NOTES FROM THE DEAN

AS I REFLECT ON THE LAST 50 YEARS of the College of Nursing and Health Innovation, the singular, yet incredibly powerful way I hear the journey encapsulated is transformation. A transformation from a new and proud baccalaureate nursing program to a renowned College with programs in nursing, kinesiology, and public health.

I can think of no greater way to describe the path our College and its three departments have made from 1971 to today. Our student body has grown tremendously in numbers while maintaining an exceptional level of academic quality, our programs have expanded to meet industry needs and changing market demands, our faculty have brought forth discoveries and innovation into education and research, and our alumni have gone on to make a remarkable impact both locally and globally.

As we look at who we once were and who we are now, it is not by chance that we are the No. 1 producer of baccalaureate-prepared nurses in Texas. Our nursing programs have grown from enrollment in the hundreds to enrolling well over 20,000 students each year. Our newest undergraduate and graduate programs in public health have seen increased enrollment, and graduates are landing competitive jobs in the workforce. The academic success of all our programs reaches beyond the boundaries of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. From rural communities across Texas to online programs across the country to national and international collaboration and exchanges, our students enter the workforce prepared to tackle any challenge anywhere. This year we are also pleased to add both undergraduate- and graduatelevel certificates focusing on health informatics, an important and fast-growing field in need of trained health professionals like those graduating from our College.

Our research is no exception either. While the College has a long history of research endeavors, today it has surpassed expectations never thought possible 50 years ago. With over 40 research programs across our College, from interdisciplinary centers to physiology and cardiovascular laboratories, our body of research has forever left an important mark on the scientific community and will continue to do so for years to come. We offer exciting undergraduate research opportunities like our new summer program that you can read more about in this edition. To highlight just a few aspects, we have researchers focusing on community interventions, making important strides in public health, and endeavoring to improve patient safety.

In this year’s edition of UTA Health, I invite you to read about the academic and research work happening across our College. Take a trip through our programs and see where we once were, where we are today, and where we are heading next. As we honor our 50th anniversary this year, I am humbled by the impact this College has made across Texas and beyond. I encourage you to stay in touch with our College as we honor 50 years of excellence, innovation, and progress—and look ahead to the next 50 years.

Elizabeth I. Merwin, Ph.D., RN, FAAN
Dean, College of Nursing and Health Innovation