Dana Gentry Eicher with her faculty advisor, Dr. Amy Lee, at the doctoral hooding ceremony during the University of Alabama commencement at Coleman Coliseum.(above)
Dana Gentry Eicher, a Greensboro native and family nurse practitioner, graduated Aug. 1 from the University of Alabama’s Capstone College of Nursing with her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, the terminal practice-focused degree in nursing.
Born and raised in Greensboro, Eicher continues to live and serve in her hometown. She is a family nurse practitioner at Whatley Health Services in Greensboro, where she provides primary care to patients throughout Hale County and rural west Alabama.
Eicher is a three-time graduate of the University of Alabama, having earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing from the Capstone College of Nursing before completing the doctorate.
“Earning my DNP from The University of Alabama is a dream realized,” Eicher said in a graduate profile the university posted Sept. 4.
Her doctoral quality improvement project focused on improving the early identification of adults at risk for Type 2 diabetes through a standardized screening process in a rural federally qualified health center. The project reflected her commitment to preventive care, evidence-based practice and improving health outcomes in rural and underserved communities.
She plans to use her advanced education to help expand access to high-quality primary care, strengthen preventive health services, promote evidence-based practice, and serve as a leader and mentor within the nursing profession.
Eicher said she is grateful to her family, friends, professors, faculty mentors, classmates, colleagues and community members whose encouragement and support helped make the achievement possible, and gives God the glory for His faithfulness throughout every step of the journey.
