Debra Hrelic is a doctorally prepared RN with over 44 years of clinical experience, and greater than 21 years of experience teaching in Higher Education. She received her BSN in 1980 from William Paterson University in Wayne New Jersey and began her Nursing career in a level 3 perinatal center employed in Labor and Delivery. There she became an active participant of the perinatal transport team, which inspired her to pursue further education in the field of high-risk obstetrics. In 1986, Dr.Hrelic earned her MSN in Perinatal Nursing, as the first graduate from Rutgers University in Newark New Jersey with this major. In 2003, Dr.Hrelic successfully completed her PhD in Nursing at the University of Connecticut, in Storrs CT. As Dr.Hrelic’s career path naturally transitioned to the educational realm, she maintained a presence at the bedside through work and clinical experiences with students. At UNCW since 2017, Dr. Hrelic continues her journey in Nursing Education by serving the profession through nursing leadership, research, student and faculty success.