Dr. Willie Gilchrist Stanfield is the Director of Nursing Non-Traditional Programs and an Assistant Professor in the School of Nursing. She has over 25 years of experience as a registered nurse and 14 years in higher education; she has played a pivotal role in shaping nursing education, serving as both faculty and clinical coordinator for undergraduate nursing students. She has diverse nursing practice and leadership experience and has held key leadership positions in higher education, behavioral/psychiatric mental health, and geriatrics. Her clinical experience spans 17 years in behavioral/psychiatric mental health. She is certified by Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) USA to teach Mental Health First Aid (Adult and Youth) from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing.

Dr. Gilchrist Stanfield earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from North Carolina Central University, a Master of Science Degree in Nursing from the University of Phoenix, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree from Hampton University. Her expertise and scholarly focus include health disparities, social determinants of health, and spirituality related to health promotion with vulnerable populations.

She has received numerous professional awards, including the Nurse Educators of Tomorrow Award and the Distinguished Service Award. She is a lifetime member of the National Black Nurses Association, Central Carolina Black Nurses Council, Pi Chapter of Chi Eta Phi Nursing Sorority Inc., American Nursing Association, North Carolina Nursing Association, and National League of Nursing.