Karen King

Karen K. King earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from UNCW in 1994. Originally from Western North Carolina, she has called Wilmington home since 1989.

Over the course of her 30-year nursing career, Karen has held a variety of roles that reflect her commitment to clinical excellence and healthcare leadership. Her professional experience includes serving as a Clinical Nursing Instructor at Cape Fear Community College and as Director of Nursing for an outpatient endoscopy center, where she led the development of over 300 policies and procedures, designed clinical workflows, and successfully guided the facility to a national accreditation.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Karen has a long-standing record of community engagement and nonprofit leadership. She has served on several boards including the Friends of UNCW Board, the UNCW Nursing Advisory Board, the Communities in Schools Board, and the Wrightsville Beach Planning Board, where she also served as Chairman. She is also an active member of the Harbor Island Garden Club.

Karen’s commitment to service extends even further through her involvement in a wide range of organizations such as the Junior League, Hospice Care Center fundraising initiatives, New Hanover Regional Medical Center event planning, Habitat for Humanity, the Wilmington Jaycees, and One Wilmington. Her passion for education, community development, and health advocacy continues to drive her involvement in initiatives that strengthen both Wilmington and the UNCW community.