Gary Hicks, director of education at University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health (UM UCH), has been appointed to the Maryland State Board of Nursing by Governor Larry Hogan 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 a master’s degree in nursing from Towson University, with a post-graduate certificate in nursing education. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from what is now Stevenson University . Currently, he is pursuing a doctorate at Morgan State University in higher education administration.
In addition, Hicks serves as an adjunct nursing faculty member at Stevenson University .
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.”
About University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health
In December 2013, Upper Chesapeake Health became University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health. It consists of the University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Medical Center and the Patricia D. and M. Scot Kaufman Cancer Center in Bel Air and the University of Maryland Harford Memorial Hospital in Havre de Grace. The leading health care system and largest private employer in Harford County, UM Upper Chesapeake Health offers a broad range of health care services, technology and facilities to the residents of northeastern Maryland. Visit www.umuch.org for more information.
