Leadership in nursing takes many forms. It happens at the bedside, in classrooms, in research labs, and sometimes, in uniform. Few nurses have exemplified leadership and determination as powerfully as Hazel W. Johnson-Brown, a trailblazing figure in military and nursing history.

She rose through the ranks of the U.S. Army to become the first Black female general officer and Chief of the Army Nurse Corps. Her journey was not only historic but transformational, opening doors for future generations of nurses of color and showing what is possible with discipline, focus, and integrity.

Early Life and Motivation

Hazel Johnson-Brown was born in 1927 in West Chester, Pennsylvania. From an early age, she wanted to be a nurse. However, after applying to a local nursing school, she was denied admission because of her race.

Rather than let that deter her, she relocated to New York City, trained at the Harlem Hospital School of Nursing, and launched a career that would span decades and shift the perception of Black women in both healthcare and the military.

Military Career and Milestones

Johnson-Brown joined the U.S. Army Nurse Corps in 1955. At the time, the Army was only beginning to integrate, and few Black nurses held high-ranking positions. She advanced not only through exceptional clinical work but by earning respect as a skilled administrator, educator, and leader.

She went on to earn a master’s degree in nursing education from Columbia University and a doctorate in education administration from Catholic University.

In 1979, she was appointed Chief of the Army Nurse Corps and promoted to brigadier general. This historic moment made her the first Black woman to achieve general officer rank in the United States military.

The Nurse Educator

Beyond the battlefield and bureaucracy, Johnson-Brown was passionate about nursing education. She helped modernize training programs for military nurses and brought academic rigor and structure to the Army’s nursing practice.

After retiring from the Army in 1983, she served as a professor and dean at George Mason University’s School of Nursing. Her influence extended to civilian life, where she shaped policies, mentored students, and emphasized the importance of leadership development.

A Lasting Legacy

Johnson-Brown broke more than racial and gender barriers. She redefined what it means to lead in nursing, showing that competence, calm, and character were not only enough but essential.

Her leadership style continues to serve as a model for:

• Nurses pursuing administrative roles
• Military nurses balancing discipline and empathy
• Educators developing the next generation of nurse leaders

She also inspired countless nurses from marginalized backgrounds to pursue advanced degrees and leadership roles in clinical and academic settings.

Her Influence Today

In 2025, her legacy lives on in:

• Nurses serving in the military across all branches
• Veterans pursuing nursing CEUs as they transition into civilian care
• Black nurses climbing the ranks of hospital leadership
• APRNs working in administrative, research, and policy-making roles

Today’s nurses can follow in her footsteps by pursuing training in leadership, ethics, and policy, as well as specialized tracks in nurse continuing education.

Key Takeaways

• Hazel Johnson-Brown was the first Black female general in the U.S. military
• She was Chief of the Army Nurse Corps and a nursing education pioneer
• Her leadership style emphasized professionalism, discipline, and inclusion
• She broke barriers while building future generations of nurse leaders
• Her legacy continues through education, military service, and advocacy