Professor Julie L. Valentine, PhD, RN, SANE-A, FAAN, has been appointed as the Ida May "Dotty" Barnes, R.N. and D. Keith Barnes, M.D. Presidential Endowed Chair at the University of Utah College of Nursing (CON)—effective December 14, 2023.
Dr. Valentine’s contributions to nursing and forensic science are profound and extensive. Her work, especially in developing comprehensive sexual violence databases and theoretical frameworks for forensic nursing, has not only enhanced interdisciplinary practice but also significantly influenced legislative policy and criminal justice responses, specifically Utah House Bill 200 Sexual Assault Kit Processing Amendments. Her recent accolade, the 2022 Governor’s Medal for Science and Technology, underscores her vital contributions to the field.
Dean of the College of Nursing Marla De Jong, PhD, RN, CCNS, FAAN, states, “Dr. Valentine is a trailblazer, having boldly pioneered comprehensive approaches to forensic nursing and trauma-informed care in Utah. We are excited to welcome a visionary leader whose expertise in sexual and gender-based violence brings unmatched depth and impact to our team.”
Dr. Valentine’s robust research portfolio, including her role as primary author of grants of over $3 million, showcases her impact on the field. “Dr. Valentine is an incredibly valuable addition to the College of Nursing with her national reputation and long history in this crucial field of work. Her position fills a growing need for experts in sexual violence, intimate partner violence, and the respective responses of the criminal justice system. Students and faculty members eagerly anticipate opportunities to collaborate with and learn from her so they in turn can better serve in their communities with increased understanding,” says Sara Simonsen PhD, MSPH, CNM, FACNM, an Associate Professor, and the Annette Poulson Cumming Presidential Endowed Chair in Women’s and Reproductive Health.
Dedication to equity, diversity, and inclusion is evident in Dr. Valentine’s work, which addresses the needs of historically marginalized populations, including individuals experiencing homelessness, older adults, and the LGBTQIA+ community. Her research and initiatives are expected to foster greater equity in the management of sexual assault cases. Her philosophy of education, rooted in cultural humility and health equity, aligns with the core values of the CON.
Dr. Valentine has mentored numerous undergraduate and graduate students, emphasizing empowerment and active learning. In her own words, Dr. Valentine articulates her vision for the role, “Collaborating with other dedicated faculty and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students in this research as the Ida May “Dotty” Barnes, R.N. and D. Keith Barnes, M.D. Presidential Endowed Chair will be a dream realized, not just for me, but for the many survivors whose voices we will represent. I believe this work will increase the University of Utah College of Nursing’s national and international visibility as we drive improvements to practice and policy.”
In practice, Dr. Valentine continues as a Forensic Nurse Specialist at Wasatch Forensic Nurses, which she joined in 2009. As an educator and Assistant Professor, she taught at Westminster University, formerly known as Westminster College, and Brigham Young University (BYU), respectively. Following her promotion to Associate Professor, Dr. Valentine also served as Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies and Research at BYU.
Dr. Valentine earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing in 1984 from the University of Arizona, a Master of Science degree, specializing in Nursing Education, in 2009 from the University of Utah, and a PhD degree in Nursing in 2016 from Duquesne University. In 2022, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing selected her as a Fellow in its Elevating Leaders in Academic Nursing program. She was inducted as a Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing in 2020.