Gary Hicks '07 named to the MD State Board of Nursing

By Megan Bradshaw on September 28, 2016

Maryland Governor Larry Hogan appointed University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health Director of Education Gary Hicks ‘07 to the Maryland State Board of Nursing for a four-year term.

He is the first nurse from UM UCH to be appointed to the Maryland Board of Nursing.

As a member of the Board of Nursing, Hicks will be instrumental in decision-making related to nursing practice in the state. The board's mission is to advance safe quality care in Maryland through licensure, certification, education and accountability for public protection.

“I am honored to be appointed by Governor Hogan. It is a distinct privilege to represent and give back to a profession that has given me so much," Hicks said. "I look forward to working with a talented group of professionals who will help drive a culture of service excellence and safety across all disciplines. “

Hicks has worked at UM UCH for 29 years in a variety of nursing positions. He is a certified emergency nurse and worked in that field for more than 18 years. In 2006 he was named Nurse of the Year by Upper Chesapeake Medical Center.

In 2013, he was appointed director of education at UM UCH. In this role, he directs, manages and coordinates the education and resource development department. He oversees the planning, design, implementation and evaluation of a variety of team member, patient and community education programs.

Hicks received his master's degree in nursing from Towson University, with a post-graduate certificate in nursing education. Currently, he is pursuing a doctorate at Morgan State University in higher education administration.

He is a member of the American Association of Critical Care Nurses, Emergency Nurses Association, National League of Nursing and Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society.

Active in the community, Hicks is an advisory board member to the Baltimore County Public School System and nursing advisory board member at Stevenson University. He has also served as chair of the Emergency Department Education Committee at UM UCH; state treasurer of the Emergency Nurses Association — Maryland and president of the Emergency Nurses Association--Metropolitan Baltimore Chapter.

"Gary Hicks is an outstanding addition to the State Board of Nursing," said Lyle E. Sheldon, president and CEO of UM UCH. "We are proud of Gary's accomplishments and know he will bring valuable knowledge and insights to his work with the Board of Nursing."