MISENHEIMER — Pfeiffer University announced the appointment of Dr. David Hudson, DNP, RN, as the new department chair of the Department of Nursing. A nurse educator, administrator and academic leader, Hudson brings more than three decades of nursing and healthcare experience and a track record of developing, leading and accrediting nursing programs.
Most recently, Hudson served as university chief nursing officer and director of nursing programs for Johnson & Wales University, where he provided leadership for Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) programs across campuses in North Carolina and Rhode Island. In this role, he directed strategic planning, financial management, enrollment initiatives and accreditation efforts for the nursing programs. Under his leadership, Johnson & Wales achieved initial accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) in 2024, a significant milestone for the university’s nursing program.
Prior to his work at Johnson & Wales, Hudson spent more than a decade at Queens University of Charlotte, serving in a variety of leadership and faculty roles, including assistant professor, director of clinical education, clinical coordinator and simulation center leader. Throughout his academic career, he has been recognized for curriculum development, student success initiatives, simulation-based education, faculty mentorship and nursing program innovation.
Hudson holds a doctor of nursing practice in educational leadership from American Sentinel University, a master of science in nursing from Queens University of Charlotte, a bachelor of science in nursing from Gardner-Webb University and a diploma in nursing from Mercy School of Nursing.
His professional accomplishments also include serving as president of the North Carolina Council of Higher Education in Nursing from 2024 to 2026 and being named a Luther Christman Fellow by the American Association of Men in Nursing.
“Dr. Hudson brings the rare combination of extensive clinical expertise, visionary academic leadership and a demonstrated ability to build high-quality nursing programs from the ground up,” said Dr. Dawn Lucas, dean of the Undergraduate College at Pfeiffer University. “His experience in accreditation, curriculum development, and student-centered nursing education will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen and grow Pfeiffer’s nursing programs. We are excited to welcome him to our academic community.”
As department chair, Hudson will lead Pfeiffer University’s nursing faculty, oversee academic and strategic initiatives, support student success and advance the university’s mission of preparing compassionate and highly skilled nursing professionals to serve communities across North Carolina and beyond.
