Dr. Sarah Fisher Giles grew up in Atmore, Alabama, where she was one of five children. Her parents expected her to go to college, and she selected The University of Alabama to pursue her nursing degree. She entered the University's baccalaureate program in nursing in September 1965 and graduated in1969, becoming the first African-American
graduate of the University of Alabama School of Nursing. She continued her education and in1971 received a master of science in nursing degree specializing in medical/surgical nursing from Wayne State University. Always enjoying learning, she went on to earn an education specialist certificate in 1975 and a Ph.D. in 1979 from Wayne State University. After earning her doctorate, she joined the Army Reserves, rising through the ranks to become a full colonel. Meanwhile in civilian life, she joined the faculty of Wayne County Community College in Detroit. A faculty member since the program's inception, she actually helped write the program. Now as a senior faculty member, she participates in college-wide leadership. She served as an inspiration to her two younger sisters, Cynthia and Eleanor, who followed in her footsteps by also earning advanced degrees in nursing.

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