Dosher Chief Nursing officer Dr. Jill Ward DNP, RN, CCRN and Dosher Licensed Nutritionist, and Certified
Diabetes Care and Education Specialist Vicki Allen DCN, RDN,LDN,CDCES, earned their doctorate degrees this
spring. Dosher Chief Nursing officer Dr. Jill Ward DNP, RN, CCRN and Dosher Licensed Nutritionist, and Certified
Diabetes Care and Education Specialist Vicki Allen DCN, RDN,LDN,CDCES, earned their doctorate degrees this
spring.
Dosher Leaders Earn Doctoral Degrees, Demonstrating Commitment to Excellence in Patient Care
Diabetes Care and Education Specialist Vicki Allen DCN, RDN,LDN,CDCES, earned their doctorate degrees this
spring.
Two members of Dosher's leadership team complete advanced academic achievements
Release date: June 25, 2026
Dosher Memorial Hospital is proud to announce that two members of its leadership team have earned doctoral degrees this spring, reflecting their dedication to lifelong learning and advancing the quality of care provided to the community. Chief Nursing Officer Dr. Jill Ward earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Registered Dietitian, Licensed Nutritionist, and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist Dr. Vicki Allen earned her Doctor of Clinical Nutrition degree from the Notre Dame of Maryland University School of Integrative Health.
As Chief Nursing Officer, Dr. Ward provides strategic leadership for nursing practice, patient care services, quality improvement initiatives, and workforce development across the organization. Her commitment to evidence-based practice, clinical excellence, and fostering a culture of safety and compassion has helped strengthen patient outcomes and support professional growth of nursing staff. Earning her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree further enhances her ability to lead transformational change and advance healthcare delivery for the communities Dosher Memorial Hospital serves. Dr. Ward joined Dosher in June 2024, bringing
more than 27 years of nursing leadership experience. Prior to joining Dosher, she served as Chief Nursing Officer at Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center for eight years. Her previous leadership positions included Director of Critical Care Services at Piedmont Medical Center in Rock Hill, South Carolina, and Intensive Care Nurse Manager with Atrium Health in Charlotte.
Dr. Allen has devoted more than four decades to the fields of nutrition and diabetes education and has served the Dosher community for 34 years. Throughout her career, she has worked closely with patients to improve health outcomes and help prevent or manage chronic diseases through evidence-based nutrition counseling and education. Her passion for empowering patients to make informed lifestyle choices has positively impacted countless lives throughout Brunswick County.
“Earning a doctoral degree requires an extraordinary investment of time, discipline, and perseverance, especially while serving in demanding healthcare leadership roles,” said Dosher President and CEO Lynda Stanley. “Jill and Vicki exemplify the culture of excellence we strive to foster at Dosher. Their commitment to advancing their knowledge not only represents a personal achievement, but also strengthens the care we provide to our patients and community. We are incredibly proud of them and grateful for the expertise, leadership, and passion they bring to our organization every day.”
Stanley not only acknowledged that the entire community benefits when healthcare leaders continue to grow but that Dosher is committed to investing in leaders who are interested in lifelong learning. Said Stanley, “These accomplishments are a testament to the caliber of professionals who choose to serve at Dosher. Jill and Vicki embody our mission of service, continuous improvement, and extraordinary care.”