Karen Pickard earned her diploma in nursing from Beebe School of Nursing, her Bachelor’s degree from Gettysburg College, her MSN from Wesley College, a post-Master’s Certificate in Healthcare Administration from the University of Delaware, and her Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP), specializing in Executive Leadership, from American Sentinel University. She holds certification as a Certified Nurse Educator through the National League for Nursing, and as an Advanced Nurse Executive through ANCC.

Karen has worked for Beebe Healthcare for twenty-four years, starting in the Progressive Care Unit and then in Critical Care. In 2004 she transitioned to the role of Nurse Educator for Beebe School of Nursing. Karen is currently the Director of the Margaret H. Rollins School of Nursing, Clinical Professional Development, and the Health Science Library at Beebe Healthcare. She has also served as a peer evaluator, team chair, and as a member of the Evaluation Review Panel for the ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing) since 2010. Karen recently completed her tenure as the President for the Delaware Organization for Nursing Leadership (DONL) and she remains active in DONL as the scholarship chair. She is a member of the Advocacy Committee for the Delaware Nurse’s Association (DNA), representing Sussex County. Karen remains active in the Delaware Nurses Action Coalition and is engaged in nursing workforce development efforts across the state. She contributes to several advisory boards for higher education and is a member of the Delaware Advisory Board for Career and Technical Education, a position appointed by the Governor.