VCU news

By Laura Rossacher

Registered nurse Linda Hines, the Medicaid plan president for Virginia Premier and a three-time alum of Virginia Commonwealth University, has been awarded the Paul A. and Veronica H. Gross Achievement in Nursing Award.

The award was created to recognize the value of an undergraduate educational degree and experience in professional nursing, coupled with a graduate degree. It recognizes a professional registered nurse affiliated with VCU academic schools or an accredited postgraduate institution’s graduate studies program who has made substantial contributions to their institution, the health care industry, the community, nursing education or within the entrepreneurial marketplace.

Hines received the award during the VCU School of Nursing’s commencement ceremony on May 13.

“Linda is an outstanding example of a nurse who combined her clinical and business knowledge to make a significant impact on improving the health of vulnerable populations,” said Jean Giddens, Ph.D., dean and professor at VCU School of Nursing. “We are proud of her leadership and her commitment to health equity for all.”

Hines, a former School of Nursing adjunct faculty member, has worked in managed care leadership for over 25 years after serving in various nursing roles at VCU Medical Center. While at Virginia Premier, she collaborated with her colleagues in developing several best practice care management and operational programs that are recognized nationally. They include the Healthy Heartbeats program that helps during pregnancy and postpartum, and Reducing Disparities for Women of Color in Breastfeeding and Neonatal Outcomes.

Hines is active in various professional and community organizations. A former vice chair of the Virginia State Board of Health, she is an executive board member of the Association for Community Affiliated Plans and vice chair of the executive leadership team for the American Heart Association’s Heart Walk this year. She is also a founding member of the Oraphine Watkins Crump Scholarship at VCU and a board member of the Virginia Center for Health Innovation, the Rx Partnership, the UNCF Leadership Council, and the VCU School of Business Foundation.

Hines earned a B.S. in nursing and an M.S. in nursing administration from the VCU School of Nursing. She also earned an M.B.A. from the VCU School of Business.