At the 2025 Western Institute of Nursing (WIN) Conference, the College of Nursing showcased its leadership in advancing health care through innovative research, student engagement, and faculty expertise. With 13 PhD students presenting their work and faculty leading sessions on critical topics, the college demonstrated a strong presence and commitment to shaping the future of nursing. Notable recognitions, including top abstract awards and research grants, highlighted the impactful contributions of both students and faculty to nursing science and education.

Three exceptional Jonas Scholars from the College of Nursing, all current PhD students, attended the 2025 Student Policy Summit, hosted by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) in Washington, D.C. Another PhD student, the AACN 2025 Future Nurse Leader Scholarship recipient, joined them along with the college dean. Notably, the University of Arizona is the only institution in the nation with three Jonas Scholars in the 2024–26 cohort.

Jessica Rainbow, PhD, RN, an associate professor at the University of Arizona College of Nursing, was inducted into the Western Academy of Nurses during the Western Institute of Nursing Conference earlier this month.

The College of Nursing was named the 2024 Partner of the Year by the Southern Arizona chapter of the American Red Cross for its ongoing collaboration and community service efforts. Faculty and students from the college have worked closely with the Red Cross over the past three years, integrating volunteerism and fieldwork into undergraduate and graduate programs. This partnership has strengthened the Red Cross workforce while offering students valuable hands-on experience serving diverse communities.

The College of Nursing has achieved a historic milestone, with all three of its academic programs — bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral — ranked among the top 20 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. This accomplishment positions the College among the elite nursing schools in the country and highlights its commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and student success. With each program also ranked No. 1 in Arizona, the College is playing a critical role in addressing the state’s nursing shortage and shaping the future of healthcare.

The College of Nursing is enhancing education with VR technology. Dean’s Scholar Award winner Chantal Skon leads a project using VR-compatible Expert Modeling Videos to improve medication administration training. This initiative helps nursing students build confidence and competence in a risk-free, immersive environment. By integrating cutting-edge technology, the college prepares future nurses for real-world clinical challenges.

Zhanette Coffee, PhD, MSN, APRN, postdoctoral research associate at the College of Nursing, spent years working as an advanced practice nurse with certifications in family practice and addictions nursing and saw firsthand the challenges faced not only by patients with opioid use disorder but also by the health care professionals providing treatment to those patients.

Brian Ahn, PhD, Dean of the College of Nursing, has been appointed to national committees within the AACN and AAN, where he shapes nursing curricula and ensures students acquire the skills needed to excel in healthcare. His leadership roles, including editing a key journal and serving on ethnic minority nursing boards, enhance the college’s mission to address Arizona’s nursing shortage and prepare students for impactful careers.

Health Sciences faculty are exploring the integration of artificial intelligence into their curriculum and permitting students to utilize AI platforms in their work.

Erin George, PhD, CNM, a postdoctoral researcher at the College of Nursing, has been awarded the prestigious Elizabeth Bear Education Leadership Fellowship from the ACNM Foundation. Her research focuses on perinatal outcomes and patient-provider experiences of care in the Mechanisms Underpinning Maternal Health Lab. With over a decade of midwifery experience, George is dedicated to improving maternity care access and addressing health disparities. Her recognition highlights the College of Nursing’s commitment to advancing maternal health and midwifery.