Kerri Gilson has been named the executive director of the UNMC College of Medicine Center for Continuing Education (CCE).
Gilson brings 29 years of professional nursing experience, as well as 12 years in leadership and seven years in professional continuing education, to her new role.
She was first attracted to nursing, she said, because she saw a need.
“I care about people, and I wanted to help them and have a part in their healing. I wanted to be a part of that transformation, when you help someone who’s sick get better. It was instilled in me at a young age that nursing is something that can make a difference.”
It was during her nursing career that she discovered a passion for education and leadership, as well. Now, Gilson is looking to provide transformational leadership and make a difference at UNMC.
UNMC is a jointly accredited provider of continuing health care education for the healthc are team, which was attained and is maintained by the CCE and the UNMC College of Nursing’s Office of Continuing Interprofessional Development and Innovation (CiPDI).
“Our joint accreditation status has aligned professional development more closely with UNMC’s interprofessional practice values,” said Heidi Keeler, CiPDI director. “Since then, our offices have worked on creating positive disruption for lifelong learning in health care. Director Gilson’s new position at the Center for Continuing Education further solidifies this commitment towards a collaborative team approach.”
For Gilson, that teamwork is just one of the reasons she’s excited about coming to UNMC.
“One of the things I love about UNMC is that emphasis on innovation and excellence, two of their core values,” Gilson said. “I love the drive for transformational change through innovation. UNMC wants to provide professional development that expands UNMC’s current and future programs. We want to provide continuing education programs that meet current and future work needs.
“People tend to commit to UNMC and stay here for a long time,” Gilson said. “We want to make sure that we value their commitment and position them for the future. And in doing so, we want to be relevant, but we also want to be innovative, open to change and growth.”
Gilson holds a Master of Science-Nurse Executive, a board certification in nursing professional development, and is a certified Gallup Global Strengths Coach. She has professional experience in multiple settings across the health care and business continuum including hospital, clinic, home care, education and more.
“I value education. I value professional development. I value learning,” she said. “Being a mentor and a coach is something that I enjoy. I have taught in the classroom. I have taught in the clinical setting. I am passionate about helping people grow and succeed in whatever they are trying to accomplish.”
Lisa Bally, director of finance and operations for CCE, said the staff is excited to work with Gilson.
“Our office is extremely excited to have Kerri coming on board,” Bally said. “We’re looking forward to seeing how her leadership will move us forward in the future.”