Positioned To Lead
Lead in Community and Social Impact
We will partner with individuals, groups, organizations, and communities to foster meaningful social change, advocate for health equity, and enhance the quality of life of those we serve.
Foster a Culture of Partnership
We will build a partnership-ready organization that demonstrates collaboration, defines the challenges our partnerships can solve, engages in mutually beneficial relationships, and provides the support systems and processes needed to achieve shared goals.
Provide Exceptional Experiences
We will create an exceptional learning and work environment where we welcome all people, respect differences, value individual wellness, support people, and acknowledge and celebrate success.
Our Mission
Shaping the future of health care to be equitable—allowing everyone to experience life and death to the fullest.
Our Vision
The College of Nursing unifies and inspires scientists, educators, clinicians, staff, and students to design, lead, and achieve equitable improvements for the well-being of all.
Our Strategy
- Lead in Community and Social Impact
- Foster a Culture of Partnership
- Provide Exceptional Experiences
Our Values
- Intentional Innovation
- Wellbeing
- Excellence
- Belonging
- Purposeful Collaboration
National Program Rankings
#6 Nurse-Midwifery Program
#12 Online Master of Science in Nursing Program
#22 (Tied) Doctor of Nursing Practice Program
#39 Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program
Spring 2025 Student Enrollment Numbers
807 Pre-Nursing Bachelor of Science
400 Bachelor of Science in Nursing
245 Doctor of Nursing Practice
31 Doctor of Philosophy
25 Master of Science in Nursing
12 Master of Science in Gerontology
4 Dual DNP-PhD
Centers, Programs, and Initiatives
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Advanced Nursing Workforce Education Program
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College of Nursing Simulation Center
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Center of Excellence for Exposure Health Informatics
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Emma Eccles Jones Nursing Research Center
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Family Integrated Healthcare Collaborative
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Hartford Center of Geriatric Nursing Excellence
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Nurse Education, Practice, Quality and Retention Program
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Utah Rural Opioid Healthcare Consortium
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Academic Programs
Bachelor of Science
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U-Excel Early Admit Track
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Prelicensure Track
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Online RN-BS Track
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RN-BS Express Pathway
Master of Science in Nursing
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Online Master of Science in Nursing Education
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Online Master of Science in Nursing Informatics
PhD in Nursing
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Distance BS-PhD
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Distance MS-PhD
Dual DNP-PhD
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Adult/Gerontology Primary Care DNP-PhD
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Family Primary Care DNP-PhD
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Nurse-Midwifery DNP-PhD
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Women’s Health DNP-PhD
Doctor of Nursing Practice
- Adult/Gerontology Acute Care
- Dual Nurse-Midwifery/Women’s Health
- Family Primary Care
- Pediatric Primary Care
- Psychiatric/Mental Health
- Post-MS to DNP: Clinical and Organizational Leadership
- Neonatal
- Women’s Health
- Nurse-Midwifery
Gerontology Interdisciplinary Program
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Undergraduate Minor in Gerontology
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Online Master of Science in Gerontology
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Undergraduate and Graduate Certificates in Gerontology
Certificates in Nursing
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Graduate Certificate in Nursing Informatics
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Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education
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Post-Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Licensure Certificates in:
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Adult/Gerontology Acute Care
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Family Primary Care
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Nurse-Midwifery
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Women’s Health
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Psychiatric/Mental Health
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Academics
As the premier nursing institution in Utah, the College of Nursing offers a wide range of educational programs—Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, Doctor of Nursing Practice, and PhD in Nursing. The College offers specialized programs in gerontology, undergraduate and graduate certificates, and experiential learning through the Simulation Center. Distance learning is available for eligible RN-BS, MS, DNP, and PhD students.
Julie Gee, PhD, MSNEd, RN
Associate Dean, Academic Affairs
Academic Program Highlights
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Transforming nursing research education
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Offering interdisciplinary gerontology degrees and certificates open to all academic and professional backgrounds
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Leading in distance education for more than 20 years
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Advancing community-engaged learning
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Expanding global learning opportunities
Future Priorities
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Expand graduate enrollment
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Complete major curricula revisions: social determinants of health, health equity, health care transformation, and competency-based education
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Use artificial intelligence to innovate education
Center for Interprofessional Simulation-Based Experiential Learning (CISBEL)
CISBEL, a new resource for U of U Health colleges and schools, will enhance existing simulation-based learning activities; expand research opportunities for faculty, staff, and students; serve as a hub for interdisciplinary collaboration; increase professional development opportunities; and boost community engagement through events and demonstrations.
Notable Numbers
600+ total student applications AY23-24
$5.6M in education and training awards
2,400+ students advised
Gracie: Enhancing Well-Being
As a dedicated therapy dog, Gracie provides comfort and support to students, faculty, and staff. Her presence enhances well-being, reduces stress, and fosters a positive learning environment, demonstrating the College’s commitment to evidence-based practices.
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Research
The College of Nursing is a national leader in nursing research. We are ranked #17 (#12 for public universities) in National Institutes of Health (NIH) research funding, and possess a total grant portfolio of $58 million. We are leaders in community and care-based research. Our faculty are training the next generation of nurse scientists to ensure quality care for all.
Andrea Wallace, PhD, RN, FAAN
Associate Dean, Research
Recent Awards
$3.9M NIH National Institute of Nursing Research – Enhancing community services’ ability to address social needs and improve health outcomes for disadvantaged populations – Andrea Wallace
$3.1M NIH National Institute on Aging – Evaluating an intervention to support persons with dementia in advance care planning – Kara Dassel
$3.0M NIH National Institute on Aging – Developing an inclusive dementia-focused financial hardship measure for care contributors – Sara Bybee
$1.9M NIH National Institute of Nursing Research – Implementing a remote perinatal depression prevention program within a patient portal – Gwen Latendresse
$1.5M Department of Defense – Assessing acupuncture’s effectiveness in reducing pain and improving function in Gulf War veterans with Gulf War Illness – Lisa Taylor-Swanson
$1.4M NIH Fogarty International Center and Betty Irene Moore Foundation – Addressing needs of grandparent caregivers in underserved settings – Schola Matovu
$1.2M Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality – Evaluation of unpaid caregivers’ readiness for patient hospital discharge and impact on health outcomes – Andrea Wallace & Alycia Bristol$0.9M NIH National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases – Improving supportive behaviors of care partners for older adults with type 1 diabetes using continuous glucose monitoring data – Nancy Allen
$0.6M National Institute of Justice – Developing a comprehensive guide for intimate partner violence forensic examination programs – Julie Valentine
Programs of Research
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Aging
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Caregiving Across the Lifespan
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Informatics and Systems Sciences
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Innovative Care Delivery Models
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Simulation in Nursing and
Interprofessional Education -
Social and Behavioral Aspects of Chronic Disease
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Social, Behavioral, and Environmental Determinants of Health and Health Equity Science
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Women’s Health
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Faculty
Recent Notable Awards
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Valerie Flattes : American Association of Nurse Practitioners 2025 State Award for Outstanding Contributions
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Julie Valentine: Utah Coalition Against Sexual Assault Beacon of Hope Award
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Michelle Litchman: U of U Presidential Scholar
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Ana Sanchez-Birkhead: National Association of Hispanic Nurses Sara Gomez Erlach Humanitarian Award
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Andrea Wallace: Council for the Advancement of Nursing Science Exemplary Mid-Career Researcher and Mentor Award
Faculty Excellence
7 presidential endowed chairs, 3 endowed chairs
26 faculty are a fellow in one or more professional societies
90% of tenure-line faculty receive partial support from extramural research funding
19 faculty fellows in the University of Utah Health's Academy of Health Science Educators
34 faculty engage in one of the College’s faculty practices
Linda Hofmann, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, NE-BC, FAAN
Chair, Graduate Education and Advanced Practice Division
Josh Wall, PhD, RN, CEN, CFRN, FAASTN
Chair, Undergraduate Education and Entry to Professional Practice Division
Lauri Linder, PhD, APRN, CPON, FAAN, FAPHON
Chair, Health Systems and Science Across the Lifespan Division -
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Practice and Community Collaboration
Practice and Community Collaboration (PACC) consists of clinical practices located in the Salt Lake Valley and across Utah. Encompassing seven health care specialties, these practices—within University of Utah Health and with external partners—are essential to the College’s academic, clinical, and research mission areas. Altogether, 34 College of Nursing advanced practice registered nurses (APRN), registered nurses (RN), and medical assistants care for patients, precept nursing students and medical residents, and collaborate with community partners on key health care topics. Students have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in diverse clinical settings, care for a wide range of patient population, and learn how APRNs and RNs work at the full scope of their license.
Jennifer Clifton, DNP, FNP-BC, CCHP-A, FAANP
Associate Dean, Practice and Community Collaboration
Caring Connections
9,000 personal contacts through grief groups
38 grief groups with 284 participants
7 trainings on suicide with 284 participants
12 trainings on sudden and unexpected death with 438 participants
2 trainings on overdose with 44 participants
Health Care Specialties
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Behavioral Health
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Bereavement Care
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Correctional Health Care
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Employee Health/Urgent Care
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Primary Care
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Public Health Care
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Women's Health
Patient Care Visits
251 patient visits at Four Corners Community Behavioral Health
472 patient visits at A/D Psychotherapy
265 patient visits at Behavioral Health Innovation and Dissemination Center
2,203 patient visits at U of U Health (Sugarhouse, South Jordan, Farmington)
3,131 patient visits at RedMed Employee Health Clinic
14,157 health care and psychiatric visits at Juvenile Justice and Youth Services
Programs of Research
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Juvenile Justice and Youth Services clinic expansion to Richfield, Cache Valley, Washington County, and Cedar City
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PACC APRNs and RNs precepted students:
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1,032 undergraduate hours
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3,064 graduate hours RedMed Employee Health Clinic:
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48% patient volume increase from FY23
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1,965 flu shots given
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Outreach, Collaboration, and Organizational Enrichment
The Office of Outreach, Collaboration, and Organizational Enrichment intentionally cultivates a welcoming environment, providing dynamic opportunities to learn and work. The College welcomes and values persons from all walks of life, appreciating their unique experiences and perspectives. We deeply care about every member of our campus community and value the contributions each makes to strengthen our institution and foster student success. Our approach is personalized, addressing individual needs to ensure all students, faculty, and staff can thrive.
Valerie Flattes, PhD, APRN, ANP-BC
Associate Dean, Outreach, Collaboration, and Organizational Enrichment
Annual Saturday Academy
This outreach event welcomes students from elementary, middle, and high schools in Utah and inspires them to pursue a career in nursing. The academy fosters an inclusive campus environment and helps build a strong applicant pool. Attendees participate in hands-on activities in the CON Simulation Center, learn about the nursing student experience, and interact with nurses, faculty, and current nursing students.
Annual Summer Camp
Held in June, this immersive camp introduces 30 middle school students—many from underrepresented backgrounds—to nursing. Campers explore nursing specialties through hands-on activities in the CON Simulation Center, mentorship from faculty and alumni, and campus tours, gaining insight into the college experience and health care careers.
Valuing Impact, Belonging, Engagement, and Success Committee (VIBES)
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Fosters development and implementation of evidence-driven strategies designed to promote a welcoming and supportive environment for all persons
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Sponsors and holds activities that encourage belonging and collegiality.
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Evaluates yearly outreach statistics and experiences
Focus Areas
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Develop curricula that prepare graduates to promote and/or restore the health of all persons
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Expand student recruitment and outreach
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Improve student experience
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Attract, recruit, and retain faculty and staff with varied perspectives
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Advancement
We connect donors and alumni to the College of Nursing in ways that are meaningful to them. Through strategic fundraising and engagement efforts, we secure resources that empower students, advance faculty research, and enhance health care outcomes. Our team works closely with university leadership and stakeholders to align philanthropic efforts with the University and College’s priorities, ensuring long-term impact and sustainability.
Jenna Hoff, MDiv
Senior Director, Advancement
Notable Numbers
$2,080,092 in scholarships awarded during the last calendar year
9,160 College of Nursing alumni
Endowed Chairs
7 presidential endowed chairs ($1.5 Million)
3 endowed chairs ($1 Million)
Dollars Raised by Fiscal Year
$7.10M in FY23
$7.05M in FY24
$9.91M in FY25 (to date)
Committed Giving by Source
$5,471,000 (55%) foundations
$2,179,305 (22%) other Individuals
$1,798,375 (18%) alumni
$341,645 (3%) other organizations
$116,600 (1%) corporations
Total Committed Giving: $9,906,925
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Finance and Administration
The College of Nursing’s Finance and Administration team spans multiple areas of the College—finance, human resources, information technology, communications, and facility administration. In part, the team is responsible for funding and financial management, faculty and staff recruitment and retention, systems and technology, social media and marketing management, website design, and program and initiative development.
Lynn Dixon, MBA, CPA
Associate Dean, Finance and Administration
Key Points
239 total staff
Over $35M revenue in FY24
Over 30% growth from FY18 to FY24
85% of expenses are for personnel
$2M managed for student traineeships, undergraduate and graduate scholarships, and fellowships
Over $34M total endowments and quasi-endowments for scholarships, chairs, and initiatives
Revenue Sources
38% state allocation
18% grants and contracts
17% gifts
12% tuition differential
9% practice
4% hospital support
2% health sciences support
1% returned overhead
