CCBC Alumna, Nursing, CCBC Distinguished Alumnus '26
Nicole Beeson began pursuing nursing at CCBC. Now the senior health care executive is helping other students pursue their nursing careers.
Nicole Beeson’s journey is one of perseverance, purpose and giving back—qualities that make her a fitting recipient of CCBC’s 2026 Distinguished Alumni of the Year.
As the vice president of nursing operations and care delivery innovation for the University of Maryland Medical System, Ms. Beeson leads initiatives that strengthen the workforce and improve patient care. But long before her leadership roles and professional achievements, she was a student at CCBC, balancing coursework with raising three young children on her own.
“I was unexpectedly faced with caring for my three small children on my own,” she shared. “CCBC’s Weekend Nursing Program gave me the flexibility to care for my children and take classes on the weekend. CCBC was exactly what I needed during that time in my life.”
She earned her Weekend Nursing Certificate in 2008 and remembers the experience as both supportive and transformative. Surrounded by classmates juggling similar responsibilities, she found encouragement in a shared commitment to moving forward.
From there, Ms. Beeson began her career as a registered nurse and steadily advanced, continuing her education along the way—earning a master’s degree in nursing, an MBA and eventually a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree.
“I just kept moving forward,” Beeson said. “I didn’t really know my destination. I just kept putting one foot in front of the other.”
Her career has since spanned key leadership roles across the health system, including serving as senior vice president of patient care services and chief nursing officer at University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center. Her leadership has contributed to high-quality outcomes and recognition for excellence in patient care.
Despite her success, Ms. Beeson remains deeply connected to the community that helped shape her path. She has played a key role in expanding opportunities for others—helping establish a partnership among UMMS, CCBC and Baltimore County Government that provides tuition-free training and clear career pathways for aspiring health care professionals. She has also dedicated her time to mentoring and guiding students, most recently through the CCBC Alumni Association’s “Dinner with a Pro” event, where she shares her CCBC journey and professional expertise with current students.
“Our hope is to create a sense of community around this group of students and watch them rise together,” she said. “That’s what happened to me at CCBC.”
Her story reflects the lasting impact of education, determination and a commitment to lifting others along the way.