In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, distinguished professionals like Dr. Dwayne Hooks exemplify the highest standards of dedication, expertise, and leadership. As Dean and Professor in the College of Health at Clayton State University, Dr. Hooks brings a wealth of experience, spanning over three decades in nursing and healthcare management. His extensive credentials and unwavering commitment to improving patient care and nursing education make him a pivotal figure in the field.
Dr. Hooks’ journey in healthcare began with his pursuit of academic excellence. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master of Nursing (MN) degrees from Augusta University College of Nursing in 1989 and 2002, respectively. These foundational degrees set the stage for a career marked by continuous learning and professional development.
In 2015, Dr. Hooks completed his PhD in Nursing at the University of Kansas, further solidifying his expertise and dedication to advancing nursing knowledge. His educational journey continued with a graduate certificate as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from the George Washington University in 2022. This diverse and robust educational background underscores Dr. Hooks’ commitment to comprehensive patient care and innovative nursing practice.
As Dean of the College of Health at Clayton State University, Dr. Hooks oversees a wide array of undergraduate and graduate academic programs, including Dental Hygiene, Health Care Management, Health and Fitness Management, Health Sciences, and Nursing. His leadership extends beyond academic responsibilities, encompassing all business and operational functions of the college. This dual focus ensures that the college not only provides top-tier education but also operates efficiently and effectively.
Dr. Hooks’ leadership is characterized by a deep commitment to interprofessional collaboration and innovative care models. His work emphasizes the importance of utilizing registered nurses and advanced practice nurses to their fullest potential, ensuring that healthcare teams operate at the highest levels of education, experience, and licensure.
Dr. Hooks’ career is distinguished by a blend of clinical practice and executive leadership. With over 33 years of registered nurse experience and 21 years as a Family Nurse Practitioner, he has worked in various clinical areas, including primary care, infectious disease, pulmonology, and family practice. This extensive clinical background provides a strong foundation for his executive roles and academic leadership.
As a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives, Dr. Hooks has served as Chief Nurse Executive for large multi-hospital systems in Georgia and North Carolina. His executive experience is complemented by his academic roles, having taught in BSN, MSN, DNP, and PhD nursing programs. Dr. Hooks has also contributed significantly to the development of nurse practitioner program curricula, particularly focusing on the DNP final scholarly work and nurse faculty clinical practice.
Dr. Hooks’ scholarship interests are diverse and impactful, covering topics such as rare neuro-muscular diseases, nurse staffing and productivity, interprofessional care and collaboration, and the scholarship of teaching and learning. His research contributions have advanced the understanding of these critical areas and informed best practices in nursing and healthcare management.
Notably, Dr. Hooks was the recipient of a Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) training grant aimed at increasing the use of professional registered nurses in collaboration with advanced practice registered nurses and other interprofessional team members in ambulatory care environments. He also received a HRSA-funded training grant focused on creating integrated behavioral and physical health practices. These grants highlight his commitment to innovative patient care models and improving healthcare delivery.
Dr. Hooks is actively involved in national and international healthcare organizations. He serves on the Board of Directors for the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) and acts as the Board Liaison to the Finance, Capital Development, and Marketing Committee. His participation in the NONPF Leadership Program Fellowship and his role as a member of the Academy of Judges for the annual Sharecare Awards program further demonstrate his influence and leadership in the field.
Dr. Hooks is a sought-after speaker, presenting locally, nationally, and internationally on a variety of clinical, academic, and executive nursing and healthcare leadership topics. His presentations reflect his deep knowledge and commitment to advancing nursing practice and healthcare leadership.
Dr. Hooks’ contributions to nursing and healthcare have been recognized with numerous honors and accolades. He is a Fellow in the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (FAANP) and was inducted as a Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing (FAAN) in October 2022. These prestigious designations acknowledge his significant impact on nursing practice, education, and leadership.
Dr. Dwayne Hooks embodies the qualities of a visionary leader in nursing and healthcare. His extensive clinical experience, combined with his executive acumen and academic leadership, positions him as a transformative figure in the field. His commitment to interprofessional collaboration, innovative care models, and advanced nursing education continues to shape the future of healthcare.
Through his roles at Clayton State University and his involvement in national and international organizations, Dr. Hooks is dedicated to fostering a culture of excellence in nursing and healthcare. His work ensures that future generations of healthcare professionals are well-equipped to meet the challenges of an ever-evolving healthcare landscape.
In conclusion, Dr. Dwayne Hooks’ distinguished career serves as an inspiring example of what can be achieved through dedication, expertise, and visionary leadership. His contributions to nursing and healthcare have made a lasting impact, and his ongoing work promises to continue driving innovation and excellence in the field.
ATL+ is your must-read magazine for all the latest news and pop culture. Since August 2020, we’ve provided readers a chance to read about topics that interest them the most. From tourism to politics, our articles were written by a talented team of writers to help you stay in the loop about the latest trends and news.
