The College of Nursing celebrated its 72nd graduating class on May 15, 2025, honoring 214 graduates across multiple programs. Dean Brian Ahn highlighted the college’s new status as a top 20 nursing program nationally and the No. 1 program in Arizona, an achievement he attributed to the graduates’ dedication and the college’s collective excellence. The ceremony recognized graduates from the BSN, Master of Science - Entry to the Profession of Nursing, DNP, and PhD in Nursing programs. Keynote speaker Beth Draves, CNO at Banner – University Medical Center Tucson, reminded graduates of the profound human connection at the heart of nursing.

The College of Nursing has established new international partnerships with four top South Korean universities, laying the groundwork for international collaborations in research and education. Spearheaded by Dean Brian Ahn, these Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) mark a bold step toward global innovation in nursing and a shared commitment to shaping the future of healthcare.

Fifty-one exceptional nursing students were inducted into the Beta Mu Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing during a virtual ceremony on April 27, 2025. Celebrating academic excellence, leadership, and service, the event marked a pivotal milestone in their professional journey. These future nurse leaders now join a global network committed to transforming healthcare through compassion, scholarship, and innovation.

Rina Fox has been named the 2025 Rising Star by the University of Arizona Cancer Center’s Cancer Prevention and Control Program, honoring her innovative research and unwavering commitment to cancer survivorship. A leader in behavioral science and integrative care, Fox develops accessible interventions that improve quality of life for cancer patients and caregivers.

Join us in celebrating an extraordinary achievement! Ten faculty members from the College of Nursing have been honored as 2025 Fab 50 Nurses by the Tucson Nurses Week Foundation. This record-breaking recognition highlights their outstanding leadership, compassion, and service to the community. As role models, mentors, and educators, they represent the very best of nursing, inspiring future generations and shaping the future of health care.

For more than 30 years, Terry A. Badger has been a cornerstone of the College of Nursing, leading groundbreaking research to reduce health disparities and improve quality of life for cancer survivors and their families. A pioneer in psychosocial oncology, Badger’s work has transformed cancer care by focusing on the emotional well-being of patients and caregivers. Her passion for people, research, and mentorship continues to shape the future of nursing science — one meaningful connection at a time.

Sheri Carson is more than an assistant clinical professor — she’s a tireless advocate for children and a beloved mentor to future pediatric nurses. Carson's impact is deeply felt, from launching an innovative child abuse screening program to bringing the comfort of therapy dogs to campus. Now, her alma mater has honored her with a prestigious award, celebrating a career of compassion, innovation, and unwavering dedication to the next generation of nurses.

Amber Price, a lecturer at the College of Nursing, is the driving force behind the Health Connectors Internship, a key part of the K-12 Health Literacy Project. As the director of the K-8 Health Connections Program and the primary instructor for Nursing 493, Price has designed a transformative course that equips students to teach health topics to children while developing their leadership and communication skills. Her innovative approach inspires future health professionals and fosters a culture of mentorship through the Super Connectors initiative, which helps students connect scientific concepts to real-life experiences, empowering them to make a lasting impact on community health.

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.