McDaniel College names inaugural Nursing program director

McDaniel College has named Heather A. Gable as the college’s inaugural program director for the new Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

Gable brings 25 years of nursing experience in acute and long-term care, including as a licensed nursing home administrator. For the past 20 years, she has worked in nursing leadership and academic roles, coming to McDaniel after serving as dean at Centra College, a private, nonprofit college in Lynchburg, Virginia, that offers four distinct nursing programs. She was previously department chair and associate professor at Frostburg State University, as well as an education coordinator for the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Maryland. She most recently co-founded a nursing education consulting firm.

“We are thrilled to have Heather joining the McDaniel community. Her robust experience is a perfect match for McDaniel as we move forward with the new Nursing program and Maryland Board of Nursing approval,” said Vickie Mazer, dean of Graduate and Professional Studies, who has overseen the development of this initiative.

As program director, Gable is assisting with developing and finalizing McDaniel’s new Nursing program, which is anticipated to launch in fall 2024 after final approval from the Maryland Board of Nursing. She is also responsible for implementing the program, including curriculum development and instruction, hiring program faculty, and identifying policies and practices.

She holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice, Master of Science in Nursing Administration, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, School of Nursing. She also earned an associate degree from Allegany College of Maryland. She is a certified nurse educator and achieved board certification as an advanced nurse executive. Additionally, she is a member of Sigma Theta Tau international and Phi Kappa Phi honor societies.

“As the inaugural Nursing program director, I am excited to embrace McDaniel's rich tradition of academic excellence. It is an honor to have this opportunity to work alongside McDaniel College's dedicated faculty and staff in a welcoming and inclusive campus community that values and celebrates everyone's uniqueness. Together, we will forge new pathways in nursing education, blending the liberal arts values of McDaniel with the innovation required to prepare our nursing students for the challenges of modern healthcare. My commitment to nurturing compassionate, highly skilled nurses aligns seamlessly with McDaniel's mission,” said Gable.