Within minutes of speaking with Vivian Dennis ’85, you know she is a leader.  

You quickly sense not only her ability to lead but also a fervent desire to give back and build community.  

“We are only strongest when we work together,” says Dennis. 

One look at the life she’s led and continues to lead clearly demonstrates the truth behind her words. From a long military career to her post as the UNC Greensboro’s School of Nursing (SON) Advisory Board Chair, Dennis has embraced every opportunity to serve.  

UNCG Experience  

Dennis quickly defines earning her bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) at UNCG as “a really good experience,” full of normal college events, like moving away from home and establishing a routine of study.  

She identifies her time at UNCG as “an opportunity to reinvent herself,” building on her high school identity and gaining independence.  

Dennis specifically remembers UNCG’s first Black faculty member, Ernestine Small, during her years in school. At just 24 years old, Small became a change agent not only for UNCG’s SON but also for the entire UNC System and the broader cause of civil rights. 

“Dr. Small was also the first African American to be the president of the North Carolina Nurses Association, starting in 1979,” says Dennis. “She was a vibrant individual and had an important role at that time.”  

Sign Me Up 

Dennis’ own list of accomplishments garners awe – from her storied career with the U.S. Air Force to her dual MBA in healthcare and human resources.  

When considering her entry into the military, a colleague told Dennis her nursing degree would enable her to be a leader.  

“My antennas went up, and I asked, ‘Where do I sign up?’” Dennis says. “I wanted to implement what I learned in college. I wanted to lead. I was ‘all in’ for a lifetime.”  

From Japan to England, Massachusetts to Georgia, and Virgina to Alaska, Dennis completed 30 years of service for her country, starting her military career in medical-surgical nursing and ending as director of programs, with many positions in between.  

Leading Teams  

Dennis’ military experiences shaped her deep understanding of purpose and community, specifically her work in an ICU during deployment to Afghanistan.  

She was in charge of a team in which about 60 percent of her staff, herself included, did not necessarily have ICU-trained skills. Despite that, they united as a cohesive group with ICU-trained Army and Navy nurses and utilized their talents.  

That interdependence was called into action following a firefight between U.S. and coalition forces with the Taliban. Seven Frenchmen, each sustaining life-threatening burn injuries, were brought to C.J. Craig Joint Hospital where Dennis’ team worked tirelessly for 13 hours.  

“Our team had three hours to prepare, to get our mindset ready,” Dennis says. “We needed to be of one accord. We stabilized the servicemen enough for an aero evacuation to Germany.”   

Dennis recalls they were able to depend on one another during this challenging event because “everyone brought something to the table.”  

Standing Tall, Ready to Serve 

Dennis retired as a Colonel and now brings that same understanding of camaraderie to her role as chair of the SON’s Advisory Board. Dean Debra Barksdale offered her the opportunity to serve in this way in 2022.  

“Here is this dynamo Dean Barksdale, and she wanted me to chair one of her boards,” says Dennis. “I said, ‘Absolutely! I am here standing tall, chest out, head up and anything I can do, yes ma’am.’ And it’s been an awesome experience.”  

Since UNCG is her nursing school, it’s personal. Her goals are to focus on SON’s mission and strategic plan and to advocate for nursing students, faculty, and alumni. 

Dennis appreciates the changes Dean Barksdale has instituted in the SON since her arrival, noting the “speed of light” impact she brings to the school on local and national levels.  

Barksdale says the admiration is mutual: “From our first meeting, Vivian’s pride in her UNCG education was clear. As chair, she leads with distinction and supports our events with her time and talents.” 

Service, Integrity, Excellence   

What Dennis learned in her military career influences her leadership role on the SON Board.  

“It was my goal to incorporate the Air Force’s three core values into the board: Service before self, integrity, and excellence in all we do.”  

These values align with what Dennis sees as the nursing program’s strengths: the leadership, faculty and staff, student resources, and research.  

“I am impressed with the new nursing programs coming on board, like the PELSMN program and the BSN Direct Admission initiative, and the drive to advance nursing on an international platform,” Dennis says.  

Gifts to Share  

Dennis offers her talents in other ways to both nursing and military communities.  

“Because of the military, because of UNCG, I have a wealth of knowledge and mentorship to share,” she says. 

Dennis serves in the Carolina Nurses League, a local nursing association fostering nurse relationships and opportunities, and is a NC A&T University Junior Nursing Student Proctor.  

She also supports the Military Office Association of America as a liaison for presentation of JROTC awards for 20 schools in the Greensboro area.  

“I really appreciate the opportunities offered me to be back at UNCG and to be a force there,” Dennis says. “Any opportunity to engage with UNCG students and alumni, I raise my hand.”  

Story by Amy Burtch, AMBCopy 
Photography by Sean Norona, University Communications