PATTI ALLARD (’12 BSN)
Clinical Assistant Professor, CONHI

Fondly remembers: “The positive culture.”

FRANCIS BASEBANG (’19 DNP, ’17 MSN, ’13 BSN)

Clinical Assistant Professor, CONHI

What stands out: “Great support from instructors and a great database resource for my papers and research. It was a very inclusive environment that gave every student a chance for success.”

AGNES DELEAWE (’12 MSN, Adult Nurse Practitioner)

Clinical Assistant Professor, CONHI

Back then: “All lectures were in person in the classroom at Pickard Hall. Students were highly dependent on the instructor’s lecture notes and hard-copy textbooks. There were no ebooks; it was more passive learning than active learning.”

CONNIE FLORES (’79 BSN)

Community Volunteer

Hands-on development: “A favorite memory was when I took a summer elective in the trauma-level emergency department at JPS Hospital. It was an invaluable nursing clinical education, as I learned from the most experienced practitioners and nurses in challenging and critical scenarios.”

TYLER GARNER (’20 PhD, Kinesiology; ’11 MS, Exercise Physiology; ’09 BS, Exercise Science)

Clinical Assistant Professor, CONHI

Go Mavs: “My favorite UTA memories revolve around being part of the Movin’ Mavs wheelchair basketball team.”

MAYRENA HERNANDEZ (’16 BS, Kinesiology)

Assistant Professor of Athletic Training, Sam Houston State University

Research foundation: “I was able to participate for two years in the Kinesiology Department research symposium through our research methods class taught by Dr. Cacola (now Dr. Tamplain). These exposures to research were the foundation for my career as an athletic trainer, public health professional, and researcher.”

JENNIFER A. LUNA (’22 DNP)

Professional Development Leader

Virtual connections: “My favorite time as a student was the virtual friendships that I have gained all throughout the years with like-minded lifelong learners. I have met new friends from different regions of Texas and it was great to brainstorm and network. I also love how Dr. Hamby ensures that we get the best education and does so with a gentle heart.”

KARLIE O’REILLY (’16 MS, Athletic Training)

Athletic Trainer, Princeton University

Favorite memories: “Being involved in events outside of the classroom and building lifelong relationships with my preceptors-turned-mentors. I spent my last year of clinicals where I built friendships and professional mentorships that are still strong.”

CYNTHIA PLONIEN (’84 MSN, ’78 BSN)

Clinical Associate Professor, Program Director of Doctorate in Nursing Practice, CONHI

Lifelong lesson learned: “I asked for two extensions on the first three chapters of my thesis because I found so much information. After completing the chapters, I received a call from my thesis chair, Mary Ellen Wyers, one evening while I was working in the ER. She said, ‘If you don’t get yourself back up here right now and take out two-thirds of what is in the first three chapters, you will not graduate. You need to know the difference between what is nice and what is necessary. Stick to your research questions.’ I have used that phrase over and over, particularly in coaching and teaching new nurses to manage patient care in hospital settings.”

CRYSTAL RAHMAN (’17 BSN)

Clinical Assistant Professor, CONHI

Fabulous faculty: “The support and compassion from my professors are my most cherished memories! Thank you to Brian Moore, Marcia Monghate, and Sarah Washington!”

COURTNEY RENI (’81 MSN, Special Student FNP Program)

Assistant Professor, CONHI

All in the family: “My favorite memories are of my time in clinical preceptorship with David Pillow, co-director of the Family Nurse Practitioner program. I loved learning and implementing the new responsibilities as an FNP.”

JENNIFER ROYE (’03 MSN, ’98 BSN)

Assistant Dean for Simulation and Technology, CONHI

Elective success: “My favorite class was my emergency nursing elective. I learned so much in that 11 weeks. It made me want to focus on emergency nursing. I was an ER nurse for 20-plus years after I graduated.”