Annual Report
New Vice Dean of Research Establishes Areas of Excellence
UTMB Launches Innovative Academic Practice Partnerships
New UTMB Leadership Ensures Strong Presence of Nurses
UTMB School of Nursing
MISSION
We improve the health of diverse populations in Texas and around the world by advancing nursing excellence through leadership, clinical practice, education, research and service.
VISION
To create the future as leaders in innovative nursing education, promoters of high-impact research, and as transformers of health and healthcare.
VALUES
We, at the UTMB School of Nursing, will achieve excellence and professionalism through compassion, integrity, respect, diversity, lifelong learning, and accountability.
About the cover:
Dr. Darpan I. Patel, Vice Dean for Research and Scholarship, mentors Alice Lee, current UTMB medical student.
Dr. Patel and Ms. Lee collaborate on a prostate cancer project, evaluating cardiovascular disease biomarkers following a home-based exercise intervention.
“It starts here,” says Dr. Deborah J. Jones, Dean of the School of Nursing and UTMB Chief Integration Officer. “Nurses don’t exist without nursing schools, and at UTMB, we are leading in terms of innovative educational excellence, that not only prepares the next generation of compassionate nurses, but also fills the state and national workforce development gaps.”
ONLINE GRADUATE NURSING PROGRAM FOR VETERANS # 4
ONLINE GRADUATE NURSING PROGRAM # 12
NATIONAL COUNCIL LICENSURE EXAMINATION (NCLEX) PASS RATE 99 %
GRADS/YEAR 15,500+ ALUMNI WORLDWIDE 500 +
SCHOOL OF NURSING MSN PROGRAM ONLINE GRAD NURSING DUAL FNP/ACNP TRACK 1 st
STUDENT-CENTERED FACULTY 83
3 NEW PROGRAMS
NURSE ANESTHESIA TELEHEALTH CERTIFICATION BSN-DNP DUAL FNP/AGACNP TRACK
UNIQUE TRACKS BSN | MSN | DNP | PHD 13
$5.5M+ EXTRAMURAL FUNDING # 38 2023 NIH BLUE RIDGE RANKING
John
UTMB School of Nursing Message from Dean, Deborah J. Jones
Today our school goes far beyond its mission of educational excellence. We prepare students to become active leaders and participants in an increasingly diverse field.
UTMB is ideally positioned to achieve global distinction through commitment to educational excellence, high impact research, quality healthcare delivery and innovative solutions that redefine the future of academic health sciences. The UTMB School of Nursing stands STRONGER THAN EVER! We have fostered meaningful community and global partnerships, conducted research grounded in clinical care, and provided an unparalleled educational experience. Throughout this publication, we are excited to showcase some of the immeasurable investments we have made in building a robust infrastructure and lasting legacy that supports our school, the wider institution, the state of Texas and beyond.
For nearly 135 years, the UTMB School of Nursing has been a trailblazer in nursing education. This past year has continued that tradition. We have launched unique programs tailored to address global workforce challenges, and we have leveraged our expertise and leadership in nursing education, advocacy, and volunteerism to meet community needs. We take pride in our ability to foster and sustain a healthy work environment that embraces innovation, curiosity, and agility, leading to numerous successes.
Today our school progresses far beyond its mission of educational excellence. I invite you to discover how our students are becoming active leaders in an increasingly diverse field, and how our faculty are translating research into practice thus improving outcomes through evidence-based approaches. We are proud to produce confident and nimble graduates who are shaping the ever-evolving landscape of nursing, the most trusted profession. Our extensive support networks continue to propel our priorities and initiatives forward.
Our ongoing investments and accomplishments in education and research are paving the way for a stronger workforce, ensuring a brighter and healthier future for all.
With great pride in our present achievements and excitement for what lies ahead,
Deborah J. Jones
PhD, MSN, RN, FAAN
Senior Vice President and Dean, School of Nursing
Chief Integration Officer, UTMB
Rebecca Sealy Distinguished Centennial Chair
Deborah J. Jones PhD, MSN, RN, FAAN
Nursing Research: The Future ofDiscoveryto Advance Healthcare
#38 BRIMR Ranking
The$1.2M
University of Texas Medical Branch School of Nursing’s rank increased to #38 among nursing schools nationwide that received National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding, according to the Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research (BRIMR), moving up from last year’s position at #44. In the FY 2023, UTMB School of Nursing received more than $2.3M in grants from the National Institutes of Health compared to $1.2M in funding received in FY 2022.
The Blue Ridge rankings are determined by the whole value of NIH awards to a principal investigator’s institution, and do not include research and development contracts or funding from sources other than the NIH.
"Our improvement in the Blue Ridge rankings demonstrates the outstanding high-impact research conducted by our nurse scientists," said Deborah J. Jones, Dean of the UTMB School of Nursing and UTMB Chief Integration Officer. "It further signifies that our research is improving the health of diverse populations in our community and around the world."
Over the last five years, under the leadership of Dr. Jones, the School of Nursing has invested in the infrastructure to support nursing research in meaningful and effective ways. Within the
$2.3M awarded, our scientists are focusing on research related to violence prevention, reducing disparities with those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias, and other meaningful projects that will positively impact generations.
Dr. Darpan I. Patel, Vice Dean for Research and Scholarship, leads the UTMB School of Nursing Research Enterprise. “I’m excited and energized to be part of a nursing school that has faculty and leadership with a strong commitment to improving the health of Texans and those around the world,” said Patel.
“The annual increase in NIH funding is an outcome of the significant investment into the research infrastructure made by Dean Jones and the leadership at UTMB. The results of these projects will have a lasting impact on the health of local, national, and global communities.”
"Our improvement in national rankings demonstrates the outstanding high-impact research conducted by our nurse scientists to improve the health of diverse populations in our community and around the world."
Deborah J. Jones, UTMB School of Nursing Dean
Darpan I. Patel, PhD | Vice Dean for Research and Scholarship | Professor
Lena Finke Distinguished Chair of Nursing Arts
Dr. Patel joined the School of Nursing as Assistant Dean for Translational Science. Through strong leadership and collaboration, his appointment as Vice Dean for Research and Scholarship has helped the SON in it's efforts to attract and retain valuable researchers and resources to make a greater impact at UTMB and beyond.
As a researcher, Dr. Patel's work has identified the key biological pathways by which exercise promotes health and prevents the onset and progression of prostate cancer. He has obtained funding to support his research through the National Institutes of Health, Department of Education, Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute, Texas Department of State Health Services, and numerous foundations. As an educator and mentor, Dr. Patel is passionate about developing the next generation of scientists that will make breakthroughs in the prevention and treatment of disease.
Lisa M. Cleveland, PhD, APRN, CPNP, FAAN Associate Dean for Nursing Science Professor | School of Nursing UTMB Department of Nursing Science and Innovation
Dr. Cleveland joined our UTMB community in a joint position held between UTMB School of Nursing and UTMB Health. Cleveland serves as Associate Dean for Nursing Science and Professor in the SON, and as a leader within the Nursing Science and Innovation department of UTMB Health System. She will be responsible for expanding opportunities to enhance collaboration between the SON and the UTMB Health System in both the academic and health system mission areas of the institution.
Dr. Cleveland is a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and a national expert on opioid use disorder. Her research focuses on improving outcomes for pregnant and parenting people who use opioids and their newborns, who often are born with neonatal abstinence syndrome or opioid withdrawal. Her research has contributed to changes in policy, clinical practice, and improved patient outcomes.
Priority areas of inquiry for SON nursing research are identified to optimize outcomes. Researchers affiliated with the SON RISE Center study a variety of topics such as:
Cardiometabolic Health and Human Performance
Women’s Health
Integrative Health Across the Lifespan
Correctional Health
RISE Center Research Innovation and Scientific Excellence
UTMB School of Nursing aims to improve the health of diverse populations in Texas and around the world by advancing nursing excellence through translational research, and by making innovations accessible to patients. With a major investment in the research infrastructure, the UTMB School of Nursing is primed to be a national leader for nursing research, educational innovation and clinical excellence.
The Research Innovation and Scientific Excellence (RISE) Center is a service-oriented group that aims to support our students and faculty in the achievement of their scholarly goals. We aim to provide resources in all facets of nursing science, including innovation, entrepreneurship, discovery and implementation science, and translation of research discoveries into clinical practice. Having listened to our stakeholders, The RISE Center recruited staff and revamped our service model to be more comprehensive and accessible. The RISE Center team encompasses expertise in every facet of program development, including budgeting, regulatory affairs and compliance, project management, data management, and research dissemination. Whether our faculty and students are interested in developing a study, evaluating an existing program, or figuring out how to move their abstract into a publication, the RISE Center is available to help!
STRONG Support for Scholarship and Research from Idea Conception to Implementation
• Valuable Resources
Proposal development
Budget and expenditures management
Clinical study/trial management
IRB and regulatory support
Research mentoring for faculty at all levels
Research education and training programs
Data management
Biostatistics services
Manuscript and abstract development
Posters and figure generation
• Physical Spaces
Biobehavioral Research Laboratory
Community Space for Health and Well-being
Clinical research facilities
Fitness testing and training laboratory
Yoga/meditation room
Multipurpose area for stakeholder meetings and events
Bridget Hawkins, PhD, MBA, CRA Director of the RISE Center
“Research shows that nursing shortages throughout the country have added pressure to academic research environments, exacerbating challenges recruiting and retaining doctoral-prepared nursing faculty that are qualified to teach students enrolled in graduate nursing programs,” says Hawkins, Director of the UTMB SON RISE Center.
“We are proud to have envisioned and created a successful model of research support that not only helps to close these gaps in faculty recruitment and retention, but can also easily be adopted in other academic health science environments.”
Dr. Hawkins is quick to boast about the RISE Center team, which consists of highly experienced research coordinators, project managers, nurses with clinical trial experience, a certified bilingual Spanish translator, a procurement specialist, scientific writers, business and financial admin professionals, biostatistics and health informatics specialists, and educators to provide a comprehensive and personalized approach.
“There aren’t many nursing schools that have this at their fingertips,” says Hawkins.
Innovative Research Center Successfully Advances Nursing Science through Strong Support
A Team Qualified to Support
The RISE Center's service model supports students and faculty in grants management, dissemination efforts via peer reviewed publications and scientific conferences, and supports all facets of implementation including regulatory compliance, data collection and management, and statistical analysis.
The RISE Center team stays informed of state, federal and UTMB policy changes that impact grant proposals, project management, research compliance, regulatory documentation, and dissemination of results at conferences and in peerreviewed publications.
Since it was established in 2019, the RISE Center has supported our School of Nursing by increasing success rates in extramural grants awarded and dollars received to support innovative, nurse-led programs of science. As a result, the School of Nursing was ranked #38 in schools of nursing receiving NIH funding.
Students and Faculty Secure National Funding and Support
PhD Student, Lori Rhodes, selected as prestigious Jonas Scholar
Jonas Nursing, a leading supporter of doctoral nursing education in the U.S., and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), announced that Lori Rhodes, RN, BSN, a PhD student at the University of Texas Medical Branch School of Nursing has been selected as a Jonas Scholar for the program’s 2024-2026 cohort. This program aims to improve healthcare by expanding the pool of PhD and DNP-prepared nurses needed to educate the next generation of nurse leaders.
Rhodes joins a select group of 63 of the nation’s most promising doctoral nursing students chosen for their passion for teaching, academic excellence, and research prowess. As a Jonas Scholar, she will receive financial support, mentorship, and a curriculum tailored to providing students with the learning experiences they need to successfully transition into a faculty role.
“Ms. Lori Rhodes is not only deserving of this award, but she is also a positive representative of the UTMB community and how we aim to support and grow our students, faculty and nurse scientists,” says Dr. Patricia Carter, Rhodes’ Advisor and PhD Program Director. “Rhodes is prepared and positioned well to capitalize on this opportunity, as her career goals include becoming a faculty member who supports and mentors the next generation of nurses, specifically through policy engagement opportunities.”
This group of 63 Scholars contain a multitude of research interests focused on some of the country’s most pressing challenges, including underserved populations in nursing, mental health, and veterans’ health.
Rhodes is actively involved in the UTMB School of Nursing Innovations Advisory Committee, and is currently a Nurse Clinician at the UTMB Clear Lake Hospital campus. During her time in the UTMB School of Nursing baccalaureate program (2023 graduate), she participated in the Policy and Leadership Undergraduate Scholar (PLUS) Program, Interprofessional Scholars Program, and the Peer Mentor Program. Her research focuses on
preventative care for under-resourced populations at high-risk for cardiovascular disease in the Gulf Coast region under the supervision of Dr. Patricia Carter.
“I am incredibly honored to be selected for the Jonas Scholars program,” says Rhodes. “I am thrilled for this opportunity to develop my leadership skills to educate and foster future nurses to promote patient care and healthier communities. The networking provided through the Jonas Scholars program will provide a foundation to collaboratively address issues facing nurses in educational and clinical settings. I am filled with gratitude to accept this privileged honor.”
Stronger Through Students and Faculty
Elizabeth Lorenzo, PhD, RN, a tenure-track Assistant Professor in the School of Nursing at the University of Texas Medical Branch, secured nearly $900,000 in funding from the National Institute on Aging at the NIH.
Dr. Lorenzo’s research primarily focuses on implementing communitybased participatory research to develop sustainable, contextually relevant lifestyle interventions targeting key behavior change mechanisms to promote the health and well-being of midlife women as they age. Lorenzo will investigate physical activity to reduce the risk of developing hypertension among midlife Hispanic women during the menopausal transition. This NIH grant will provide support and resources for this meaningful research and training over the next five years.
She currently teaches nursing students at the graduate level in both DNP and PhD programs, and is passionate about mentoring students of all levels in research and scientific writing.
More about Lorenzo’s Research: There are many negative health changes that occur during perimenopause among women, especially for Hispanic women. Many of these changes can be improved through regular physical activity participation. However, effective interventions to increase and sustain physical activity are lacking. Dr. Lorenzo is incorporating Hispanic women's lived experiences to develop and evaluate a contextually appropriate physical activity intervention for feasibility. Increasing physical activity during this critical life period will promote cardiovascular health and well-being among midlife Hispanic women as they age.
The purpose of the proposed mixedmethods K23 Patient-Oriented Research Award is to provide the necessary training and mentorship to promote Dr. Lorenzo's development into a leading nurse scientist with expertise to develop effective, implementable behavioral interventions to increase the health span of women as they age. The training and mentorship objectives of the proposed K23 project build upon Lorenzo’s previous research training and clinical experience as a registered nurse to focus on four primary areas:
Understanding the menopausaland aging-related health and endocrine changes of midlife women
Developing and evaluating interventions targeting behavior change mechanisms based on the NIH Stage Model
Increasing proficiency in employing community-based participatory research and cultural competence
Accelerating professional advancement and leadership development
Dr. Lorenzo assembled a mentoring team consisting of renowned leaders and experts in aging, menopause, behavior change, community engagement, intervention development and testing, and Hispanic health. Lorenzo’s team includes Dr. Elizabeth Lyons (UTMB) as her primary mentor, and support for the behavior science and intervention development aspects; Dr. Rebeca Wong (UT San Antonio) co-mentor, with expertise in Hispanic aging and community-based research; collaborators Drs. Blake Rasmussen (UT San Antonio, aging clinical research), Russell Snyder (UTMB, Menopause Specialist), Leila Wood (UT Health, qualitative researcher), and Elizabeth Baumler (UT Health, Biostats).
easide Holiday
The UTMB School of Nursing’s annual Holiday Style Fashion Show and Luncheon celebrated another successful year!
Strong Community Support
The Seaside Holiday-themed event, hosted on November 16, 2023, at the Galveston Island Convention Center, marked its tenth year, and drew over 550 attendees from the greater Houston/Galveston area(s).
This elegant daytime affair featured a professionally executed runway show, exclusive silent auction offerings, and a gourmet meal, to create an exciting setting to honor our student scholarship recipients.
Mrs. Stephanie von Stein Schusterman, event Chair, played a pivotal role in helping us achieve our fundraising goal. Spearheading our auction efforts, Mrs. Alicia Cahill, Auction Chair, skillfully led a committee that curated an impressive array of 70 silent auction packages and experiences.
The remarkable success of the event was made possible by the generosity of supporters who participated through auction bids, table sponsorships, ticket sales, and donations, culminating in an impressive total of more than $315,000 raised, $54,000 specifically from the auction alone. Every dollar raised is dedicated to the UTMB School of Nursing Honors Program, providing financial support to aspiring nurses chosen for their
exceptional commitment and performance. These Scholars are equipped with the skills necessary to excel in patient care, leadership, advocacy, and policy.
Liam de Vassal, a BSN Honors Student, expressed gratitude for the program, highlighting how it opened doors for him to contribute to medical aid and education domestically and abroad, engage in research, and expand his academic horizons. The Honors Program empowers students like Liam to seize every opportunity that comes their way.
For nearly 135 years, the UTMB School of Nursing has taken pride in shaping and contributing to the nursing profession. The success of the 2023 Holiday Style Fashion Show and Luncheon and the incredible financial support from the community, alumni, students, faculty, and staff underscore the ongoing commitment to nursing education. Beyond individual students, the impact of these contributions holds the promise of significant benefits for the patients, families, and communities they will serve. We extend our heartfelt thank you for the support received, and eagerly anticipate the enduring positive effects of this event year after year.
BSN Honors Program Creates Three Distinct Tracks
We are excited to announce a redesign and expansion of our UTMB School of Nursing BSN Honors Program. In a strategic effort to create targeted scholarship opportunities to our co-curricular scholars, all three tracks will now fall under the BSN Honors Program, with distinct foci: Research Track, Health Equity Track, and Policy and Leadership Track.
Dr. Shatoi King serves as the Honors Program, Research Track Coordinator. This Research Track promotes opportunities for students to develop into scholars and leaders inside and outside of the classroom. With a successful partnership with the SON RISE Center, Advancing Research and Cultivating Health (ARCH) Scholars are paired with researchers to collaborate with real time research projects and scientists with deliverables related to research and scholarship.
Dr. Latia Hickerson serves as the Honors Program, Health Equity Track Coordinator. The Health Equity Track fosters skills in advocacy and policy, with a special focus in women’s health. With a successful partnership comprised of the Texas Department of Correctional Justice System & UTMB Health System, BAMBI Advocacy Student Scholars (BASS) will successfully develop real-time, student-led education and bedside support for justice-involved pregnant women, while also exploring maternal health disparities, advocacy, and policy for vulnerable populations.
Dr. Meredith Ford serves as the Honors Program, Policy and Leadership Track Coordinator The Policy and Leadership track emphasizes opportunities for students to develop an understanding on how policy impacts the nursing profession. With a successful partnership with the UTMB Office of Legislative Affairs, Policy and Leadership Undergraduate Scholars (PLUS) are paired with leaders to develop a policy topic of interest to gain further knowledge and present to policy leaders.
A special thank you to all those involved in supporting the UTMB BSN Honors Program, which will continue to be guided by our Director of Educational Innovations, Dr. Jacquelyn Svoboda.
Stronger Through Scholarship Opportunities
The Honors Program attracts some of the brightest and most sought-after nursing students in Texas. This distinguished program features three specialty tracks: Research, Health Equity and Advocacy, and Policy and Leadership. Through these enriching co-curricular opportunities, our students develop in leadership, professionalism, and a deep commitment to
Research Track
The Advancing Research and Cultivating Health (ARCH) Scholars will be provided opportunities for specialized mentorship and training in research, quality improvement, and nursing leadership initiatives.
Eight (8) BSN students from the Fall admission cohort will be accepted.
service. The scholarships provided to our Honor Students are from many donors through our annual Holiday Style Show Fundraiser. It is a program that our community proudly supports, as it contributes to a future generation of nurses to provide outstanding care and make a significant impact on patients, families, and communities they serve.
Health Equity and Advocacy Track
The BAMBI Advocacy Student Scholars (BASS) will be provided opportunities to engage in unique maternal health equity and advocacy initiatives.
Eight (8) BSN students from the Spring admission cohort will be accepted.
Policy and Leadership Track
The Policy and Leadership Undergraduate Scholars (PLUS) will be provided opportunities to explore nursing leadership and policy at local, state and national levels. Five (5) BSN students from the Summer admission cohort will be accepted.
UTMB Launches Innovative Academic Practice Partnerships
Pipeline Programs to Meet Student Needs and Close Workforce Gaps
Within UTMB’s healthcare delivery mission, the patient is the absolute focus of everything we do at UTMB Health. At the heart of each of UTMB’s goals in the Health System is a desire to provide great care, through innovative thinking and effective solutions. UTMB, as an academic health science center, is fortunate to tailor it’s initiatives to provide students with an excellent educational experience while also delivering high-quality patient-centered care. With this in mind, UTMB is ideally situated to offer unique pipeline programs that meet both the student’s training needs and serve patients through a strong and skilled workforce.
"The program is advantageous for the students, patients, and the healthcare system, due to the multiple immersive experiences embedded throughout the SNIPP program," says Dr. Mathers.
SNIPP
The Student Nurse Immersion Perioperative Program
The Student Nurse Immersion Perioperative Program (SNIPP) is designed to bridge the knowledge, skills, and abilities of BSN students throughout their education in the specialty of perioperative nursing. This collaborative program with UTMB SON and UTMB Health is designed to provide program participants with foundational skills and knowledge related to advancing nurses quickly into their perioperative role.
Multi-mission benefits:
The program grows the student’s perioperative skills with each immersion activity provided through didactic, lab, and clinical experiences.
New graduates can enter the field upon graduation, as the immersive program prepares them for the role while earning their BSN degree.
At the conclusion of the program, students will become active members of the UTMB Health – Galveston Interoperative team.
Tina Mathers, DNP, MSN, MBA, RN, CNE, serves as Assistant Professor at UTMB School of Nursing and the track coordinator for SNIPP. Dr. Mathers is a SON BSN alumna and former perioperative nurse at UTMB Health. Dr. Mathers understands the value of preparing students with the skills, knowledge and abilities for graduates to assume a nursing role within this specialty. Students apply during their first semester, with program activities beginning in their second semester and through graduation.
SNAP
Student Nurse Acclimation Program
Student Nurse Acclimation Program (SNAP) is designed to immerse learners in the skills and competencies needed to transition seamlessly into the patient care environment.
Multi-mission benefits:
Students gain hands-on clinical experience while simultaneously earning a comparable wage.
Students connect classroom training with real-world practice while receiving mentorship and guidance from clinical instructors and potential employers.
Philesha Evans and Clara Brown, help to ensure these pipeline programs meet UTMB workforce needs, and serve as HR liaisons between the school and the health system.
Philesha Evans, Associate Vice President for HR Operations & Employment Health
Why SNIPP and SNAP?
Both Student Nurse Immersion Perioperative Program (SNIPP) and Student Nurse Acclimation Program (SNAP) provide a unique immersive work/study learning experience designed to equip senior level nursing students, who are currently enrolled in an accredited baccalaureate degree program, with skills and competencies needed for transition into the patient care environment.
Seamless transitions from student to professional decreases time and cost associated with orientation of new hires
Develop a workforce pipeline program to fill needs of the UTMB Health System
Build long-term partnerships between nursing education and local nursing workforce
“Both of these programs (SNIPP and SNAP) allow students to receive exposure to a clinical environment at UTMB that will allow them to transition seamlessly into a new graduate nurse role upon graduation,” says Brown.
Clara Brown, Associate Director for Workforce Development
“At that point, they are acclimated with the team, culture and patient population and can focus on continuing to develop their skills.” This approach slows the transition to practice over 1-2 years versus the first 6 months postgraduation. “It’s a win for the student, our organization and, above all - for the patients,” confirms Evans.
Distinct Approaches to Fulfilling Clinical Components of Nursing Education
UTMB School of Nursing has developed unique approaches for meeting the clinical components of our undergraduate program. Through strategic partnerships with organizations internationally and regionally, the school has created a variety of high-impact mutually beneficial opportunities that shape the educational experience of UTMB nursing students and later inform their nursing practice.
“Traveling to Belize for our Population Health course was a transformative experience, where we learned that true healing begins with understanding and compassion across cultures.”
BSN Student, Johnny Villareal
Hillside Healthcare International, Punta Gorda, Belize Since 2019, UTMB School of Nursing has partnered with Hillside to learn more about the needs of their community, and understand if our school can offer support. This year, UTMB School of Nursing undergraduate students and faculty members traveled to Punta Gorda to partner with the rural community clinic, where local and international interprofessional teams have been providing care to this community for over 20 years.
Before traveling, the six undergraduate students had already completed their clinical requirements for their population health course, and used their time in Belize to fulfill the volunteer hour requirements and the community assessment portions of the required curriculum.
Hillside’s Public Health Director, Aimee Schlagle, held several educational sessions, which UTMB students helped to conduct, including a dental hygiene/ fluoride application session in Barranco Belize, a rural outlying village, and an information session on gender equality in local schools. Each session was very unique in terms of the community needs met and the planning/implementation required of the students.
In addition to the public health and community outreach, students also worked the clinic, meeting daily clinic patient care needs, shadowing the providers in the clinic, and conducted home visits to help assess and treat chronic conditions including wound care. This group provided an in-service educational session to the Hillside staff on upper respiratory infections and common respiratory ailments, which was especially timely due to extensive wildfires in the area that compromised air quality.
Upon return, students completed a poster session as a requirement for the Population Health course and will present their poster at the 2024 Global Health Symposium at UTMB this fall.
STRENGTH THROUGH GLOBAL PARTNERSHIPS
Higher Up Texas (HUT) UTMB partners with local high schools through Higher Up Texas, to both inform high school students about the different healthcare profession options, and to have the opportunity to teach and educate in unique ways.
SON students gain confidence in themselves and their abilities, and might even consider a career in nursing education. It empowers them to build their skills beyond a traditional clinical setting.
Local high school students might not be considering college or a career in healthcare, but once our students show up and connect, high school students become interested. In fact, high school students have reported that they were not considering nursing, but our students were approachable, fun, patient, helpful, smart, etc., and this helped them imagine themselves as a college student, and hopefully consider UTMB as an approachable and accessible option.
Summer Camp Supervision For more than a decade, select BSN students from UTMB School of Nursing have fulfilled their pediatric nursing clinical hours at Camp Beloved and Camp Blessing, summer camps for children with physical, developmental, or intellectual disabilities. This summer, 15 BSN students supervised by two pediatric nursing faculty members, assisted campers in the barrier-free gamut of activities,
including: horseback riding, canoeing, fishing, ropes course, crafts, sports, water games and more.
medication
Students first attend required pre-camp preparation sessions over a four-week period to prepare them for clinical decision-making skills in a fast paced, nontraditional environment. Throughout the week, BSN students provide continuous care for their campers, assisting with activities of daily living, camp activities, and any necessary medical care. They performed clinical skills such as medication administration, seizure management, g-tube feedings, and administered injections. They also serve as a medical/nursing resource to non-medical volunteers in their cabins.
Upon returning from summer camp, the students deliver their evidence-based practice presentations covering topics such as: the use of homeopathic supplements in children with chronic illness, the impact of non-medical interventions on children, and the psychological impact of a child who has a special need. The students use their experiences at the Camp to integrate their coursework with their clinical experience, and come back to educate their peers on the topics.
Upon returning from summer camp, the students deliver their to educate their peers on the topics.
The Health Education Center hosted an epic Interprofessional Disaster Day
in which students were able to participate in a simulated mass casualty exercise.
Disaster Day is a student-led interprofessional exercise designed to recreate an emergency scenario where students and members of the community act as first responders and patients.
The simulation aims to prepare healthcare students for catastrophic events, allowing them to practice skills they are learning in class, and fosters interprofessional teamwork
During the exercise, the School of Nursing & Health Profession’s building was utilized for the active shooter drill allowing law enforcement and first responders to practice responding to an active shooter situation. Simulated patients (volunteers) acted as victims of the shooting and injuries were simulated with specialist make-up. The HEC was the receiving Emergency Department (ED) for the event. Through partnership with the Galveston College EMS program, an ambulance was used to transport the injured from the SON building to the HEC, providing participants with invaluable experience of field triage, loading, transporting, and providing handover information to other healthcare providers. The HEC simulated ED was set up with a receiving and triage system. A combination of patient actors and mannequins were used to allow students and healthcare providers in the simulated ED to learn and practice triage and treatment in a mass casualty situation.
The Disaster Day program, combined with the state-of-the art Health Education Center, in conjunction with countless contributors, teaches students to successfully manage disasters while preparing them to act as a community resource.
Opportunities Through Innovation Simulation
Erin McGoff, DProf, MSc, PGCE Assistant Vice President, UTMB Health Education Center and Simulation
Dr. Erin McGoff is a dynamic leader and passionate educator, with more than 20 years of clinical experience as a qualified health professional, and a strong background in simulation-based education, interprofessional education, and learning and teaching in higher education.
As Assistant Vice President of the UTMB Health Education Center and Simulation, McGoff leads the development of UTMB’s state-of-the-art simulation center geared toward providing quality educational resources to all UTMB students, residents, fellows, and community members.
McGoff has served in a leadership role overseeing simulation for the HEC since 2019, and has made exemplary contributions to our Academic Enterprise and institution in this role. Her leadership and expertise have helped the institution realize significant growth and expansion of simulated learning in our curriculum and throughout the campus.
Dr. McGoff’s passion for Interprofessional Simulation adds immeasurable
value and dedication to training healthcare teams of the future. In addition to her teaching and research efforts that have been presented and recognized nationally and internationally, she has integrated augmented- and virtual-reality technologies into teaching, bringing education to life and creating an immersive learning environment.
Why Simulated Experiences such as Disaster Day?
As a student-led, multi-site, multi-agency event that brings the community together, Disaster Day fully utilizes the Health Education Center’s simulation resources, inclusive of the simulated Ambulance Bay and Emergency Department. These simulated events allow our community to better prepare law enforcement, first responders, and current and future health care providers to respond and react to a mass casualty incident.
“The event was impactful in many ways,” says McGoff. “It allowed participants to gain valuable insight to a mass casualty incident and for groups of responders to practice their coordinated responses and to prepare them should an unfortunate event occur in our area.”
The local community will also benefit as evidence has shown that practicing for disasters/mass casualty incidents improves responses and outcomes in a real event.
The Vice President for Interprofessional Education and Health Education Center, Dr. Katie Branch provides the expertise and knowledge to maximize the utilization and implementation of new technology in simulation and interprofessional education. Through her leadership, Dr. Branch oversees health education for all UTMB Students, including managing clinical initiatives, implementing virtual reality into health related academic programs,and organizing scholarly activities that span across many disciplines.
“Our team provides opportunities in innovative simulations that produce healthcare professionals who are competent and confident so we can develop and sustain a workforce that practices and promotes excellence in healthcare delivery.” Dr. Katie Branch, VP IPE and HEC.
2024 Community Partners, First Responders and Event Supporters:
UTMB Police Department
Galveston Police Department
Galveston EMS
Galveston Fire Department
Galveston Rescue Task Force
Port of Galveston Police Department
Galveston County Sheriff’s Office
Galveston College EMS program
UTMB Healthcare Providers
UTMB Faculty
Students from all 5 UTMB schools
Office of Interprofessional Education
Health Education Center Staff
Community Members and Volunteers
“Effective care and management of medical emergencies is imperative to saving lives,” says McGoff. “This requires professionals from different disciplines to successfully communicate and work together as a team to ensure a seamless transition from prehospital care to ultimate disposition of a patient. Preparing healthcare professionals to handle medical emergencies inclusive of catastrophic incidents is essential in developing collaborative leaders who will advance global best care.”
New UTMB Leadership Establishes Strong Foundation for Healthcare Excellence
Under new institutional leadership, UTMB President, Dr. Jochen Reiser, has a strong vision for the growth of the institution and the role it plays in healthcare, research and education regionally, nationally, and globally.
Senior Vice President and Dean, School of Nursing Chief Integration Officer, UTMB
Each of the UTMB mission areas are critical to the health and well-being of our state, nation and world. Whether that’s educating the healthcare workforce, advancing biomedical and behavioral sciences, or providing the best patient care, we are making a tremendous contribution to our communities and society. But even more, when our mission areas come together and we pursue each of them in an integrative approach, our opportunities to improve lives are amplified exponentially.
With this mindset, Dr. Reiser appointed designated leadership roles to help advance the institution, with substantial representation of nurse leaders. The appointment of nurses in a variety of leadership roles at UTMB is a testament to Dr. Reiser’s ability to place strong advocates in the organizational structure as change agents and thought leaders in terms of resource allocation, educational excellence, workforce development, policy implementation, and patient delivery and care.
In talking with each leader, there was a palpable sense of pride that their nursing background has laid the strong foundation to take on leadership roles in their respective areas.
Vice President and Chief of Staff, Stephanie Guzik expresses that her background in nursing provided the valuable skills needed for her career. Her background includes serving as a critical care nurse, supporting regulatory affairs and compliance, conducting and managing research, and more.
“Nurses are adaptable and able to pivot quickly, to respond, to fill gaps and to bring consensus to teams,” says Guzik. “Nursing provides a 360-degree viewpoint to various industries, which is a valuable asset to any organization.”
In her role, Guzik collaborates with senior leadership to develop and implement organizational strategies and goals. She oversees strategic institutional initiatives for the office of the President and Health System CEO, including Patient Services and Patient Navigation in support of the UTMB Health System.
Vice President for Interprofessional Education and Health Education Center, Dr. Katie Branch, echoes this sentiment.
“One thing that makes nurses so great is that we are not only trained to find the root cause of problems, but also to look at the bigger picture and understand the short- and long-term impacts of the problem,” says Branch.
With that mindset, Dr. Branch uses her nursing background and leadership position to help produce healthcare professionals that are competent and confident so we can develop and sustain a workforce that practices and promotes excellence in healthcare delivery. Branch serves as a strong connection between educating students on the importance of cohesive and collaborative teamwork that improves patient outcomes, and the type of healthcare professionals that our UTMB Health system seeks in new hires. “Our graduates are leading in the interprofessional realm,” says Branch. When our students graduate, they may not be experts, but they have the knowledge, confidence and skills to champion and lead interprofessional collaborations on healthcare teams.”
Chief Nurse Executive, Dr. Jerry Mansfield provides strategic direction for nurses across the UTMB Health System to ensure positive patient experiences, successful staff engagement, and increase the quality and safety in our patient outcomes.
Deborah J. Jones, PhD, MSN, RN, FAAN
Rebecca Sealy Distinguished Centennial Chair
Katie Branch, PhD, MSN, RN, FNAP, CHSE Vice President, Interprofessional Education (IPE) and Health Education Center (HEC)
Stephanie Guzik, MBA, BSN, RN, CHRC Vice President and Chief of Staff, UTMB
Jerry A. Mansfield, PhD, MS, RN, NEA-BC Vice President and System Chief Nurse Executive
STRONG Nurse Representation Through UTMB Leadership Structure
“I firmly believe that nurses are key architects for change in the U.S. health care system,” says Dr. Mansfield. “I feel strongly that the work Dr. Branch promotes through Health Education is extremely valuable to not only the nursing profession, but to ensure a positive and high-quality patient experience.”
The leaders agree, that as a profession, nurses often take the initiative to re-examine their role, and the accountability held to
In November 2023, UTMB School of Nursing Dean, Dr. Deborah J. Jones was appointed by Dr. Reiser as UTMB Chief Integration Officer (CIO). As she remains the leader of the SON, she works as a primary connection between the institution’s mission areas including Education, Clinical, Research and Innovation.
Under her visionary leadership, UTMB has witnessed remarkable growth, the achievement of key milestones, and the cultivation of a culture of innovation and academic distinction. With extensive and progressive leadership roles, including a pivotal tenure as Provost ad interim for UTMB Health, Dr. Jones’ approach is characterized by collaboration and foresight, earning her the respect from peers across disciplines and throughout the country, in addition to a profound impact on students and professionals.
the public. “We need to continue to shape change in the nursing education, research and practice environments,” says Mansfield.
Guzik adds, “within the healthcare professions, nurses have the most stakeholder representation, in terms of numbers.”
Our leaders agree that it is essential as we re-envision both the education of our graduates from nursing programs and foster work environments across the continuum of care that we successfully recruit and
retain nurses. And as nurses themselves, these leaders are prepared for this charge.
In the role of Chief Integration Officer, Dr. Deborah J. Jones works closely with each of these leaders to understand the institution’s priorities, to inform policies and practices at state and national levels related to both healthcare delivery and healthcare education, and to integrate UTMB's mission areas.
The
Chief Integration Officer's Purpose
As Chief Integration Officer, Dr. Jones aims to ensure an integrated academic health science center that operates cohesively and with a unified approach to healthcare delivery, scientific discovery, and education of healthcare professionals. Benefits of this approach include interdependence of mission areas, shared vision and aligned goals in support of critical mission areas, improved operational efficiencies, and a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and adaption.
Responsibilities of Chief Integration Office
Change Management Strategies
Integration of All Mission Areas
Communicate Strategy and Vision Across Mission Areas
Process Standardization
Expedite Shifting Mindsets and Practices to Align with UTMB’s Vision
Create Channels for Collaboration and Communication
Acceleration of Innovation
Internal and External Partnerships
New Programs to Meet Regional Needs
UTMB School of Nursing is Thrilled to Announce the Launch of our Brand New BSN-DNP Nurse Anesthesia Program
What sets our program apart?
Strong Clinical Competencies:
Dedicated to equipping nurse anesthetists with the essential skills in science, leadership, and advancements in patient safety to revolutionize healthcare.
Student-Centered Education:
Our nationally recognized faculty are leaders offering student-centered education in smaller class sizes to provide a welcoming and supportive environment.
Cora Rabe, DNP, APRN-CRNA, CHSE, CPHQ, serves as the Program Director for our new Nurse Anesthesia Program. Dr. Rabe has been a registered nurse for 20 years and a nurse anesthetist for 15 years. As an educator and leader, she strives to create a welcoming and inclusive environment, to foster openmindedness and leadership for the future of nursing and nurse anesthesia education. She prides herself on being a dedicated lifelong learner, and bringing evidence-based knowledge to the bedside and classroom. In this inaugural role in our new program, Rabe has launched the UTMB School of Nursing Nurse Anesthesia Program, staffed the new program, recruited a full cohort of students, and will continue to guide our learners and faculty as we strive for educational excellence and advancing innovation.
Amber High, DNP, APRN, CRNA, NC-BC, serves as Assistant Program Director for our new Nurse Anesthesia Program. Dr. High is a two-time alumna of UTMB SON and is an experienced CRNA, providing safe and excellent anesthesia across the lifespan at
Cutting-Edge Technology:
Experience the latest in education technology and innovative learning styles in our small class sizes, offering an educational experience like no other.
Clinical Partners:
UTMB has partnered with diverse clinical sites across South Texas to offer learners the highest quality in clinical education.
UTMB Health including three UTMB campuses. She is a Certified Transformational Nurse Coach, creatively and actively guiding and encouraging others to strive for optimal wellness to thrive holistically and collectively. She welcomes opportunities to collaborate with peer providers, policy makers, and others to ensure value in healthcare and education pertinent to anesthesiology. High is passionate about policy engagement and advocating for practice rights, healthy practice environments, and well-being initiatives in Texas and across the country.
Marlene Mendez, MBA, serves as Business Coordinator for our new Nurse Anesthesia Program. She has a background in higher education as Academic Advisor and Program Coordinator for various student programs. Her experience in program development, process improvement, records management, and supporting pipeline programs has been a valuable asset in helping launch this program and managing student application and records.
From left to right, Marlene Mendez, Dr. Cora Rabe, Dr. Amber High.
“There is a maternity health crisis in Houston,” says Ortiz. “The experiences and skills I learned in this program provide me with the education and credentials that I need to help more people. I plan to spend additional days focused solely on clients who cannot physically make it to the clinic. My hope is that I can see more people and help eliminate the barriers they face through travel and/or access.”
UTMB School of Nursing Graduated its Inaugural Cohort of the New Rural Telehealth Certificate Program
The novel Rural Telehealth Certificate Program (RTCP), funded through the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, successfully launched in August 2023. The aim of the RTCP is to equipped students to enhance or develop telehealth practice programs to bridge the gap in healthcare access for rural communities. This innovative program consists of a three-semester (12 months), ninecredit certificate offering evidencebased techniques in telehealth & digital technologies, telehealth administration, reimbursement, and rural systems of health and professional practice considerations in telehealth. Unique to the RTCP, students
develop a comprehensive personalized telehealth toolkit throughout the curriculum which can be applied to a current or future practice program. Individuals from all healthcare disciplines who have direct patient care roles, and a minimum of a bachelor's degree may apply.
In July 2024, the RTCP students participated in the RTCP Practicum Day on campus to fully immerse with the telehealth equipment, engage in networking opportunities, and to present their final Telehealth Toolkit projects to SON leadership. One of the RTCP students, Elizabeth Ortiz, a UTMB SON Alumna and a Women’s Healthcare Nurse Practitioner,
shared some of her perceptions on the program and what it means to care for those in rural settings. Ortiz stated, “Rural is dependent on more than just geography. Even portions of Houston are remote or rural. Rural in my area is more about a patient’s ability to access the clinics and the care that they need.” Ortiz shared that the RTCP provided her with the tools she needed to be able to expand the number of patients she could assist through the telehealth care model. Another RTCP graduate stated that throughout the program, “our telehealth clinical practice programs were advancing, and I learned EXACTLY what I needed to learn.”
** Acknowledgement: Grant funding provided by Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board - Accelerating Credentials of Purpose and Value Grant Program: Innovations in Healthcare Delivery in Rural and Underserved Communities (2021) The RTCP admits once per year, Spring 2025 is the next admission. Any inquiries can be sent to Dr. J. Svoboda at jdnegrot@utmb.edu.
Correctional Managed Care Certificate Program Expected to Launch in 2025
Learn from the experts and gain real-world skills in Correctional Healthcare at the UTMB School of Nursing.
UTMB has over 40 years of experience partnering with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) to provide healthcare to justice-involved patients.
Hospital Galveston (HG) is the first and only hospital specializing in justice-involved patient care on the campus of a major academic health center.
UTMB provides healthcare services to over 75% of justice-involved patients in Texas.
Certificate Program Features
9 credit hour certificate program
Online courses for scheduling flexibility
Highly-experienced faculty directly involved with Correctional Managed Care
Small class sizes for individualized on-campus attention
Evidence-based practice frameworks
Focus on improving population health, health literacy, and overcoming health disparities in correctional populations
Credits earned may be applicable to a future nursing graduate degree
Faculty Accolades
Kristen Starnes-Ott PhD, BS, CRNA, FAANA, FNAP
Vice Dean for Academic Affairs
Professor Betty P. Akins Endowed Chair in Nursing
Dr. Kristen Starnes-Ott has been appointed as a member of the Texas Nurses Foundation Board of Directors! Dr. Starnes-Ott began serving a two-year appointment July 1, 2024.
“I am honored to serve the Texas Nurses Foundation (TNF) Board of Directors as a board member and represent nurses in Texas. The TNF mission of improving the health of Texas through charitable initiatives including advanced nursing practice, education, research, and leadership aligns with my interests and passions,” says Starnes-Ott.“I look forward to working with all board members to serve Texas nurses with innovative programming to meet their interests and needs.”
Dr. Starnes-Ott has received numerous research grants which focus on patient safety using simulation methodology, telehealth applications in nursing education, communication and situational awareness among healthcare providers, patient-centered communication and team leadership.
Amber High DNP, APRN, CRNA, NC-BC
Assistant Professor Assistant Program Director, Nurse Anesthesia Program
Dr. Amber High, SON Nurse Anesthesia Assistant Program Director and two-time UTMB SON alum, has been named an honoree of the Texas Nurses Association 25 Outstanding Texas Nurses Award!
“It’s an incredible honor to be recognized by my peers and the Texas Nurses Association for excellence in service and my efforts in creating a culture of care and supporting wellness for healthcare workers,” said Dr. High. “This award is meaningful to me because I find so much joy and purpose in my profession as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse and I’m also extremely proud to be a Texan. I look forward to the future and educating a new generation of Outstanding Texas Nurses!”
This award focuses on recognizing the contributions of registered nurses in Texas. These nurses have worked to create a culture of care, played a vital role in supporting health and wellness, contributed to innovation and their communities, and more.
Sheba Luke DNP, APRN, FNP-C, NEA-BC Associate Professor MSN Program Director
Dr. Sheba Luke, SON MSN Program Director, was selected for the 2023 Texas Nurse Practitioners Educator Award! This award is given annually to a dedicated Texas Nurse Practitioners member who serves as a role model for creating and sustaining a culture in nursing education that integrates theory and practice and demonstrates significant creativity in teaching approaches to promote learner outcomes.
“Sheba Luke’s dedication to transforming nursing education and advocating for healthcare policy is truly an inspiration to us all,” said TNP President and UTMB SON alum Dr. Cindy Weston. “She exemplifies the spirit of leadership and innovation that we value in our nurse practitioners.”
Cindy West DNP, APRN, CRNA
Assistant Dean for Opportunity, Belonging, and Enrichment
Assistant Professor
Dr. Cindy West, SON Assistant Dean for Opportunity, Belonging and Enrichment, has been recognized as a National Academy of Medicine (NAM) Change Maker! The NAM launched the Clinician Well-Being Collaborative in 2017 to reverse trends in health worker burnout, and later released a National Plan for Health Workforce Well-Being. This plan drives collective action to strengthen health workforce well-being and restore the health of the nation, as more nurses, physicians, and public health employees than ever are poised to leave their professions.
“It's an honor to be selected as an NAM change maker,” says West. “I have dedicated my time and efforts to becoming a change agent, influencer and role model for the health profession.”
Dr. West expresses that nursing is the backbone of our communities, and as a leader in the academic arena, it is important to plant the seeds of wellness and cultivate our students and clinicians' well-being.
Patricia Blair PhD, LLM, JD, CNE
Associate Professor
Dr. Patricia Blair has been appointed to serve a three-year term on the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute's (PCORI) Advisory Panel on Healthcare Delivery and Disparities Research. Dr. Blair will play a part in helping patients and those who care for them make better informed healthcare decisions.
Pictured with Dr. Luke: Dr. Erin Perez (President Elect of TNP and Dr. Cindy Weston (current President of TNP) who are both alumni!
Sharron Forest DNP, APRN, NNP-BC Professor DNP Program Director
Will Bivens Singleton Professorship in Pediatric Nursing
Dr. Sharron Forest, Professor and DNP Program Director, received the 2023 University of Texas System Regents’ Outstanding Teaching Award! Dr. Forest and 13 others across all UT System institutions have been selected for demonstrating extraordinary classroom teaching performance and dedication to innovation.
“Being a recipient of the Regents’ Outstanding Teaching Award is an immense honor, as it validates my dedication to the art of teaching. It signifies that my efforts to inspire and educate students have been recognized, while also reminding me of the responsibility that comes with being an educator - to continuously strive for excellence in education and empower the next generation of learners,” says Dr. Forest. “This award motivates me to keep pushing boundaries and pursuing innovation in teaching, ensuring that every student I encounter receives the best education possible.”
Shatoi King PhD, MSN-Ed, RN-BC, CNE Assistant Professor Honors Program Research Track Coordinator
TNA District 9 Nominating Committee Chair
UTMB School of Nursing is proud to share that Drs. Shatoi King (Chair) and Amanda Garey (member) were elected to serve on the Texas Nurses Association, District 9 Nominating Committee! Drs. King and Garey’s willingness to serve showcases their dedication to advancing and representing both the SON and the nursing profession.
“Representation from all entities of nursing matters as we are a diverse group, and we need to understand the different cultures of nursing,” says Dr. King. “It is important for nurses to have their voices heard at the local, regional and national levels. We are not only advocates for patients, but also for the safety, health and wellness of nurses. As a nurse, I value
The UTMB School of Nursing hosted an exciting Innovations Symposium at the UTMB Health Education Center. This event brought together faculty, students, staff, and leaders for a day of inspiring innovation and fostering connections. Dr. Taura Barr, Director of the Innovation & Entrepreneurship Fellowship at Ohio State University College of Nursing and an internationally recognized nurse scientist, coach, and herbalist, served as the Keynote Speaker. Attendees explored the integration of an innovation wellness mindset, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in various settings. Engaging sessions on technology, gamification, design thinking, and legacy work provided hands-on opportunities to apply innovative strategies in real-time scenarios that apply to both higher education and in the clinical environment.
Thank you, Dr. Jacquelyn Svoboda, SON Director of Educational Innovations, and the UTMB SON Innovation Advisory Committee for planning this event for our SON community!
Amanda Garey PhD, RN, NPD-BC, NPDA-BC,EBP-C Assistant Professor
TNA District 9 Nominating Committee Member
the opportunity to serve my peers as a commitment to assist with the future of nursing!”
“I am grateful to have the opportunity to serve on a state-wide professional organization,” says Dr. Garey. “Serving as a board member for the TNA - District 9 provides the rewarding and humbling experience to support the ongoing success of the profession. As a valued member of TNA for 15 years, I have had the opportunity to build my leadership skills and network across the state.”
Congratulations to our faculty members, and we appreciate you proudly representing the UTMB SON!
UTMB School of Nursing re-designated as an Apple Distinguished School! Recognized for innovation, leadership, and educational excellence using technology, selected for this distinction for the second time based on its commitment to continuous innovation in education and using Apple products to inspire, imagine, and impact teaching and learning. Apple Distinguished Schools are centers of leadership and educational excellence, with a vision for how technology-rich environments support learning. Congrats to our forwardthinking leaders, educators and community!
Student Testimonials
Mohammad Alobeidi
BSN Traditional Student
“My favorite thing about UTMB School of Nursing is the faculty. I have felt nothing but inclusion and support from every professor I’ve encountered. They want success for their students and it truly shows through their passion for what they do.”
Derykah Boxie
BSN Traditional Program Spring 2024 Graduate
“The Mother and Family course was my absolute favorite class in the SON curriculum. I love Obstetrics and want to be an advocate for mothers in the hospital. You can tell the professors are passionate and want us to succeed. Upon graduation, I want to work in a labor and delivery unit.”
Megan Brunson PhD Student
“Obtaining my PhD in Nursing inspires me to openly embrace the global drivers of change in delivering healthcare. When considering my future, earning a PhD would provide opportunities on a large scale by using translational science in closing the gap between research and implementation at the point of care. I am so grateful for the financial support of scholarships that help alleviate the financial burden to obtain a degree, while also supporting my scholarly work, professional goals, and research endeavors.”
Clayton Collins, MSN, RN, CPN Post-MSN Nurse Educator Certificate Program Summer 2023 Graduate
“I am a three-time alumnus if UTMB School of Nursing. One of the many reasons I keep coming back is to work with faculty who are knowledgeable, passionate, and push me to excellence. I am also driven by community-based nursing initiatives, and UTMB School of Nursing is a leader in this area. The Executive Nurse Leader program prepared me for my role at UTMB, working with all levels of the organization as a nurse educator and leader to improve patient care and our work environments.”
Mikayla Courville
BSN
Traditional Program Summer 2024 Graduate
“I founded a student organization here at UTMB, African American Healthcare Association. I am very proud of what this organization is becoming. It allows all students from each school to come together as a healthcare community.”
Gustavo Garcia BSN Traditional Program Summer 2024 Graduate
“Pediatrics is my favorite course in the curriculum because it dives into the unique diseases that affect children. Learning about these specific health challenges gave me a better understanding of how to care for young patients facing different conditions. It's interesting to explore pediatric diseases, from diagnosis to treatment, and it prepares me to offer the right care and support to children and their families. After graduation, my goal is to become a neonatal nurse, caring for newborns, particularly those in critical condition. I am drawn to the specialized knowledge and skills needed to support premature or ill infants and their families during their early days of life."
Nicole George MSN, RN, NEA-BC PhD Student
“I love the self-directed nature of the program. The asynchronous nature of the program fully allows me to continue my very busy work-life, life as a wife, life as a mother, and some fun every now and then.”
Sona Jose BSN Traditional Student
“My favorite course is Pediatrics because it aligns perfectly with my passion to care for children. One highlight of this class was the opportunity to participate in clinicals at Camp Beloved and Beyond. This experience was truly life-changing for me. It allowed me to apply what I learned in the classroom in a real-world setting, caring for children with complex medical needs, and it reinforced my commitment to pursuing a career in pediatric nursing, where I can make a meaningful difference in the lives of young patients and their families.”
Emily Lucas BSN Traditional Program 2023 Graduate
“One of my favorite courses was Pathophysiology. Understanding the disease processes you learn become the foundation and the “why” behind everything you do as a nurse.”
Leslie Mendoza
BSN Traditional Program 2024 Graduate
“I reminded myself to never give up. Part of my nursing school journey was difficult, but at the end of the day, I reminded myself of my end goal and the reasons I have chosen this career path. I cannot wait to graduate and be able to help others in a compassionate and caring way!”
Jessica Miller DNP Program 2024 Graduate
“As a graduate student, I enjoyed the flexibility of online classes. I also earned my MSN from UTMB, and having both programs online helped me to ensure I could work while going to school on top of balancing my personal life. My favorite part of the program has been initiating my Quality Improvement Project”
Phil Nguyen
BSN Traditional Program 2023 Graduate
“I am currently in many organizations at UTMB, but one I enjoy the most is Men Entering Nursing (MEN). I served as the Social Media Chair of MEN and so happy to help an underrepresented population in the field through the challenges of nursing school. We aim to emphasize diversity in healthcare and strengthen the quality of care that nurses can provide.”
Kelsey Soto
BSN Traditional Program 2023 Graduate
“My favorite class was Obstetrics. I have a strong interest in Labor & Delivery after graduation so I found this class to be so interesting. I enjoyed all my clinical rotations at UTMB which made my passion for this specialty ignite! I also had the privilege of serving as a class representative for this course which allowed me to stay actively involved and advocate for my peers.”
Bryce Stephenson
BSN
Traditional Program 2024 Graduate
“UTMB School of Nursing has incredible support from the professors. While your cohort may consist of 100 students, the smaller lab and clinical groups ensure you get ample time with professors. Each professor is dedicated to help you learn and genuinely invested in your growth from the first semester all the way to graduation.”
Quynh Ta
BSN Traditional Student
“The day I received my acceptance letter from UTMB School of Nursing was unforgettable. UTMB had always been a dream school due to the school’s reputation as one of the best nursing programs in Texas with a remarkably high NCLEX pass rate. What made UTMB SON special for me wasn’t only their esteemed reputation, but also the support from faculty. The professors are passionate about nursing, and that is something I love.”
Lauren von Thaden MSN Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Student
“The AGACNP program has dedicated and knowledgeable faculty and staff who consistently go above and beyond to support and guide students throughout their academic journey. The faculty's approachability, genuine concern for student success, and willingness to foster a collaborative learning environment contributes significantly to the program's overall positive atmosphere. The program's rigorous curriculum emphasizes academic excellence not only to ensure a thorough understanding of complex medical concepts, but also instills a sense of confidence and competence in the delivery of patient-centered care.”
Mike West
BSN Traditional Program 2024 Graduate
“During the more stressful times throughout the rigorous program, I would ask myself if I am meant to do this, and the answer came to me almost every time I was at a clinical shift. There's no better feeling than lending a helping hand to someone in need. I treat the people I care for with compassion, like family. When I can make their lives a little better, I know it was all worth it. There's truly no better job in the world! I am thrilled to announce the opportunity to continue helping Galveston residents with heart and lung problems and excited to rejoin the team at Jennie Sealy Hospital's Cardiothoracic IMU this summer, this time as a Registered Nurse.”
UTMB School of Nursing 2024 Commencement Ceremony
9 PhD DEGREES AND CERTIFICATES AWARDED
Graduates, families and friends joined in the celebration as Dr. Tim Cunningham delivered the keynote address.
Dr. Cunningham, DrPH, MSN, RN, FAAN is former Vice President and Co-Chief Well-Being Officer at Emory University’s Woodruff Health Sciences Center, where he supported structural and systemic wellbeing changes for healthcare teams and
professionals, including university staff and faculty, researchers, learners, and community members. Tim’s path towards corporate leadership has been a unique one to say the least. Before becoming an executive leader, Tim performed as a clown doctor in pediatric hospitals and in refugee camps, war zones, and other global zones of crisis. Tim’s global experiences have
exposed him to both extreme suffering and profound resilience. This work inspired him to pursue a career in nursing. Cunningham's speech inspired graduates at each level to pause, reflect and make a difference in whichever position they hold next.
Congratulations 2024 graduates! The SON leadership, faculty, alumni, and staff wish you the best!
Meaningful Team Engagement
UTMB School of Nursing faculty and leadership attended the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Foundation Lotus Luncheon fundraiser in Houston, Texas. This fundraiser supported the NCCN Foundation in its work to provide free patient education resources based on the standards of care clinical information, and to empower people impacted by cancer through oncology innovations.
UTMB School of Nursing third-semester BSN students embarked on a unique learning journey during their pediatric clinical course at The Health Museum. Students used Discovery Carts to educate both children and adults about the heart, lungs, brain, and nutrition. This was a fantastic opportunity for hands-on learning and sharpening communication skills with our community’s young learners.
Dedicated students from the UTMB School of Nursing in Galveston and Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UTMB (OLLI) gardeners, braved the cold this winter to undertake a re-soil project for our beloved OLLI community garden. SON students and volunteers continue to grow and nurture our gardens and our community together.
Photo from left to right: Darpan Patel, Melinda Sheffield-Moore (UTMB GSBS), Letitia Graves, Shinu Joy, Deborah Jones, and Jacquelyn Svoboda
First and only BSN-DNP dual FNP/AGACNP track in the State of Texas
Our online BSN to DNP program prepares nurses to participate in healthcare transformation with an emphasis on increasing access to quality care and improving health equity. The program is designed for nurses seeking to expand their clinical expertise across both primary and acute care settings. Graduates are eligible for certification in both FNP and AGACNP, enhancing their career flexibility, employability, and ability to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care across diverse healthcare environments.
What makes our dual FNP/AGACNP program unique?
DUAL NURSE PRACTITIONER TRACK — This BSN-DNP dual FNP/AGACNP track provides graduates with a broad scope of practice to expand career opportunities.
EMPHASIS ON HEALTHCARE ACCESS AND QUALITY — Dual track emphasizes improving access to quality care and health equity for diverse populations.
FLEXIBILITY AND CLASSROOM FEEL — Our nationally recognized DNP faculty offer flexible online curriculum and coursework to accommodate working nurses. Student-centered, small class sizes and interactive peer groups provide a collaborative feel to your online experience.
VALUE — Our BSN to DNP pathway offers a high-quality education at an affordable cost for a doctoral level program.
Dual Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)/Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) Curriculum Outline
