A Message from the Dean
Dean Marla De Jong highlights the impacts of the College of Nursing.
FAST FACTS of the college of nursing
$2,080,092
awarded in scholarships, fellowships, and traineeships
1,577
total enrolled students
-
892
pre-nursing bachelor's
247
doctor of nursing practice (DNP)
36
doctor of philosophy (PhD)
359
bachelor's (BSN)
39
master's (nursing or gerontology)
4
dual DNP-PhD
-
#11
Nurse-Midwifery DNP Track
#32
National Institutes of Health Funding
#25
Doctor of Nursing Practice Program
#39
Bachelor of Science Program
Our Impact Across Research
Our Impact Across Practice
Our Impact Across Education
ADVANCEMENT
BUILDING A CULTURE OF GIVING
Philanthropy plays a crucial role in shaping the future of nursing at the University of Utah College of Nursing (CON). Donors have made a lasting impact through outright gifts, endowments, and legacy donations. Whether it’s supporting their peers, honoring their daughter with scholarships, or giving back after receiving a life-changing scholarship, their contributions help ensure the next generation of nurses is well-equipped to care for others.
AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS
FELLOW INDUCTIONS
LEADERSHIP AND EMERGING TALENT
RESEARCH AND SCHOLARLY AWARDS
CLINICAL EXCELLENCE
CHAIR APPOINTMENT
GRANT AWARDS
CLINICAL EXCELLENCE
Nanci McLeskey, DNP, MCG, MDiv, GERO-BC, FNGNA, retired after a Impactful career dedicated to gerontological nursing, end-of-life care, and education. A Columbia University graduate, she spent over 20 years as an ICU and medical-surgical nurse before earning advanced degrees in gerontology, divinity, and nursing practice. She served in roles ranging from Alzheimer’s director to geriatric nurse educator, becoming an influential associate professor (clinical) at the University of Utah College of Nursing. Known for her passion for teaching and innovation, she co-developed groundbreaking curricula, authored numerous publications, and improved care for older adults, particularly those with Alzheimer’s disease and at the end of life. McLeskey’s legacy continues to inspire the next generation of nurses.
Pamela Phares, PhD, APRN, CNM, retired after a remarkable career dedicated to advancing diabetes care, metabolism, and cardiovascular health. A certified nurse-midwife and nurse practitioner in multiple specialties, she served as Medical Director of the Healthy Body Healthy Heart Program at the University of Utah, focusing on diabetes and heart disease prevention for high-risk individuals. As an assistant professor (clinical), Phares held faculty appointments in the College of Nursing and Department of Internal Medicine, where she combined clinical practice, teaching, and mentoring to shape the future of health care. Her dedication to interprofessional, team-based care leaves a lasting impact on both patient outcomes and health care education.
Gillian Tufts, DNP, FNP-BC, retired after a distinguished career as a clinician, educator, and leader in nurse practitioner education. As a family nurse practitioner for over 20 years, she dedicated herself to providing primary care to patients who have been historically marginalized, minoritized, or excluded. At the University of Utah College of Nursing, Tufts served as
an associate professor (Clinical) and held key administrative roles, including Assistant Dean for the MS and DNP programs. Known for her dedication to mentoring and guiding future nurse practitioners, Tufts leaves a legacy of advancing holistic, cost- effective care and championing the essential contributions of nurse practitioners in improving health care outcomes.