Throughout her career, Gina S. Brown, PhD Nursing ’99, has demonstrated tenacity and resolve. While earning her PhD at George Mason University, she balanced a demanding academic schedule, sustained a full-time job, and raised a young family.
On July 1, Brown returned to her undergraduate alma mater, Oakwood University, to take on a historic new role: the first female president of the institution.
Brown emphasizes a leadership approach founded on shared governance, rooted in respect for every voice in the Oakwood community—students, faculty, and alumni alike. “I want to hear from everyone—those who loved their experience and those who didn’t. Everyone’s voice matters,” Brown stated. Nevertheless, she is clear that her foremost priority is to protect and respect students.
A career grounded in service and leadership
Brown has served in clinical, academic, and leadership roles. While pursuing her PhD, Brown worked as a nurse recruiter. She traveled frequently to the Philippines to recruit nurses back to the United States to address the shortage of nurses, and to evaluate their educational level to assess that they were the same as those in the states.
She went on to hold several notable positions, including serving as an investigational review board liaison at Washington Hospital Center, followed by faculty appointments at Washington Adventist University that evolved into leadership roles as associate chair, chair, and dean. Brown also supported underrepresented students at a minority-serving college in Baltimore and played a pivotal role in restoring accreditation at a school in Massachusetts.
She later served on the board of Loma Linda University in California, which led to a faculty role as associate professor and director of the Doctor of Nursing Practice capstone programs. She then became dean of the College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences at Howard University, overseeing 1,500 students and 100 faculty.
Recognitions and professional achievements
Brown’s work has earned her numerous distinctions, including:
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Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing (FAAN)
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Fellow of the Academy of Diversity and Leaders in Nursing (FDNL)
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Fellow of the National Academies of Practice
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Recipient of the 2024 Gold Foundation’s Medal of Honor, highlighting her wide-reaching impact in health care
She attributes much of her success to the encouragement and foundation laid at George Mason University, which inspired her to seek leadership roles, pursue excellence, and serve her community.
Her time at George Mason
Brown highlights her time at George Mason as exceptionally supportive, recalling faculty who went above and beyond to help her with funding, tutoring, and flexibility. Brown credits this period as a formative chapter in her career, citing the unwavering support and encouragement she received from Mason faculty and staff.
“So many times, people complain about their institutions, but I’ve always been very pleased with George Mason. It was rigorous—it was tough—but it was a great program. It was my most positive educational experience. Keep up the good job.”
Her advice for the next generation: value relationships as much as academic achievement. “Really get to know your professors. When you build those relationships, you can anticipate each other’s needs, and support becomes much more meaningful. It makes all the difference.”
Brown’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, supportive mentorship, and servant leadership. As she steps into her new role at Oakwood, her experiences continue to inspire students, colleagues, and the broader academic community.