HONORING THE NEXT GENERATION OF NURSES WITH SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER DR. ERNEST J. GRANT
On Monday, May 11th , James Sprunt Community College will proudly host its annual Registered Nurse Pinning Ceremony at the Wallace-Rose Hill High School Fine Arts Building. This meaningful and intimate tradition serves as a time of reflection, recognition, and commissioning as JSCC nursing graduates prepare to begin their journey in the healthcare profession.
This year’s ceremony will feature an extraordinary keynote speaker, Dr. Ernest J. Grant, Clinical Associate Professor and Vice Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the Duke University School of Nursing.
Dr. Grant is the immediate past president of the American Nurses Association (ANA) and made history as the first man elected president of the organization. With more than 30 years of nursing experience, he has become one of the nation’s most respected voices in healthcare and nursing leadership.
Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Grant has been recognized by Modern Healthcare Magazine as one of the “50 Most Influential Clinical Executives in Healthcare” and among the “100 Most Influential People in Healthcare.” He is also the recipient of the prestigious B.T. Fowler Lifetime Achievement Award and made history as the first African American male to earn a PhD from the UNC Greensboro School of Nursing.
In 2002, Dr. Grant was honored with the Nurse of the Year Award by President George W. Bush. He currently serves as an adjunct faculty member at the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Nursing.
Dr. Grant earned his BSN from North Carolina Central University and both his MSN and PhD from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He has additionally received honorary doctoral degrees from the University of Wisconsin and Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia.
JSCC President Dr. Shannon Hair shares his excitement for the occasion, stating:
“Having Dr. Grant speak to our registered nursing students, faculty, and staff at our Associate Degree of Nursing Pinning Ceremony will set the tone for a very impactful week at James Sprunt Community College. I believe his words of encouragement will be both positive and impactful! It is my hope that everyone in the audience and those who walk across the stage will remember this special day for years to come.”
James Sprunt Community College is honored to welcome Dr. Grant as this year’s speaker as we celebrate the dedication, perseverance, and accomplishments of our future nurses.
