From the Dean
Interim Dean, Cindy J. Rishel
The future of nursing is shaped by the people who lead, the ideas they pursue, and the difference they make in others' lives. It reflects our shared commitment to preparing the next generation of Wildcat nursing leaders, advancing research and practice, and improving health in our communities and beyond. I am proud to share the University of Arizona College of Nursing’s FY2027–FY2031 Strategic Plan, which will guide our priorities and actions as we work together to shape the future of nursing and transform healthcare.
Our plan is grounded in our mission, vision, and core values and organized around five strategic pillars that will guide our priorities and efforts through FY 2031. Together, these goals provide a roadmap to strengthen our college, support our students, faculty, staff, and the university, and make a meaningful difference in the communities we serve.
I invite you to explore our college's strategic plan and learn how we are shaping the future of nursing and transforming healthcare.
Cindy Rishel, PhD, RN, OCN, NEA-BC
Interim Dean and Clinical Professor
The College of Nursing's
STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS
The College of Nursing’s strategic plan takes effect in Fall 2026 and will conclude at the end of FY2031, on June 30, 2031. We have identified five strategic pillars, each with corresponding goals, objectives, and strategies, as the concrete outcomes needed to fulfill our mission and vision.
Pillar 1: Teaching and Learning for Student Success
Innovate nursing education that supports student success in all programs, develops leaders who will transform healthcare practice and scholarship, and promotes health, equity, and inclusiveness.
- Objective 1: Create innovative pathways for learning through curriculum development, implementation, and evaluation in educational programming.
- Objective 2: Leverage technology to support curriculum improvement and educational programming.
- Objective 3: Maximize student success through student support.
Pillar 2: Research and Scholarship
To advance nursing research, scholarship, and training that positively impact health, well-being, and the human condition for individuals, communities, and society.
- Objective 1: Broaden and increase the College of Nursing's research and scholarship dissemination.
- Objective 2: Strengthen research and scholarship teams, infrastructure, and partnerships in the community.
- Objective 3: Train and mentor nurse scholars and leaders.
Pillar 3: Professional Practice
Advance the College of Nursing's excellence and impact by promoting faculty professional practice as a valuable and scholarly endeavor.
- Objective 1: Support faculty in maintaining and advancing their nursing practice within the clinical, academic, and professional realms.
Pillar 4: Service Through Partnerships and Collaboration
Lead, strengthen, and develop impactful service initiatives at the local, state, national, and international levels through purposeful partnerships and collaborative engagement.
- Objective 1: Guided by our land-grant mission, expand and sustain impactful community partnerships by scaling successful models, deepening existing relationships, and broadening engagement across Arizona.
- Objective 2: Establish global collaborations and partnerships to develop and support nursing education, scholarship, and research opportunities.
- Objective 3: Strengthen philanthropic relationships with alumni and giving partners.
Pillar 5: Environment of Excellence
Support an environment where students, faculty, and staff can thrive and enable the College of Nursing to fulfill its role as a keystone unit within the UA's land-grant mission.
- Objective 1: Optimize organizational effectiveness, governance, and accountability.
- Objective 2: Advance comprehensive student success through integrated support systems.
- Objective 3: Cultivate a culture of belonging, professional excellence, and sustainable well-being.