Growing up in Blackstone, Virginia, alumna Linda Hines, M.S., M.B.A., RN, experienced firsthand the challenges of accessing quality health care in a rural area. Now a triple alum of VCU, she’s made it her life’s work to improve health outcomes for medically vulnerable populations in the commonwealth.

Hines’ early experiences as a child in rural Virginia still motivate her. “People had to drive 50, 60 miles to get care. No one was there to help them navigate the health care system or show them how to lead a healthy life,” Hines recalled in an interview with Virginia Business Magazine last year.

She explained that she was drawn to nursing, saying the profession was the perfect fit for her and a way for her to make a contribution to the challenges she grew up seeing in her community. “It allowed me to bridge the gap between compassionate care and systemic navigation.”

Hines chose VCU for her education three times over earning a bachelor’s degree in nursing in 1980, a master’s degree in nursing administration in 1999 and an executive M.B.A. in 2010. “Calling myself a Ram doesn't quite capture it—I believe black and gold must course through my veins,” she said. 

Hines’ career path has methodically progressed—first with roles in women's health and surgical services at VCU Health, then moving into nursing leadership roles as a charge nurse and preceptor, and now as the Virginia Medicaid regional president for Humana. In her 27-year career, Hines has amassed a strong clinical, administrative and management background in the medical and operational areas of managed care.

Calling myself a Ram doesn't quite capture it—I believe black and gold must course through my veins.

Linda Hines, M.S., M.B.A., RN

Her passion for expanding access to resources goes well beyond the bounds of her day job. Over the course of her career, she has had numerous appointments and affiliations with organizations and associations such as the Better Housing Coalition, the Association of Affiliated Community Health Plans, the Virginia Center for Health innovation, the Rx Partnership, the United Negro College Fund, the VCU School of Business Foundation, the VCU Health System Institute of Women’s Health Professionals and the Virginia State Board of Health. In all of these roles, Hines has played a part in delivering essential resources critical to the success of their respective communities.

In recognition of her dedication to service and excellence in the profession, the VCU School of Nursing awarded Hines its top nursing achievement award in 2022 and invited her to deliver the commencement address to the class of 2024 at the spring ceremony.

While her remarks to new graduates will no doubt inspire action and enthusiasm as they embark on their own professional journeys, perhaps her best advice will come from telling her own story—harmonizing personal passion, transformative opportunities and a VCU education.