by Sheryl Marlar
After earning her BSN in 2000 and then her MSN in 2003 from the University of West Georgia, Dr. Jan Keys proceeded into what has become a stellar career, serving in various nurse leadership roles in both Georgia and Tennessee.
Most recently, Dr. Keys was awarded the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) Senior Level Healthcare Executive Regent’s Award from the Tennessee Hospital Association.
ACHE is an international professional society of 40,000 healthcare executives who lead hospitals, healthcare systems, and other healthcare organizations.
The award recognizes members who are experienced in the field and who have made contributions to the advancement of healthcare management. Just a few of the qualities on which members are evaluated include leadership abilities, innovative and creative management, and contributions to the development of others in the healthcare profession.
As the senior vice president and CNE for the Erlanger Health System in Chattanooga, she oversees nursing leadership for all five campuses in one of the largest public health systems in the United States.
“One of the most meaningful aspects of my career is the patient and what I can do for him,” she said. “In my role as CNE and overseer for five hospitals, I still find that my focus is on the patient.”
Dr. Keys joined Erlanger in March 2011, following her most recent post as CNO for the Hamilton Healthcare System in Dalton for six years.
She also serves as a faculty advisor for the Schools of Nursing at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga State College, Lee University, Southern College, Dalton State College, and the University of West Georgia.
“Dr. Keys is a prime example of the positive impact that UWG THSSON graduates are having on the U.S. healthcare industry,” said Dr. Jenny Schuessler, dean of the Tanner Health System School of Nursing at UWG. “This recognition from the American College of Healthcare Executives is an extraordinary accomplishment. We are proud to claim Dr. Keys as an alumna.”
“I credit the University of West Georgia as my foundation and my motivation, as well as the professors and the whole environment at UWG,” she added. “The wonderful experience I had there really pointed me in the right direction and made my dream a reality.”
Dr. Keys and her husband, Kyle, reside in a suburb of Chattanooga. They have two daughters: Julie is a registered nurse in Calhoun, and Laura Beth is a master cosmetologist in Chattanooga.
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