Dr. Pamela Edwards has been named the next director and chair of the Catherine W. Wood School of Nursing. Edwards joins Campbell University from the Duke University Health System, where she most recently served as assistant vice president for Nursing Education and associate consulting professor at the Duke University School of Nursing.
She previously served as associate chief nursing officer for education at Duke University Health System, deputy director of the Duke Area Health Education Program (AHEC), director of Educational Services at Duke University Health System and associate director of Continuing Medical Education at Duke University School of Medicine.
Throughout her career, Edwards has served in numerous leadership roles at the state and national levels — including the North Carolina Board of Nursing, where she served in the leadership roles of chair, vice chair and chair of Education & Practice Committee during four terms. She has been an active reviewer and recipient of grants through the Health Resources & Service Administration, board member of the Foundation for Nursing Excellence, leadership committee member of the North Carolina Future of Nursing Action Coalition, member of the Johnston County Board of Health, president of the North Carolina League for Nursing, commissioner of the International Association of Continuing Education and Training, member of the NLN Centers of Excellence Review Panel, the American Organization of Nurse Leaders Advocacy Committee, the NCIOM Taskforce on the Nursing Workforce, and many others.
In addition to completing an executive leadership fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic, she has been recognized by Barton College, the Great 100 in Nursing, Duke University, the National League for Nursing Center for Excellence, the Triangle Business Journal and the North Carolina Nurses Association.
Edwards received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Barton College, a Master of Science in Nursing from Villanova University and Doctor of Education in Occupational & Adult Education from North Carolina State University.
Edwards is the proud mom of a Campbell graduate and makes her home in Willow Spring, North Carolina, where she and her husband have a small horse farm.
“I look forward to becoming part of the Campbell University family, meeting and working with new colleagues across the University, and especially interacting with the students. I am excited about the opportunity to participate in the preparation of the next generation of Campbell nurses who will care for our patients, families and communities.”
“We are excited to have Dr. Edwards join us in the Catherine W. Wood School of Nursing,” said Dr. Wesley D. Rich, associate dean for Health Sciences in the College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences. “Her impact on health care in North Carolina has been felt at all levels. From individual patients to community health and major health system leadership, Dr. Edwards is passionate, forward-thinking, innovative, and highly respected across healthcare disciplines. With such rich experience in nursing education and practice, I am confident that she will be instrumental in continuing the tradition of excellence within the school of nursing.”
Dr. Jeff Mercer, interim dean of the College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, spoke highly of Edwards: “She brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success. Her leadership in nursing education aligns with our commitment to excellence in health sciences. We look forward to the positive impact she will have on our students and the broader healthcare community.”
Edwards will begin providing leadership to the Catherine W. Wood School of Nursing in the spring semester of 2024.