The Dr. Jemelene Chastain Moore Distinguished Faculty Award was established by Dr. Moore’s son Hugh, daughter-in-law Ann, and grandson David to honor Dr. Moore, the first instructor hired by Dean Mary Woody in the new school of nursing in 1979.
The award, presented annually, serves to recognize a faculty member who has demonstrated exemplary accomplishment in teaching, research, outreach, and/or service. This is the fourth year that the College of Nursing has presented this award. Dean Newschwander invited Hugh Moore, who was at the pinning ceremony on May 6, to present the award to Dr. Barbara Wilder.
Dr. Wilder, the recipient of the 2022 Dr. Jemelene Chastain Moore Distinguished Faculty award, exhibits the dedication and tenacity that was the hallmark of Dr. Moore’s career. She is a seasoned professional with over 50 years in nursing practice and leadership. In her multiple roles as a nurse since 1969 — family nurse practitioner, nurse educator and administrator — she has been instrumental in supporting excellence in nursing practice with a focus on team building, leadership and program design.
Wilder began her academic journey with a nursing diploma from St. Margaret’s School of Nursing in Montgomery. She went on to receive a bachelor's degree from Auburn University in Montgomery, master’s degrees from two universities — Troy and UAB, and a doctoral degree from UAB. Her path has culminated in her becoming the Wells Fargo Endowed Professor and the graduate program director.
According to one of her nominators, “Barbara is a tremendous asset to AUCON, and has a vision for nursing in the state of Alabama. She displays outstanding clinical ability and nursing knowledge regarding clinical topics and shines when sharing this information with students.”
Another nominator spoke vividly about Dr. Wilder’s role in the graduate program. “She has been an essential part of the development, approval process and implementation of the MSN, DNP and Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (PCNP) programs in the college. She finalized the proposal to offer a Ph.D. in Nursing program that was approved by the Board of Trustees at their April meeting.”
Research, scholarship, and outreach are evident in the multiple publications, grants and scholarly projects and presentations at local, regional and national levels that she has been involved with over the years. She has served on committees of 40 doctoral students, held elected office and served on university service activities and committees. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, she plays a vital role in keeping the community healthy. She has been a nurse practitioner at a youth development center and Lakewood Family Medicine, as a staff nurse at EAMC, and as director of nursing service at Easterwood Nursing Home.
She initiated KidCheck program in rural Alabama (now known as Tiger Check™). The program continues its presence in Macon and Bullock counties. It has successfully screened 12,000+ school-aged children and provided community opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students.
“Please join me in congratulating Dr. Barbara Wilder for her service and dedication to the nursing community. She is an inspiration and a tireless mentor to our students,” Dean Newschwander added
