Jennifer Dawson Terry, (’97 & ’10) is the director of education services and workforce development at East Alabama Health (EAH), Opelika, AL
Mrs. Terry received an undergraduate degree in nursing from Auburn University in 1997 and started her nursing career as a cardiac nurse at East Alabama Medical Center (EAMC). In coaching students and new employees, she realized her passion for teaching, and moved into the role of an unit-based educator in 2005. She achieved her Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) certification in 2006, and in 2010 graduated from Auburn University with a master’s degree in nursing education. She also became certified as an advanced practice nurse (Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist). During her time as Manager of Education (2012–2020), she co-presented at a national conference, achieved her nursing professional development certification (NPD-C), implemented a nurse residency program, served on Leadership Lee County (2019-2020), and played an integral role in COVID-19 response at EAH.
Since 2020, as director of education services and workforce development at EAH, she oversees the training and development of over 3,800 employees. Serving on local high school and nursing program advisory committees, she collaborates to develop innovative programs that recruit, retain, and expand enrollment of students in programs of nursing and other healthcare-related fields. She currently serves on the CentralAlabamaWorks! region 5 workforce council and board of directors. Appointed by Governor Kay Ivey in 2023, she is also a board director for region 5 Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act. Under her direction, EAH was awarded over $1 million through the Alabama Workforce Stabilization program, a post-COVID recovery grant. She implemented and currently oversees a successful registered nurse apprenticeship program at EAH through partnerships with the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship and five local nursing programs, including AUCON — the first 4-year nursing program in the state to participate in an apprenticeship program.
Outside of work, she is a part-time chauffeur for her 12-year-old son, Dawson, a duty she enjoys sharing with her husband of 26 years, Brian. They also have two daughters, Audrey and Jenna, who are both in college. Having a strong Christian faith, she acknowledges God’s guidance and blessings in her life, finds purpose in her work, and strives to be an example of Christ. She serves as a church clerk, 5th and 6th grade Sunday school teacher, vacation bible school photographer, and has volunteered in various capacities such as painting/construction work for Fuller Center for Housing, landscaping for Our House, grant reviewer for CentralAlabamaWorks!, and volunteer nurse on Opelika’s Neighborhood Mobile Wellness Clinic. She enjoys gardening, watching baseball, and doing anything outdoors.
"To all the new graduates here today, Mrs. Terry serves as a shining example of what can be accomplished when you dare to dream and dedicate yourself to serving others,” said Dean Newschwander, as he presented the award to Jennifer Dawson Terry. “May her story inspire each of you to pursue your own dreams with unwavering determination and to always seek opportunities to serve and uplift those around you."
