insulin resistance helped me lose weight, but even more, I’m healthier than I’ve ever been and have more energy than I did in my 20s.”

Investing on the Plains

Morris and her husband, Glenn, have generously supported Auburn and the College of Nursing for years, with gifts toward outreach, student scholarships, faculty professorships, college programs, the nursing building, and more.

After learning about ongoing studies into metabolic dysfunction at Auburn, the Morrises funded a research project on insulin resistance awareness in the College of Nursing. Their gift also supported a recent distinguished lecture as part of a multi-year series in the college. During his presentation, renowned metabolic function expert and cell biology and physiology professor Benjamin Bikman from BYU, shared his research on insulin resistance with an audience of 450 nursing students, faculty, health care and campus leaders, as well as the donors who made it all possible.

Philanthropic support for research opens doors to discovery and provides solutions for some of the world’s greatest challenges, including diseases that affect millions, like insulin resistance. Morris hopes this is only the beginning of exploration into this topic — at Auburn and beyond.

“I developed critical thinking skills and knowledge of the human body as a nursing student at Auburn. Then I lived this experience,” she said. “And now I can put it all together to help others. I really believe I went through all of it for this purpose.”