School of Nursing Director John Whitcomb appointed to the South Carolina Board of Nursing
April 16, 2024
John Whitcomb, director and chief academic nursing officer of the Clemson University School of Nursing, has been appointed to the South Carolina Board of Nursing by Governor Henry McMaster. Whitcomb appeared before the Senate Medical Affairs Committee for a confirmation hearing on April 4. His confirmation will be presented to the entire Senate in the coming weeks.
As part of the South Carolina Department of Labor and Labor Licensing Regulation (LLR), the South Carolina Board of Nursing prioritizes public health and safety by ensuring the safe and ethical practice of nursing statewide. In his role on the board, Whitcomb will respresent South Carolina’s 3rd Congressional District.
According to Leslie Hossfeld, dean of the College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences (CBSHS), Whitcomb is an exceptional leader whose career contributions to the field of nursing and dedication to the development of competent nursing professionals make him an excellent fit for this position.
“Dr. Whitcomb is a valuable asset to the School of Nursing and CBSHS, and his extensive experience and expertise will help elevate the Board of Nursing’s important work across our state,” said Hossfeld. “I am confident he will make a positive difference in the lives of South Carolina nursing professionals and the communities they serve through his position on this esteemed board.”
Prior to his appointment to the board, Whitcomb served on the Board of Nursing’s Investigational Review Committee (IRC) for seven years. The IRC reviews cases of misconduct in professional nursing and determines if disciplinary action is necessary. He also serves as chair of the South Carolina Deans and Directors Nursing Education Council that comprises 46 registered nursing (RN) programs throughout the state. Additionally, South Carolina has 20 licensed practical nursing (LPN) programs. The Board of Nursing supervises all 66 academic programs along with practicing LPNs, RNs and advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) across the state.
Whitcomb said his time with the IRC and knowledge of the Board of Nursing’s goverance over academic nursing programs inspired him to pursue a seat on the board.
“It is an honor and a privilege to serve my state and my profession in this role – and to represent the School of Nursing, CBSHS and Clemson University in a new, meaningful way,” said Whitcomb. “I look forward to drawing from my past experiences, knowledge and understanding of the nursing profession to advance the board’s mission to protect the public through the practice of safe and ethical nursing.”
