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.

The College of Nursing thrives today due to the vision of its pioneering leaders. The college’s first deans established Arizona’s first baccalaureate nursing program, expanded the faculty, secured facilities, and introduced advanced degrees, including the PhD in nursing. Their commitment to education, research, and patient care laid the foundation for today’s top-ranked nursing program. Their legacy continues in the college’s dedication to shaping the future of healthcare through excellence and innovation.

Two exceptional Nursing postdoctoral researchers, Zhanette Coffee and Erin George have been selected for the BIO5 Postdoctoral Fellowship, designed to advance interdisciplinary scholars in their career development.

When Brittney Marcano chose to pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, she wasn’t merely seeking another credential; she aimed to create a lasting impact on patient care. Now, as a graduate of the Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program, she reflects on her transformative experience and encourages others to pursue their DNP.

Juyoung Park, PhD, a professor in the College of Nursing and associate director of the college’s Brain Digital Technology Laboratory, was accepted into the United States Association for the Study of Pain Leadership Academy. The yearlong program, which starts in April, aims to develop leaders in pain research.

In recognition of Black History Month, the College of Nursing honors Mary Eliza Mahoney as the first African American to study and work as a professionally trained nurse in the United States. In 1879, she became the first African American to graduate from a nursing school in the United States.

Helena Morrison, PhD, RN, associate professor at the College of Nursing, is advancing stroke science to improve stroke patient outcomes. She conducts essential basic science that establishes the foundation for future applications in human medicine. Her work often involves collaborations with private industry, particularly pharmaceutical developers and colleagues from the College of Medicine, showcasing her interdisciplinary approach to advancing healthcare.