A Message from the Dean
Dear Friends and Colleagues, welcome to this year’s edition of our University of Utah College of Nursing magazine, themed “Our Impact Across Research, Practice, and Education.” Like ripples across the water, our success resonates outward, expanding our influence and impact in the ever-evolving world of health care.
SHOWCASING IMPACT
This magazine highlights a range of impactful initiatives and achievements from across our college. From pioneering projects that focused on awareness of rural oncology programs and unique care needs of adults with severe autism and developmental disabilities to augmented-reality activities to help reduce loneliness in older persons, these stories exemplify our mission to drive meaningful change in health care. Importantly, our educational programs translate into real-world solutions, demonstrating the value of our approach and the profound impact of our work.
We hope you enjoy reading about how our faculty’s work spans the lifespan, attending to the needs of individuals—from childhood to old age— as well as their families and caregivers. For all, faculty thoughtfully consider social determinants of health, ensuring that their teaching, research, and community initiatives address broader factors that influence health outcomes.
ADAPTING TO NEW STANDARDS AND EMBRACING INNOVATION
As we navigate through a transformative period in nursing education, we are guided by the new standards set forth by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) in April 2021. The Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education represent a bold step toward competency-based education (CBE). This approach prioritizes real-world readiness, ensuring our graduates are equipped with the practical skills and knowledge needed to thrive in increasingly complex health care environments.
Our transition to CBE is more than a curriculum adjustment; it is a commitment to enhancing our students’ readiness for the complexities of modern health care. By focusing on competency and practical application, we are not only aligning our programs with current industry needs but also reinforcing our dedication to producing highly competent and adaptable nurses.
Our alignment with the AACN standards is a testament to our agility and dedication. By integrating these standards, we are not only enhancing the quality of our education but also ensuring that our graduates are well prepared to tackle contemporary health challenges. The collaboration with our practice partners and emphasis on experiential learning are key to this evolution, enriching both our educational offerings and patient care.
CULTIVATING A CULTURE OF GIVING AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT
The success of our college is also a reflection of the robust culture of giving and community support that we have fostered. The dedication of our alumni, faculty, staff, and supporters plays a crucial role in advancing our mission. Whether through time, expertise, or financial contributions, your support is vital in helping us expand and sustain our programs.
In this issue, you will also discover the remarkable impact our alumni are making in their communities. Their stories highlight the transformative power of nursing education and the significant difference that our graduates are making in health care and beyond. These achievements are a testament to the strong foundation provided by the University of Utah College of Nursing and the far-reaching effects of our collective efforts.
LOOKING AHEAD
As we reflect on our past successes, we also look forward to the future with anticipation. Our ongoing commitment to innovation, collaboration, and excellence in education will continue to guide us. The changes we are making in response to new educational standards are not just about meeting requirements but about enhancing the relevance and quality of our programs.
I invite you to explore the inspiring stories and impactful work featured in this magazine. They represent the collective achievements of our community and offer a glimpse into the exciting future that lies ahead. Your continued support and engagement are essential as we strive to make a lasting difference in health care and beyond.
Thank you for your unwavering commitment to the University of Utah College of Nursing. Together, we are advancing our mission to shape the future of health care and create lasting impact.
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.