Dr. Jessica B. Ivey Named Director of the Gardner-Webb Hunt School of Nursing

Alumna and Educator Brings Vision, Experience, and Passion to Leadership Role

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Associate Professor of Nursing Dr. Jessica Ivey has been named director of the Gardner-Webb University Hunt School of Nursing (HSON). A GWU alumna, she has served as the school’s interim director since July and was previously associate director. Ivey is a native of Shelby, N.C., and joined the HSON in 2016.

Interim Dean of the College of Health Sciences Dr. Tracy Arnold praised Ivey’s contributions to HSON. “Dr. Ivey brings valuable experience, steady leadership, and a commitment to advancing nursing education and practice, further enriched by her active practice as a registered nurse,” Arnold asserted. “I am confident that her vision will strengthen the Hunt School of Nursing and continue to build on its tradition of excellence.”

Ivey has 24 years of clinical nursing experience with nine years in nursing education. She began her career at Gardner-Webb in 2016 as the HSON Lab Coordinator. A year later, she transitioned into a full-time teaching role as an Instructor of Nursing. In 2018, she was named the Associate of Science in Nursing Program and Licensure Coordinator, and from 2022 to 2025, she served as the Chair of Pre-Licensure Nursing Programs.

She earned her Associate Degree in Nursing from Gardner-Webb in 2001. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Winston-Salem State University in 2009. Then, she came back to Gardner-Webb to complete her Master of Science in Nursing Education in 2012 and her Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership in 2020. Ivey is certified in Inpatient Obstetric Nursing and is a Certified Nurse Educator.

Ivey’s personal goal is to consistently expand her knowledge and skills, which aligns with her goals for HSON.  “As a new director, my goals will focus on strengthening student success, supporting faculty development, and ensuring compliance with accreditation standards. I also aim to strengthen clinical partnerships and promote innovation in teaching. Ultimately, my goal is to support a successful program that cares for students, empowers faculty, and prepares nurses who are ready to lead in their communities.”

She still works part-time at Atrium Cleveland, where she started her nursing career in 2001 as a staff nurse. In 2009, she transitioned to the unit-based educator role for Women and Children Services. “I am thankful for the excellent nurses at Atrium Cleveland in Women and Children Services who have taught me so much,” she praised. “Continuing my clinical practice keeps me up to date on evidence-based practice, new processes, and the latest in technology.”

Ivey was in high school when she discovered her passion for nursing. She had always thought she would go into teaching because many of her relatives were in the education field. However, some of her family members noticed her caring and kind actions for people and suggested that she take the health occupations course offered by Crest High School. “And that’s when I knew I wanted to be a nurse,” Ivey stated. “Actually, I did my CNA clinical in this building (College of Health Sciences) when it was Crawley Nursing Home, so to say I’ve come full circle is an understatement.”

She is grateful for everyone who has mentored, guided, and supported her, including her family, who provided encouragement and understanding each time she went back to school for another degree or took a new position. She is thankful for the professors who taught her and those she has worked alongside. “When I look back, there are so many people who have been mentors to me throughout my life that I can’t name them all, but my health occupations teacher was very encouraging and instrumental in my decision to be a nurse,” Ivey shared. “Current and previous leaders of the Hunt School of Nursing have played a pivotal role in my leadership experiences. I have known all the past directors as either a student or as a faculty member, and that is special.”

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Learn more at Gardner-Webb.edu.