Faculty

Jayne Willis joined the UCF College of Nursing faculty in Fall 2022 after four decades of service at Orlando Health, most recently serving as vice president and chief nurse executive. In that role, she provided leadership to more than 6,000 nurses and was responsible for the implementation of the system’s nursing strategic plan. Under her leadership, Orlando Health Arnold Palmer and Winnie Palmer hospitals received their second ANCC Magnet designation. She is board certified as a Nurse Executive-Advanced by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, is a Certified Executive in Nursing Practice by the American Organization of Nurse Executives, and has completed the Institute for Healthcare Improvement Patient Safety Executive Program. Community service is a passion for Willis. She is currently the past chair of the board of directors for the American Heart Association, which honored her in 2022 with the Legacy Chairman’s Circle Award. She also serves on the executive board for the Orlando Ballet as vice president and board nominating chair, and on the board for the Central Florida Women’s League.

Education

• DNP, University of Central Florida
• MSN, University of Florida
• BSN, Florida State University

Selected Awards & Honors

• Outstanding Knight Nurse Award in Leadership, University of Central Florida, 2024
• President’s Award, Florida Nurses Association, 2023
• Nursing Administration ICON Award, Florida Nurse’s Association, 2020
• Sigma Nursing Leadership Award, Theta Epsilon Chapter, 2017

Selected Professional Activities

• Board Member, Florida Organization of Nurse Leaders
• Executive Board, Nursing Action Coalition of Florida