Nursing Leader and Trailblazer Takes the Helm of the Ann Darlington Edwards Endowed Chair in Nursing

The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) College of Nursing has appointed Dr. Shannon Phillips, Ph.D., RN, to the prestigious Ann Darlington Edwards Endowed Chair in Nursing, the college’s first endowed professorship established in 1997. Dr. Phillips succeeds Dr. Carolyn Jenkins, a nationally recognized nurse leader and researcher in chronic disease prevention and health disparities.

A nurse scientist and educator with deep roots at MUSC, Phillips brings more than two decades of experience in pediatric critical care, health equity research and mentorship to the role. She is widely recognized for her work improving access to care for children, adolescents and young adults with sickle cell disease, with a focus on technology-enabled symptom self-management.

“Elevating nursing and nursing science while improving access to quality health care—especially for those facing disparities—is my North Star,” said Phillips, reflecting on the vision she brings to the role.

Her appointment aligns with the original intent of the Ann Darlington Edwards Endowed Chair: to attract visionary national nursing leaders who advance education, scholarship and health equity in diverse communities.

“Dr. Phillips exemplifies the spirit and purpose of this endowed chair,” said Catherine Durham, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, FAAN, dean of the College of Nursing. “Her commitment to under-resourced communities, her research excellence, and her deep dedication to mentorship will undoubtedly continue the legacy of impact set by Dr. Carolyn Jenkins. We are proud to support her vision and leadership as she carries forward this vital work.”

A Florida native, Phillips began her career as a pediatric intensive care nurse and later earned her Ph.D. in Nursing from MUSC CON. Her research career launched with the support of a KL2 Career Development Award from the South Carolina Clinical and Translational Research Institute and a K23 Award from the National Institute of Nursing Research. In 2023, she secured an R01 grant to expand her research on health care access and guideline-based care across the lifespan.

Beyond her scholarship, Phillips is Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certified and has led quality improvement initiatives in primary care practices statewide. As a faculty member, she teaches Ph.D. theory courses and serves as a mentor to emerging nurse scientists, a role she plans to deepen through her new appointment.

Her journey, marked by professional resilience and personal growth—including four children, multiple moves and a career that evolved demonstrates her commitment to lifelong learning and leadership in nursing.

The Ann Darlington Edwards Endowed Chair was established through a generous donation from Mrs. Nettie Dickerson of Bank Air Corp. in honor of Ann Darlington Edwards, the First Lady of MUSC and a revered nurse, stateswoman and goodwill ambassador. The position was created to elevate the visibility and national ranking of the college, support faculty scholarly productivity and symbolize MUSC’s commitment to nursing as the cornerstone of health care.

Dr. Phillips’s appointment embodies that legacy—one that continues to inspire excellence across education, practice and research at MUSC.