Cecil Holland

Dr. Cecil Holland is an Associate Dean and tenured Associate Professor in the Department of Nursing at Winston-Salem State University (WSSU), serving as Chief Operating Officer of the Division of Nursing. He also holds roles as Assistant Dean for Admissions, Student Affairs, and Program Effectiveness. With over 34 years of experience in nursing, education, and administration, his career spans clinical practice (medical-surgical, critical care, gerontology) and academic leadership.

Dr. Holland holds multiple degrees: BSN (1989), MSN (2004) from WSSU; MEd (1990) from North Carolina A&T State University; EdD (1999) from Nova Southeastern University; and PhD (2006) in Health Care Administration. His research focuses on cardiovascular health, childhood obesity, and interprofessional collaboration. He has secured over $500,000 in grants, including leadership roles in RWJF New Careers in Nursing Program and HRSA Student Disadvantage Scholarships.

His community service includes boards like The Shepherd Center of Winston-Salem, UFit2, Inc., and SECU Hospitality House. He chairs the Congregational Nurse Health Ministry Council and holds leadership roles in national organizations like Sigma Theta Tau International. Dr. Holland’s publications emphasize nursing workforce development, patient care improvement, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Grants and projects led by Dr. Holland include initiatives to address nursing shortages, improve minority healthcare access, and develop college student cardiovascular education programs. He has contributed to retention strategies for nursing students and mobile health unit concepts to engage underserved youth in healthcare careers.